The driver of the Muni bus that ran over and killed Emily Dunn in a horrific pedestrian accident at a Castro intersection will face criminal charges. According to a news report in The Bay Citizen, the fatal accident occurred August 11, 2011 at the intersection of Hartford and 18th streets. Police said the 23-year-old Dunn had almost finished crossing Hartford Street when a Muni bus turning from 18th Street hit and crushed her under its wheels. The driver, Wallace Loggins, has been charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. He could face up to one year in county jail if convicted.

Prosecutors Going after Drivers

Safety advocates say these criminal charges come at a time when the District Attorney is aggressively pursuing pedestrian accident cases. Pedestrian safety advocates see the charges against the Muni driver as a bold step on the part of the DA because it is basically one city agency prosecuting another city agency. Last year, the DA charged a bicyclist who struck and killed a 68-year-old pedestrian. Charges are also expected to be filed against a motorist who hit and killed a pedestrian and against a UC San Francisco shuttle driver who fatally struck a pedestrian. The fatal accident involving Dunn prompted Muni officials to consider requiring buses to follow set routes while in service.

My heart goes out to the family members and friends of Emily Dunn, who have suffered an irreparable loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Muni Accident Statistics

According to a news report in The San Francisco Examiner, of the 2,110 Muni drivers on the transit agency's roster in 2010, 348 – more than 16 percent – were in at least one "preventable" collision during the year. What this means is that the agency's safety inspectors determined that the driver was at fault. In 2010, there were 1,399 collisions, 379 of which were ruled preventable. Four drivers racked up three such at-fault accident in 2010 and 23 had two. Eight drivers were actually involved in five to seven collisions last year although most of those accidents were ruled not their fault.

Victims' Claim for Compensation

Injured victims of Muni accidents or families of deceased victims would be well advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled similar cases. Please remember that any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the incident. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to pedestrian accident victims or their families.

A 40-year-old pedestrian was killed in a Victorville car accident when a 1998 Chevy sedan struck him, during the early morning hours of January 23, 2012. According to a news report in The Press Enterprise, the pedestrian accident occurred along Palmdale Road near Monte Vista Road in Victorville. There is no mention in the report if the 31-year-old Phelan man who was driving the Chevy will be cited for the crash. Officials are still investigating the cause of this fatal collision.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of the victim of this tragic San Bernardino car accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 18 injuries as a result of pedestrian accidents in the city of Victorville. During that same year, 39 people were killed and 440 were injured in San Bernardino pedestrian accidents.

Laws Relating to Pedestrians

Based on this news account, it is not clear precisely where the pedestrian was walking at the time of the collision. Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to vehicles when they are in the roadway at a location that does not have a crosswalk. That does not, however, excuse drivers from exercising due care to avoid a collision.

California Vehicle Code Section 21954 states: "Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard." This section also states: "The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway."

Liability Issues

The family of a deceased victim would be well advised to speak with an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. If it is determined that the driver failed to exercise due care in this incident, then, compensation may be available for the losses suffered by the victim’s family's. The best personal injury lawyers will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to accident victims or their families.

Thomas Foakes, 30, of Petaluma, suffered major injuries in a San Francisco area car accident after a car hit him while he was crossing the street. According to an ABC news report, the injury collision occurred the evening of January 20, 2012 at the intersection of South McDowell Boulevard and McNeil Avenue near the Washington Square Shopping Center in Petaluma. Police say a Buick sedan driven by 17-year-old Todd Schwenn, struck Foakes who was walking west in a crosswalk.

Schwenn's car struck the pedestrian who then hit the hood and the windshield before going over the top of the car and landing on the roadway about 75 feet north of the crosswalk. Foakes has been hospitalized in serious but stable condition. Officials say Schwenn received his driver's license just two weeks prior to this crash. They do not believe alcohol was a factor in this incident.

My heart goes out to Thomas Foakes who has been seriously injured in this car accident. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 20 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in Petaluma. In Sonoma County as a whole, eight people were killed and 125 were injured due to pedestrian accidents, during the same year.

Laws Relating to Pedestrians

Based on this news report, it appears that the pedestrian was walking in a marked crosswalk then the young driver hit him. 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."

Liability Issues

It is not clear what led to this crash. Was the teen driver distracted, inattentive or speeding at the time? If it is determined that the driver was at fault, then, he could be held liable for the pedestrian's injuries and damages. A knowledgeable San Francisco personal injury lawyer will be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to this incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Please remember that any personal injury claim against a California governmental entity must be filed within six months of the incident.

