California Injury Blog
Thuy Nguyen, 85, was killed in a pedestrian collision in Newport Beach after a pickup truck struck him. The Orange County Register reports that the fatal collision occurred the night of April 19, 2013 on the southbound off ramp of the 73 toll road at MacArthur Boulevard. Nguyen was struck by a dark gray Toyota Tundra. He was taken to an area trauma center where he died a few hours later. No arrests or citations were reported. The investigation is ongoing.
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2010 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 38 injuries reported as the result of pedestrian crashes in Newport Beach. In Orange County as a whole, 32 people died and 770 were injured due to pedestrian collisions in 2010.
What Caused This Crash?
It is unclear from this news report as to how or why this Newport Beach car crash took place. Based on this news report, the man was crossing at the off ramp when he was hit by the pickup truck. There are several unanswered questions here. Why was the driver unable to see Nguyen at the off ramp? Was the location where this crash occurred dark or lacking in lighting? How fast was the driver going at the time? Did impairment, distraction or recklessness cause or contribute to the incident? Have there been other pedestrian accidents at that location? Did a dangerous condition on the roadway cause or contribute to the incident? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.
Liability Issues
If it is determined that the driver was at fault, then, he or she can be held liable for the victim’s wrongful death. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical and funeral costs, lost future income and loss of love and companionship. Victims’ families would be well advised to contact an experienced Newport Beach personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.