A pedestrian who died as a result of a San Bernardino car accident has been identified at 46-year-old Rafael Garcia. The accident occurred the night of December 2, 2009 when Garcia was attempting to cross at the intersection of Mill Street and Rancho Avenue. Garcia was struck by a 2001 Toyota Camry. He was taken to an area hospital where he died that night.
My heart goes out to the family of Rafael Garcia for their devastating loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to this grieving family during this difficult time.
San Bernardino Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to the California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, seven people died and 75 were injured in San Bernardino as a result of pedestrian accidents. Countywide, 50 people died and 432 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents.
Several unanswered questions
If this news report is accurate, Garcia was walking at a street intersection. It is not clear why the driver of the Toyota Camry did not see the pedestrian crossing at this San Bernardino intersection. Was the driver of the Camry distracted? Was he or she impaired? Was the driver speeding or negligent in any other way? California Vehicle Code Section 21950 also states that drivers should yield right-of-way to pedestrians walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks at any street intersection. In this case, did the driver of the Camry fail to yield right-of-way to the pedestrian?
Garcia's family would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced California personal injury attorney, who will examine every facet of this incident and make sure that their rights and best interests are protected. If there was a dangerous condition at that San Bernardino intersection that led to this fatal pedestrian accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Any claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within six months of an accident or injury, according to California Government Code.
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.
My condolences to his family. I agree that a personal injury lawyer should be consulted. You are so right when you say time is of the essence!