A 96-year-old man was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after he was hit by a vehicle while crossing a Lakewood intersection. The Press Telegram reports that the man was walking across Candlewood Street at Hayter Avenue on December 13, 2009 when he was hit by a car. The man died of injuries suffered in the collision. Police have not identified the victim of the driver of the vehicle that hit the elderly man.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of this elderly victim. I offer them my deepest sympathies. They will certainly be in my prayers.

Accidents Involving Cars and Pedestrians

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 26 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Lakewood. In Los Angeles County, 210 deaths 5,095 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year. Also, countywide, car accidents claimed 712 lives and injured 56,475 people in 2007.

Car Accident Laws and Liability Issues

California law states that drivers should yield right-of-way to pedestrians who are walking at an intersection whether it is a marked or unmarked crosswalk. This news report does not clearly state how or why this fatal pedestrian accident occurred. We do not know whether the man was crossing the street in a marked or unmarked crosswalk although the article does say that he was crossing at an intersection. There is also the question of whether the driver was intoxicated, speeding or driving negligently.

One reader who comments to this news article says that the intersection where this accident occurred is "a terrible intersection for drivers and pedestrians alike." Speeding has apparently been a major issue at this location. The intersection, he says, is within a block of two churches, two schools and shopping areas. However, there is no stop sign there. The reader seems to believe that the elderly man was crossing in a crosswalk at that intersection and calls it the most dangerous crosswalk in the area.

If this accident was in fact caused by a dangerous condition on this roadway, the city of Lakewood could be held liable as well. In such cases, families may file a wrongful death claim against the governmental agency in charge of maintaining the roadway where the accident occurred. However, such claims must be filed within six months of the accident or injuries. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, will be able to guide this family through what can be a complex process and make sure that their rights and best interests are protected.

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.

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