Adelina Gonzalez, 45, was killed in a Riverside car accident after a vehicle struck her. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred the night of January 16, 2012 near the intersection of Mission Boulevard and Pedley Road in the Glen Avon section of Jurupa Valley. Officials say Gonzalez was crossing the roadway when she was struck by a vehicle. The details of the incident have not yet been released.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Adelina Gonzalez for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Riverside County Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were nine fatalities and 54 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in the unincorporated areas of Riverside County. Also, countywide, 39 people died and 370 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Laws Relating to Pedestrians

Based on this news report, it appears that Gonzalez was struck when she was attempting to cross the roadway. However, it is not clear if she was in a crosswalk at the time of the collision. Under California law, motorists are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks.

California Vehicle Code Section 21954 states: "Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard." The same section also states: "The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway."

Liability Issues

In this particular case, I trust officials are looking into whether the driver was speeding, distracted, inattentive, impaired or otherwise negligent. If driver negligence was a factor in this crash, the driver can be held civilly liable for the victim's wrongful death. Families of deceased car accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. If a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to the incident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Please remember that any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

Five people were injured in a Sacramento car accident after a suspected drunk driver crashed into the patio of a bowling alley. According to a news report in The Sacramento Bee, the DUI crash occurred at the Folsom Lake Bowl on East Bidwell in Folsom, during the early morning hours of January 10, 2012. Officials say Tera Lee Nicholson, 41, was under the influence of alcohol when she crashed her car through an iron fence and into the patio containing patrons. Of the five people injured, none appear to have suffered critical injuries. Nicholson has been booked on charges of drunk driving causing major injury.

My thoughts and prayers are with the many injured victims of this Sacramento DUI collision. I wish them all the very best for a complete and quick recovery.

Sacramento DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 40 injuries reported due to alcohol-related crashes in Folsom. During that same year, 40 fatalities and 790 injuries occurred involving DUI collisions in Sacramento County.

California DUI Law

Based on this news report, Nicholson was under the influence of alcohol when she crashed into the bowling alley. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle." The same section also states that it is illegal for drivers to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher.

Liability Issues

In this particular case, in addition to facing criminal charges, Nicholson can be held civilly liable for the injuries and damages caused. The injured victims here can seek compensation from the at-fault driver and her insurance company to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Victims would be well advised to retain the services of an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record of holding drunk drivers financially responsible. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

A 19-year-old woman was injured in a San Diego car accident after she was hit by a vehicle while crossing the street, the night of December 30, 2011. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the injury pedestrian accident occurred on East H Street near Hidden Vista Drive in Chula Vista. Officials say the woman may have been crossing the street in an attempt to catch a bus when the car struck her. She was hospitalized with critical injuries. Alcohol does not appear to have been a factor, but an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collision.

My heart goes out to the teenager who was severely injured in this San Diego pedestrian accident. I wish her the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

San Diego Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), six people were killed and 67 were injured in Chula Vista pedestrian accidents. During that same year, pedestrian accidents in San Diego County claimed the lives of 57 people and injured 937.

Pedestrians' Right of Way

Based on this news account, it is unclear if the pedestrian or the vehicle had the right-of-way. I trust investigators are trying to determine why the driver was unable to avoid the collision. Under California law, motorists are required to yield the 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."

Liability Issues

If the driver is determined to have been at fault here, then, he or she can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. A knowledgeable San Diego personal injury lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can be held liable. Under California Vehicle Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

David Gomez, 40, of Hayward was killed in an San Francisco area car accident after a white Ford Econoline van hit his wheelchair as he was crossing in a crosswalk. According to a news report in The San Francisco Chronicle, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on Gomer Street at Patrick Avenue near Weekes Park in Hayward. Officials say Gomez was crossing the street the night of December 10, 2011 when the Ford van turned right onto Patrick and struck him. Officials are investigating the cause of this fatal car accident.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of David Gomez following this tragic car accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 43 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in the city of Hayward. During that same year, 11 fatalities and 557 injuries occurred due to Alameda County pedestrian accidents.

Crosswalk Laws

Based on this news report, Gomez was in a wheelchair and was in a crosswalk at the time of the accident. 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." Those in wheelchairs are considered pedestrians under California law.

