Skateboarder Struck by Vehicle in West Covina
A 12-year-old boy was hospitalized with serious injuries in a Los Angeles car accident after he was struck by a vehicle while riding his skateboard in a marked crosswalk in West Covina. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the injury pedestrian accident occurred the evening of February 4, 2010 at Sunset and Merced avenues. West Covina police said a preliminary investigation shows that the boy was riding his skateboard and texting on his cell phone just before the collision occurred. He was in a crosswalk, but officials say the boy may have crossed against a red light. The driver of the pickup that struck the boy was not cited or arrested. The child sustained injuries to his leg and head, but they are not believed to be life-threatening.
I'm relieved to hear that this boy is going to make it. My heart goes out to him and his family for what they are going through right now. I hope that this child makes a quick and complete recovery from his injuries. He and his family will be in my prayers.
Texting While Riding Skateboard
If this news report is accurate, police believe that this boy was texting as he was riding his skateboard. I cannot think of a more dangerous thing to do when you are on the roadway, crossing a street and balancing on your skateboard. This pedestrian accident is a very costly and painful lesson for this young man to learn! He is lucky to be alive.
It is against the law to be texting while driving in California. But what about pedestrians who text or talk on their cell phones? There's no law against that yet, but it is important to remember that it can be just as dangerous. Taking your eye or attention from the roadway as a pedestrian can be as dangerous as when you are behind the wheel.
Causes and Liability Issues
That said, if I were a member of this child's family, I would want to verify who had right-of-way at the crosswalk. Did the driver have a green light at the time? Was she traveling at or below the speed limit? Why did she not have sufficient time to stop and avoid the collision? These are a few questions that arise. I would also look into whether there was a dangerous condition on the roadway. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable as well. California Governmental Code 911.2 states that any claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.
In such cases, victims or their families would be well-advised to consult an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will protect their legal rights and best interests. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.
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.
