California Injury Blog
A 43-year-old woman was fatally injured in a Santa Ana pedestrian accident, which officials say, involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal accident occurred just after midnight on August 17, 2016 near the intersection of South Bristol Street and Warner Avenue. Witnesses told police they saw a silver SUV or minivan hit the woman.
Witnesses said the driver did not stop, slow down or check on the victim. The vehicle was northbound on Bristol and then turned west on Warner at a high rate of speed, they said. Police said had the driver stuck around he or she may not have faced charges since the pedestrian seemed to have been walking outside a crosswalk at the time. However, since the driver left the scene, he or she is looking at vehicular manslaughter charges. Anyone who has information about this incident or the driver is asked to contact Santa Ana police at 714-245-8665.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family members and friends of the victim for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2013 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 12 people died and 134 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents in the city of Santa Ana. In Orange County as a whole, 52 fatalities and 784 injuries were reported due to pedestrian accidents during the same year.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, preliminary investigations show that the pedestrian was outside of a marked crosswalk. However, the law states that motorists have a duty to stop immediately and remain at the scene of a crash, regardless of whose fault the accident was. Drivers are required under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) to exchange information with other parties involved in the collision and to render aid to the injured victim.
In such cases, families of deceased victims may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault parties, often the negligent motorist. In some cases where a dangerous roadway may have caused or contributed to the incident, a claim may also be filed against the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway. Such claims against government entities must be filed within 180 days of the incident. An experienced Santa Ana pedestrian accident lawyer will be able to help victims and their families in such cases better understand their legal rights and options.