Ruby Gould, a 3-month old infant, sustained fatal injuries and two others were critically injured in an Orange County car accident the morning of September 7, 2010. The Orange County Register reports that the fatal crash happened in Huntington Beach at the intersection of Springdale Street and Croupier Street when a 31-year-old woman was walking in a marked crosswalk with the baby, an 11-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy.

Huntington Beach police officials say that a Toyota Tundra stopped for the pedestrians, but was rear-ended by a Chevy Tahoe. The impact pushed the pickup truck into the pedestrians in the crosswalk. The woman and the 11-year-old girl sustained critically injuries while the boy was unhurt. The baby was transported to an area hospital where she died later.

My heart goes out to the parents of little Ruby Gould for their devastating loss. I also hope the two critically injured victims make a complete recovery. Please keep these victims and their families in your prayers.

Crosswalk Law

Under California law, motorists are required to yield right-of-way to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks. 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."

Protecting Victims' Rights

I trust officials are also looking into whether the driver was distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent at the time. Victims and their families in such cases would benefit from a consultation with an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options.

A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer should also help determine if a dangerous intersection or a defective roadway led to this tragic incident. If that was the case, the city of Huntington Beach or the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

What are some of the most dangerous roadways 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.