A pedestrian who was fatally injured in a San Diego car accident the night of June 7, 2010 has been identified by authorities as 55-year-old Martha Leon. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the deadly crash occurred at the intersection of Vandegrift Boulevard and Parker Street in Oceanside. Leon was taken to a local medical center where she was pronounced dead. The driver of the vehicle that hit Leon told officials that she had the green light at the intersection at the time of the collision. Officials are still investigating the incident.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Martha Leon for their irreparable loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them.

Pedestrian Accidents

Countywide in San Diego, 63 people died and 998 were injured due to pedestrian accidents, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the city of Oceanside, two deaths and 59 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2008.

Crosswalk Laws

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."

Leon, according to this report, was crossing at a street intersection. I trust officials are verifying the driver's account and examining the evidence and witness statements in order to determine exactly what occurred here. It is also important to look into whether the driver was impaired, distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent.

Claim for Compensation

An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims about their legal rights and options. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

As a pedestrian, what precautions do you take, especially at crosswalks and intersections to prevent a collision?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.