Richard Louis Canngiano, 73, was killed in a Vista car accident after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street the morning of June 9, 2010. According to a San Diego 6 news report, Canngiano was walking across East Vista Way in the 1300 block, when a vehicle hit him and sped away. A second driver ran over the fallen pedestrian. That vehicle, described as a Ford Ranger pickup truck, stopped momentarily and also fled the scene. Officials are looking for both drivers who left the site of the accident.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Richard Louis Canngiano for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one death and 33 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Vista. In San Diego County as a whole, 63 people died and 998 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents.

California Pedestrian Laws

Based on this news report, it is not clear whether Canngiano was crossing in a marked crosswalk. Canngiano was apparently living in a senior center close by. People who live there say a number of seniors cross that street every day. Motorists are required to yield right-of-way to pedestrians crossing in crosswalks or at intersections, under California law.

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." It is also a serious crime to leave the scene of an accident under California Vehicle Code 20001 (a).

Claim for Compensation

In such cases injured victims or their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the accident and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise families about how their car insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run case or to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

What are the most dangerous roadways or intersections for pedestrians in your city or neighborhood?

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.