Liability Issues

I trust officials are looking into why the driver failed to yield the right of way to the pedestrian in the crosswalk. If the driver is determined to have been at fault, then, he or she can be held liable for Gomez's wrongful death. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and other related damages. Victims' families in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

Roy Rasmussen, 70, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street, the night of December 10, 2011. According to a news article in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred in the 16300 block of Foothill Boulevard in Fontana. Officials say a Nissan Sentra, which was traveling westbound on Foothill, hit Rasmussen. The victim was not in a crosswalk at the time, police report. Rasmussen was taken to an area hospital where he died from his injuries shortly afterward. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Roy Rasmussen for their devastating loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

San Bernardino Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities but 44 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Fontana. In San Bernardino County as a whole, pedestrian accidents claimed the lives of 39 people and injured 440, during the same year.

Pedestrians' Right-of-Way

Based on this news report, officials suspect that Rasmussen was not in a crosswalk at the time of the incident. California Vehicle Code Section 21954 states: "Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard." The same section also states: "The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway."

Liability Issues

If the driver is determined to have been at fault, then, he or she can be held liable for Rasmussen's wrongful death. In cases where negligence is involved, a victim's family can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of companionship. An experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental entity must be filed within six months of the incident.

Debra E. Jones, 57, was seriously injured in a Bakersfield car accident after a vehicle struck her as she was crossing the road, the evening of December 6, 2011. According to a news report in The Californian, the pedestrian accident occurred on North Chester Avenue at Hughes Lane in Bakersfield. Officials say Jones was in the number two lane when the right front of a 2002 Honda Civic, driven by 27-year-old Oscar R. Esquivel, hit her. She sustained major injuries in the crash. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.

My thoughts and prayers are with Debra E. Jones following this terrible car accident. I wish her the best for a complete and prompt recovery.

Kern County Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), seven people were killed and 87 were injured in Bakersfield pedestrian accidents. There were 21 fatalities and 215 injuries reported involving Kern County pedestrian accidents, during that same year.

What Caused This Serious Injury Accident

Based on this news report, Jones was crossing the road at an intersection, but it is not clear if she was in a crosswalk at the time of the accident. 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."

Liability Issues

I trust officials are also looking into whether the driver here was under the influence, speeding, distracted, inattentive, fatigued or otherwise negligent. If it is determined that the driver was responsible for the accident, he can be held liable for the injuries suffered by the victim. Injured victims of negligent drivers would be well advised to contact an experienced Bakersfield personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.

A knowledgeable car accident attorney will be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Please remember that any personal injury claim against a governmental agency must be filed properly within 180 days of the incident under California Government Code Section 911.2.

Crystal Morales, 17, a Newport Harbor High School student who was critically injured in a Newport Beach car accident involving a suspected drunk driver is still in a hospital in a medically induced coma. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, the accident occurred at the intersection of Irvine Avenue and Margaret Drive, the afternoon of December 6, 2011, when a Chevy Tahoe, driven by 38-year-old Marie J. Lippincott of Costa Mesa, struck Crystal as she crossed the street in a crosswalk.

Morales suffered head trauma, internal bleeding, brain swelling, and other internal injuries. She is listed in critical condition. Lippincott, whose son attends Newport Harbor High School with Crystal, has been charged with driving under the influence and causing injury. According to court records, Lippincott pleaded guilty to theft, burglary and obtaining prescription drugs by fraud in 2005.

My thoughts and prayers are with Crystal Morales, her family members and her classmates following this tragic DUI collision. The report states that Crystal has suffered a traumatic brain injury and would be on assisted breathing for the next two weeks so she can recover from these critical injuries. Please keep this young victim and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Orange County Pedestrian Accident Statistics

There were no fatalities, but 40 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in Newport Beach, according to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, 41 people died and 864 were injured due to pedestrian accidents in Orange County as a whole in 2009.

Driving Under the Influence

The news account states that this section of Irvine Avenue has been a safety concern for school officials. School district officials say they have been working to improve crosswalk safety at that location. However, it is not clear if the city has taken any measures over the years to improve crosswalk safety there. It appears that the driver in this case was not only under the influence, but also failed to yield right of way to a pedestrian who was walking in a marked crosswalk.

Liability Issues

The at-fault motorist here can be held liable for the victim's injuries and other damages. In addition, an experienced Newport Beach personal injury lawyer will be able to look into whether a dangerous roadway contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable for the injuries and damages. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental agency must be filed within six months of the incident.