A Long Beach pedestrian accident resulted in the death of a man, who was struck by a big rig at an intersection, while crossing in a marked crosswalk, The Press Telegram reports. The fatal pedestrian accident occurred when the man, who has not yet been identified, was walking across Wardlow Road at Santa Fe Avenue, in a crosswalk. A large truck, which was attempting to make a turn, hit him. The man died of injuries sustained in this accident.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of the fatally injured man. I offer my deepest sympathies to them for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. This grieving family will be in my prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

There were 15 fatalities and 274 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Long Beach in 2007, according to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 210 people died and 5,095 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year. Also, in Los Angeles County, 712 fatalities and 56,475 injuries were reported due to car accidents in 2007.

Pedestrian Laws

If the details of this news report are accurate, it seems to me that the driver of the big rig simply did not see the pedestrian in the marked crosswalk. The question is why did the driver not see the pedestrian. Motorists are required under California law to yield right-of-way to pedestrians in 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."

Liability Issues

In this case, it is important to determine whether the truck driver failed to yield right-of-way to the pedestrian in the crosswalk. If that was the case, the big rig driver could be cited for breaking the law and he and his employer could be held financially responsible for the accident and injuries caused. An experienced Long Beach personal injury attorney, will help the victim's family file a claim against the negligent parties involved. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to this fatal accident. If that was the case, the city could also be held liable. Any claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury, under California Governmental Code section 911.2.

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.