A Long Beach car accident that occurred the night of February 24, 2010 proved fatal for a female pedestrian whom officials identified as 54-year-old Samira Chalala. The Press-Telegram reports that Chalala was hit by a pickup truck at the intersection of 27th Street and Pasadena Avenue when she was crossing in an unmarked crosswalk. The 1998 Nissan Frontier that hit her was going east on 27th Street. Chalala was taken to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead. Police have not cited or arrested the truck driver pending an investigation.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Samira Chalala during their time of grief. They will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

There were six fatalities and 234 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Long Beach, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Los Angeles County as a whole, 214 deaths and 4,985 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2008.

Pedestrian Laws

In this particular case, based on the news report, the pedestrian was walking across the street in an unmarked crosswalk. Motorists, under California law, are required to yield right-of-way to pedestrians walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks. 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.”

Causes and Liability Issues

If I were a member of Chalala's family, I would want to know what caused this fatal pedestrian accident. Was the motorist impaired, speeding, distracted or driving negligently at the time? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway or intersection? Was the pedestrian at fault? Was she crossing legally?

In such cases, victims' families would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure their legal rights and best interests are protected.

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.