Oceanside Car Accident Proves Fatal for Pedestrian

A 39-year-old woman who was fatally injured in an Oceanside car accident has been identified as Maria Elena Gomez-Bucio. The North County Times reports that Bucio was crossing Oceanside Boulevard in an unmarked crosswalk the afternoon of March 18, 2010 when she was hit by a vehicle. Bucio was taken to a local hospital where she died. Police are looking into what caused this fatal pedestrian collision.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Maria Elena Gomez-Bucio for their devastating loss. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

There were two fatalities and 59 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Oceanside, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 63 deaths and 998 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2008.

Pedestrian Laws

California Vehicle Code Section 21950 states: “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.” The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk “shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.” I trust investigators are looking into whether the driver failed to yield right-of-way to the pedestrian in this case as well.

Claim for Compensation

In such cases, victims' families would be well-advised to contact an experienced Oceanside personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. If this accident was caused by a dangerous or defective roadway, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable as well. Any such claim against a governmental entity in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury under California Government Code section 911.2.

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.