A woman who was killed November 19, 2009 in a San Francisco car accident has been identified as 70-year-old Jon Kong. The San Francisco Examiner reports that Kong was walking in a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Geary Boulevard and Ninth Avenue, when she was struck by a van that was making a left turn. Kong was taken to a local hospital where she died shortly after the collision. The van driver was uninjured. An investigation into the fatal collision is ongoing.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Jon Kong. I offer my heartfelt sympathies to her loved ones. They will be in my prayers.

San Francisco Pedestrian Accident Fatalities

According to a recent study by Transportation for America, San Francisco tops the list in the nation for pedestrian accident fatalities. Including Kong, there have been 23 deaths involving pedestrian accidents just this year in San Francisco. Pedestrian accidents account for nearly half of all traffic accident fatalities in the city.

Based on this news report, the driver failed to see Kong walking in the crosswalk, which neighbors say has been painted bright yellow because it is a busy intersection. California law requires motorists to stop for pedestrians walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks or at intersections.

Car Accident Laws in California

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."

An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer will be able to advise the Kong family about their legal rights and options. But more pertinently, a knowledgeable car accident lawyer will be able to determine the facts and hold the negligent party liable in this case.

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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