Officials identified a 2-year-old boy who was killed in a Ventura car accident as Guadalupe Garcia. According to a news report in the Ventura County Star, 31-year-old Luis Contreras was driving west on Rosewood Avenue the morning of February 28, 2010, when he struck the toddler who was in the roadway. Police said Contreras stopped at the scene and drove the child and his mother to the hospital. Guadalupe was pronounced dead at the local hospital. He had suffered blunt force head injuries, officials said. Ventura police say alcohol or drugs do not appear to have been a factor in this crash. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the family of little Guadalupe Garcia for their terrible loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved this child. Please keep them in your prayers at this time of grief.

Ventura Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 traffic accident statistics, there were two deaths and 47 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Ventura. Countywide, eight fatalities and 224 injuries occurred due to pedestrian accidents in 2008. Also, in Ventura County as a whole, 63 deaths and 3,785 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents.

Accident Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, there are more questions than answers. How did the child get out on the roadway? Who was watching him at the time? At what point did Contreras see the child? Was he speeding or distracted at the time? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway or an obstruction that prevented Contreras from seeing the child? I trust investigators are looking at these and other factors in order to determine exactly what caused this heartbreaking tragedy.

In such cases, if victims' families believe the accident was caused by negligence, they would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and determine whether there was any negligence or wrongdoing involved. If there is any negligence found in such cases, families of the deceased victim may be able file a wrongful death claim. Such claims usually seek compensation to cover funeral expenses, loss of love and companionship, lost future earnings and other related damages.

This incident is yet another reminder for all parents and caregivers to be very careful with their young children at all times. All it takes is a door left ajar or a moment's distraction on the part of the supervising adult – whether it's a parent, grandparent or a babysitter.

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.