Fatal San Francisco Pedestrian Accident

A January 6, 2010 San Francisco car accident proved fatal for 54-year-old Feng Zhu, who was struck down in a marked crosswalk. The San Francisco Examiner reports that the fatal pedestrian collision occurred when Zhu was walking north on Sloat Boulevard near Forest View Drive. She was struck by a vehicle driven by a 68-year-old man whom police did not identify. Zhu was transported to an area hospital where she died from her injuries the morning after.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this woman. I offer my heartfelt sympathies to Zhu's family members. Please keep them in your prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 29 deaths and 775 injuries involving San Francisco pedestrian accidents in 2007. The number of pedestrian accidents surged in the San Francisco region over the last two years. In 2008, 72 people were killed in pedestrian accidents in the region, including Oakland and Fremont.

Car Accident Caused and Liability Issues

Based on this news article, it seems to me that the driver, for some reason, did not see the woman walking in the crosswalk. Apparently, it was dark at the time and the crosswalk was unlit. However, if I were a member of Zhu's family, I'd want to know why the driver failed to notice the pedestrian. Was he impaired, speeding, distracted or otherwise negligent at the time? California Vehicle Code Section 21950 requires the driver of a vehicle to yield right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.

Zhu's family would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer to find out about their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to tell them if they have a claim against the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway. Any such claim in California, must be filed within six months of the accident or injury.

We are 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 a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.