California Injury Blog
A man who appeared to be a security guard was killed by a driver, who officials say, may have been under the influence as he was crossing a street in Anaheim early morning on Jan. 6. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the incident occurred at the intersection of Harbor Boulevard and Katella Avenue and found the injured victim down in the roadway.
Driver Ran a Red Light
Police said the pedestrian was walking south on the west crosswalk on Harbor Boulevard when a van struck him. The driver of the Astro van that fatally struck the pedestrian had run a red light before the collision, officials said. The van kept going and eventually crashed into a palm tree in front of a motel.
The victim, a 50-year-old Orange man, was pronounced dead at the scene, near Disneyland. The driver, a 38-year-old Norwalk man, was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. He has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of this fatally injured security guard for their tremendous loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Violations of the Law
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Astro van was not only under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, but also ran a red light at the intersection and struck the pedestrian who was walking in a marked crosswalk. It also appears that the driver might have attempted to leave the scene, but instead crashed into a tree.
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is against California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). It is also against the vehicle code to run a red light and fail to yield the right of way to a pedestrian who is walking in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Above all, it is a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) to leave the scene or try to flee from an accident that has result in injury or death.
Justice for Victims and Families
In such cases, in addition to facing criminal penalties, negligent drivers can be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love, care and companionship.
An experienced Anaheim pedestrian accident lawyer who has successfully represented DUI victims and their families will be able to help protect victims’ and families’ rights and help ensure that they receive maximum compensation for their losses.
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2021/01/06/man-crossing-anaheim-street-killed-by-suspected-drunk-driver-authorities-say/