An elderly man was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after a vehicle struck him at a Santa Monica intersection. The Los Angeles Times reports that the accident occurred the morning of December 15, 2009 at 18th Street and California Avenue. The 82-year-old man was walking east in an unmarked crosswalk when he was hit by a car that was traveling west on California Avenue. The driver of the vehicle was apparently trying to turn left. The elderly pedestrian suffered major injuries and was taken to an area hospital. He died two days after the crash.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of this elderly victim for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved this man. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were five fatalities and 105 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Santa Monica. Countywide, 210 people died and 5,095 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2007. Also, in Los Angeles County, 712 deaths and 56,475 injuries involving car accidents were reported in 2007.

Pedestrians' Rights in Crosswalks

According to this news report, the pedestrian was crossing in an unmarked crosswalk. An "unmarked crosswalk" is one without marked lines and exists at street intersection as the extension of the sidewalk areas across the street whenever the streets intersection at approximately right angles. In some cities, signs may be placed prohibiting pedestrian crossings. California Vehicle Code Section 21950 requires motorists to yield right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the roadway "within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk." Drivers are also required under the law to exercise "due care" at such crosswalks and either stop or slow down where pedestrians cross.

Liability Issues in Car Accidents

In this particular case, if I were a member of the victim's family, I'd want to know whether the driver's negligence in any way contributed to the fatal collision. Was the driver under the influence, distracted, speeding or driving recklessly? If that was the case, the driver could be held liable for the pedestrian's fatal injuries. If a dangerous or defective roadway caused this accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any claim against a governmental entity in California must be filed properly within 180 days of the accident or injury. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to help the victim's family better understand 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.