Ricardo Colacion, 76, was injured in a Garden Grove car accident after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the major injury collision occurred the night of June 20, 2010 on Chapman Avenue near Haster Street. Colacion was struck by a vehicle driven by 19-year-old Angelica Gomez, traveling east on Chapman. She told officials that she suddenly saw Colacion cross the road and that she was not able to avoid hitting him. Police do not believe drugs or alcohol were factors in this crash. Anyone who saw this accident is asked to call Garden Grove police at 714-741-5823.

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I sincerely hope Ricardo Colacion has not sustained any life-threatening injuries in this crash. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep this man and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were four fatalities and 49 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Garden Grove. In Orange County as a whole, 31 people died and 785 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Circumstances of the Accident

The article states that Colacion was not in a crosswalk at the time of the collision. An investigation is still ongoing, however, about the circumstances of the crash. In such cases, eyewitness testimony will be crucial in determining exactly what occurred. While motorists are required to yield right-of-way to pedestrians in marked/unmarked crosswalks or at intersections, pedestrians also have the responsibility to walk only in designated areas and follow the rules of the road.

Who is Liable?

Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, injured victims or their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced Garden Grove personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. If the driver is determined to have been at fault, she could be held financially responsible for the pedestrian's injuries. If a dangerous or defective roadway caused or contributed to this collision, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a public entity must be filed within six months of the incident. The best personal injury lawyers will always offer a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation to injured victims and their families.

What preventive steps can pedestrians take to avoid such accidents? We would like to hear your suggestions.

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.