Teen Killed in Pedestrian Accident
A 13-year-old girl died while crossing the street in Pittsburg, California, near Antioch. She was struck by a car while in the crosswalk at approximately 6 p.m.
Details of the Accident
Several minutes before 6 p.m. on Sunday, a car hit the girl as she crossed the street in the crosswalk at the intersection of School Street and Harbor Street. The car that hit the pedestrian was traveling northbound on Harbor Street, moving towards Highway 4. Initial police statements indicate the driver had a green light.
Victim in Crosswalk
The young victim was in the crosswalk with several friends, none of whom were injured. She sustained severe injuries and was transported to the hospital where she was declared deceased upon arrival.
The driver stayed at the scene of the accident and cooperated with the police. Preliminary reports indicate that the driver was not impaired by alcohol or drugs as he was not taken into police custody at the scene of the accident.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
The police and the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office have not released details of the teenager’s injuries, but they were likely consistent with similar pedestrian accidents.
In pedestrian versus vehicle collisions, pedestrian victims often sustain extensive leg trauma, including fractures and tendon damage. Many of these victims also sustain head, neck, and spine trauma from the impact. Abdominal trauma is also not uncommon in similar accidents, depending on the size of the vehicles.
All of these injuries, while painful and debilitating for an adult, are often fatal for children and young adults, as in this case.
Potential Cause of the Accident
With driver impairment apparently ruled out as a cause of the accident, there are several other potential causes. Firstly, vehicle speed may have played a role as many residents take Harbor Street to get to the highway and consequently drive well over the speed limit.
Low Visibility and Poor Street Lighting
Lack of daylight may have been partially responsible for the accident. At this time of year, it is already dark by 6 p.m. This lack of daylight is then further exacerbated by poor street lighting throughout Pittsburg streets.
Finally, although the driver might not have been impaired by drugs or alcohol, the driver may have been distracted by his cell phone, food, or something else in the car.
The most likely cause of the accident, however, is a combination of poor street lighting and the nature of the intersection where she was struck. At the intersection of Harbor Street and School Street, drivers turn left across a crosswalk at the same time as the crosswalk symbol is lit. This is because drivers yield on green at this intersection, rather than having a designated left-turn arrow.
Importance of Independent Investigation
Anytime someone has passed away in an accident and cannot give his or her side of the story it is imperative to contact an experienced accident attorney who can thoroughly investigate the sequence of events leading up to the crash to properly determine liability. An attorney can then obtain compensation for damages through a wrongful death lawsuit. For more information, contact an experienced attorney promptly.
A Family and Community in Mourning
Regardless of the cause of the accident and who was responsible, a family and a community are currently in mourning because of this tragic accident. The young victim was a beloved member of the Martin Luther King Jr. High School community and many students and staff are mourning her death.
We send our heartfelt condolences to all of those impacted by her sudden passing.
Who May Be Liable
If insufficient street lighting or the nature of the intersection proves to have played a role in this tragic accident, the city of Pittsburg and Contra Costa County may be partially liable for the damages sustained by the family. It is important to remember that claims against government entities must be filed within 180 days of the date of the accident. Contact an experienced attorney for more information.
Pittsburg Pedestrian Accident and Wrongful Death Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Pittsburg pedestrian accident lawyer. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or killed caused by a negligent party, please contact me today at (209) 227-1931 for free and friendly advice. I can also be contacted free of toll at (800) 404-5400.
I have been helping Pittsburg families obtain fair compensation for their personal injury and wrongful death claims since 1982. You can view my outstanding client ratings on Avvo (the website for attorney ratings), Yelp, Google.
I am a proud member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an association of top US trial lawyers with numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and/or case settlements.
Our injury lawyers have an extensive history of success. You may browse through our Past Verdicts and Settlements here.
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