California Injury Blog
A 9-year-old boy, who was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after his scooter was struck by an SUV at a Walnut intersection, has been identified by local officials as Mauricio Vigo. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that the accident occurred near the intersection of Wesleyan Avenue and Temple Avenue in Walnut. Mauricio was riding his scooter downhill turning from Wesleyan to Temple when he was struck by a 2008 Mercedes Benz SUV driven by a 49-year-old man. Mauricio was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. An investigation is ongoing.
I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mauricio Vigo for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. This grieving family will certainly be in my prayers.
Pedestrian Accidents
There was one fatality and four injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Walnut, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 traffic accident statistics. Countywide, pedestrian accidents claimed 210 lives and caused 5,095 injuries during the same year.
Causes and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it is not entirely clear how or why this fatal pedestrian accident occurred. It is not clear exactly where the boy was riding his scooter at the time. Was he riding it across the intersection or in a crosswalk? How fast was the driver of the Benz going and why did he fail to see the boy crossing the street on his scooter? If the driver is found to have been at fault here, he could be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries.
An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure the family’s legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous or defective roadway contributed to the accident. If so, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable. Any such claim against a governmental agency in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.