A female pedestrian, who was struck and seriously injured in a Bakersfield car accident by a California Highway Patrol officer has been identified as Franzisca Nzau. The accident occurred on October 19, 2009 after a California Highway Patrol officer who was attempting to make a left turn struck Nzau, according to an ABC news report.

CHP Officer Leonard Dehart was apparently driving south on M Street and was stopped at a light preparing to turn left on to the eastbound SR-178. When he accelerated his car to make a left turn, Dehart said he was blinded by the sun's glare and hit Nzau. He applied his brakes, but could not stop in time to avoid a collision. Nzau suffered a broken pelvis and collarbone. She was taken to a local hospital for treatment of her injuries.

I wish Frazisca Nazau the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. I sympathize with Nzau for what she has gone through. She will be in my prayers.

What Caused this Pedestrian Accident?

Based on this news report, it appears that Officer Dehart was at fault here. I trust authorities in Bakersfield will conduct a fair and objective investigation to determine how or why this pedestrian accidentoccurred. I hope they look into other factors such as whether Dehart was distracted, speeding or negligent at the time of the crash. I would also hope that a law enforcement agency other than the CHP investigates this incident. I'm always leery of agencies that investigate one of their own. In this case because Dehart was on the job, his employer (CHP) could also be held liable. So it appears that there would be a conflict of interest if the CHP ends up investigating this incident.

An Experienced Car Accident Attorney Can Help

On the other hand, Nzau seems to have been following traffic rules. She was in a marked crosswalk and California law requires motorists to yield right-of-way or slow down at crosswalks so pedestrians can cross safely. 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."

Nzau would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced California personal injury lawyer who will make sure that her legal rights are protected and an objective investigation is conducted. The best car accident law firms will offer a free consultation to injured victims and/or their families.

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.