A female pedestrian who was fatally injured in a San Diego car accident at a Mira Mesa intersection has been identified by authorities as 54-year-old Ruthann Lafever. 10news reports that Lafever was crossing the street at the intersection of Camino Ruiz and Zapata Avenue the night of April 11, 2010 when she was struck by a Honda Odyssey minivan. Lafever died at the scene of the collision. Police are investigating the cause of this fatal pedestrian accident.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Ruthann Lafever for their tragic and devastating loss. Her grieving family members will be in my prayers.

San Diego Pedestrian Accidents

There were 23 fatalities and 533 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in San Diego, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 traffic accident statistics. In San Diego County as a whole, pedestrian accidents claimed 63 lives and caused 998 injuries in 2008.

Crosswalk Law and Liability Issues

California law requires motorists to yield right-of-way to pedestrians crossing in crosswalks or at intersections. 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."

In this particular case, it is not clear from the news report, whether Lafever was in a crosswalk. It does appear that she was at an intersection. I trust officials are looking into who had the right-of-way at the time of the collision. If the driver of the minivan is determined to have caused this fatal accident, he or she can be held responsible for the pedestrian's wrongful death. If this accident was caused by an unsafe or defective roadway, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway can be held liable as well. Any claim against a governmental entity in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. In such cases families of victims would be well-advised to contact a reputed San Diego personal injury lawyer who will ensure that their legal rights are protected.

Do you feel safe crossing in crosswalks or at intersections in your city? What do you think city officials need to do to make street intersections safer?

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.