Authorities say that a 24-year-old skateboarder was struck and killed in a San Diego car accident the morning of November 15, 2009. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the unidentified skateboarder was going west in the eastbound lanes of Hacienda Drive near South Emerald Drive in Vista, when a white 1987 BMW driven by a 23-year-old man struck him. Witnesses told police that the skateboarder crossed the street directly in front of the car. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials are investigating this accident and have not arrested or cited anyone, yet.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of this young skateboarder for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. This victim's family will be in my prayers.
Pedestrian Accidents in San Diego
There was one fatality and 27 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Vista in 2007, according to California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics. Countywide, 51 fatalities and 1,068 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year. Also in 2007, 268 died and 14,641 were injured due to car accidents in San Diego County.
This is no doubt a tragic accident and based on this newspaper report, it seems to me that the skateboarder went into the path of the car. However, an investigation is ongoing. I'm sure the victim's family members have a lot of questions at this point and want to know exactly how and why this accident occurred.
Car Accident Investigations
There are many things we still do not know about this fatal pedestrian accident. Was the driver of the BMW under the influence of alcohol at the time? Was he traveling at a high rate of speed? Could he have stopped the vehicle in time to avoid the collision? Did a dangerous or defective roadway play a part in this car accident? Of course, it's possible as the preliminary investigation suggests that the skateboarder caused this accident. But it is also important to determine whether the driver was negligent in any way. An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will be able to better advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options and help determine whether they have a personal injury claim.
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.
