Chula Vista, CA – Hit-And-Run Pedestrian Accident on State Route 54
Chula Vista, CA (December 3, 2018) On the evening of December 2nd, a hit-and-run pedestrian accident took place on State Route 54. According to the reports, a 57-year-old pedestrian got hit by a 32-year-old man who drove a borrowed Ford Explorer. After striking the pedestrian, the man proceeded to drive off and parked the Ford Explorer on D Street near Third Avenue. The man’s relative, and owner of the vehicle called 911 to report what happened. Emergency crews found the pedestrian at around 11:20 p.m., where he was laying on the South Bay Freeway at the southbound Interstate 805 Freeway. Unfortunately, the man did not survive his injuries.
Emergency crews shut down a portion of the highway as they worked to clear the scene. They’re still investigating why the man was on the freeway, but they did locate a nearby homeless camp that they suspect he was headed to. The police arrested the driver and charged him with a hit-and-run felony.
Our condolences go out to the deceased victim’s family members as we understand how it’s never easy losing a loved one, especially in a hit-and-run accident. It’s disappointing that the driver proceeded to drive off without helping the man, which could have potentially saved his life.
Pedestrian Accidents in California
About 6,000 pedestrians lost their lives last year in California, and the number continues to increase, unfortunately. The leading cause of pedestrian accidents is negligent driving, which includes speeding, violating the laws of the road, driving under the influence, using a cell phone, and falling asleep at the wheel. It only takes a few seconds of not paying attention to the road to critically injure or kill someone.
The police are still investigating why the driver failed to stop for the pedestrian. They’re determining whether he was under the influence, falling asleep at the wheel, or just not paying attention. The deceased victim’s family members could work with an attorney to file a wrongful death lawsuit. With the help of the police report, the family could prove the elements of a negligent claim, which includes duty, breach, causation, and damages. The driver had a duty to be aware of his surroundings and avoid striking the pedestrian. The driver also had a duty to help the pedestrian after he hit him, which means he breached his duties. The driver’s breaches caused the pedestrian to suffer damages, which were his fatal injuries.
At Brady Law Group, it’s our number one goal to help our clients obtain the compensation they may be entitled to for bodily injuries, emotional trauma, and more. If you or someone you know lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, call 415-459-7300.
