California Injury Blog
Larry Hallstrom, 57, was killed in an Anaheim car accident, which officials say involved a driver who was under the influence. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred early morning on October 22, 2011 in the 500 block of Beach Boulevard between Lincoln and Orange avenues. Officials say Hallstrom was crossing the roadway outside of a crosswalk and in traffic lanes when he was hit by a northbound 2000 Chevy S-10 pickup truck.
Hallstrom died at the scene. The driver of the pickup, 36-year-old Alexandro Cedillo, was arrested on suspicion of DUI and being under the influence of a controlled substance. Officials are also looking into whether other vehicles struck the pedestrian and left the scene. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Anaheim police at 714-765-1860.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Larry Hallstrom, the victim of this fatal DUI collision, for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were eight fatalities and 101 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Anaheim. In Orange County as a whole, 41 people died and 864 were injured due to pedestrian accidents, during the same year.
Driving Under the Influence
Based on this news report, officials say the pedestrian was not in a crosswalk at the time of the incident. However, they have arrested the driver of the pickup on suspicion of driving under the influence. It is illegal under California law to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): “It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle.”
Protecting Victims’ Rights
I trust officials are looking into how fast the pickup truck was going and whether the driver’s inability to stop in time to avoid the collision had to do with his impairment or reckless driving. In such cases, families of deceased victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Anaheim personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to car accident victims and their families.