Pedestrian Killed By Hit-and-Run Driver

  • Jan 09 2015
  • Gilleon Law Firm, APC

pedestrian killed I-5A San Diego pedestrian was killed while crossing the southbound lanes of Interstate 5, according to reports from the California Highway Patrol. Stephen Chavez, 24, was struck by a hit-and-run driver in a white truck near the Aliso Creek rest area in Oceanside. It is unclear why Chavez was on foot at the time of the accident. According to police, the aftermath of the accident caused a four-car crash as drivers attempted to miss the collision.

The California Highway Patrol is asking anyone with information about the driver to come forward.

Pedestrian Accidents in California

Pedestrian is a term used to describe people who are not in a motorized vehicle, but are using roads, sidewalks or crosswalks. This can include walkers, joggers, people in wheelchairs, skateboarders and more. Some reports include bicyclists among pedestrian crash statistics while others separate bicycle accidents into a separate category.

In 2012, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 4,743 pedestrians were killed in the US while another 6,000 were injured due to an accident with a vehicle. Pedestrian deaths accounted for 14 percent of traffic fatalities and made up three percent of people injured in traffic accidents in 2012. Statistics also show that 70 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred at non-intersections versus at intersections while another 70 percent occurred at nighttime.

The dangers for pedestrians on the road are real. When two vehicles are in an accident, the chance of the passengers being injured is relatively low due to safety features like airbags and seatbelts. However, pedestrians do not have these safety features. If a person is hit by a vehicle while walking, severe injuries may occur. These injuries often lead to very high medical bills, lost time at work and other expenses.

Help for Pedestrian Accident Victims

Unfortunately, insurance companies often refuse to pay compensation to pedestrian accident victims, claiming that their insured drivers are not liable. However, many of these drivers are legally responsible for the injuries they have caused, even if the pedestrian is outside of a crosswalk at the time of the crash.

A personal injury attorney like Dan Gilleon in San Diego may be able to help you recover compensation if you have been the victim of a pedestrian accident. With years of experience in handling pedestrian accident investigations and lawsuits, Dan Gilleon will work with you to ensure that your rights are protected and that you recover as much compensation for your pedestrian accident as possible.


Free Initial Consultation

Contact