A woman who was struck and killed in a San Bernardino car accident has been identified as 65-year-old Darlene Johnson. The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reports that Johnson was walking near the corner of Southwood and Westwood lanes in Highland the evening of November 10, 2009 when she was struck by a pickup truck. The truck's driver was trying to turn left on to Westwood from Southwood at the time. Johnson died at the scene.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Darlene Johnson. I offer my deepest sympathies to them. Please keep this grieving family in your prayers.
Pedestrian Accidents in San Bernardino
One person died and four people were injured in Highland, California, as a result of pedestrian accidents. Countywide, pedestrian accidents claimed 50 lives and injured 432 people in 2007. Also in San Bernardino County, 308 fatalities and 9,920 injuries were attributed to car accidents during that same period.
It is unclear from this news report where Johnson was walking on the roadway. If she was walking in a crosswalk or at an intersection, then it was the motorist's responsibility to yield the right-of-way.
Car Accident Laws in California
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 of the pickup truck was negligent in any way, for example, impaired, speeding or driving recklessly. If negligence on the part of the driver was a factor, then he or she should be held liable for Johnson's fatal injuries. If a dangerous or defective roadway condition caused this accident, then the city could be held liable. California Government Code states that any such claim against a governmental entity must be filed within six months of the accident or injury. A reputed California personal injury attorney who has a successful track record handling pedestrian accident cases will be able to advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options.
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.
