Pedestrian Fatally Injured in San Diego Car Accident
An 18-year-old man who was fatally injured in a San Diego car accident in Carlsbad, the night of March 5, 2010, has been identified as Steven Anthony Kelley. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the fatal pedestrian accident occurred when Kelley was crossing the northbound lanes of El Camino Real south of Camino Vida Roble. Kelley was struck by two vehicles. The driver of the second vehicle stopped at the scene. The other driver who hit Kelley drove off, but contacted police a day later saying that she had not realized she struck someone. An investigation is ongoing.
I offer my heartfelt sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Steven Anthony Kelley for their devastating loss. They will be in my prayers.
Pedestrian Accidents
There were three fatalities and 25 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Carlsbad, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 63 fatalities and 998 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2008.
Hit-and-Run Law
Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California law. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident." Officials are apparently determining whether this is a hit-and-run accident and if the driver who initially hit Kelley should face criminal charges.
Wrongful Death Claim
There are several questions as far as this case is concerned. Was the woman being truthful in her statement that she left the scene because she thought she had hit an object? Was the woman impaired, distracted or otherwise negligent at the time? If I were a member of Kelley's family, I would be talking to an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who has an excellent track record holding negligent drivers accountable. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased car accident victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.
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.
