California Injury Blog
One person was injured in a pedestrian accident in Torrance after a woman suspected of driving under the influence struck the individual and crashed into a local brewery’s entrance.
According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, the woman was driving south on Del Amo Circle East and allegedly sped through a stop sign at the intersection of Plaza Del Amo. Officials say it was there that she struck the pedestrian who was walking in a crosswalk the afternoon of July 6.
Injuries Reported
The woman lost control of the vehicle after the collision and crashed into The Brews Hall brewery on Del Amo Circle East, officials said. While the establishment’s entrance was damaged, no one was hurt inside. The pedestrian was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. It is not clear whether the driver was charged. An investigation is ongoing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the pedestrian who was injured in this collision. We wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report it appears that the driver may have been under the influence when she sped through a stop sign and struck the victim who was walking at the time in a marked crosswalk. It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). It is also against the law to not stop at a stop sign or yield the right of way to a pedestrian who is walking in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
In such cases, in addition to facing criminal charges, drivers can be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages, and losses caused. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
An experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer might also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway might have caused the accident in addition to the driver’s negligence. In such cases, victims may be able to file a claim against the governmental agency that is responsible for maintaining the roadway as well. Such personal injury claims against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days.
Source: https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2021/07/06/four-injured-after-vehicle-crashes-into-torrance-building/