A 14-year-old Acampo girl died early Wednesday morning after she was struck by a vehicle in Lodi, CBS 13 News reported. The San Joaquin County pedestrian accident occurred around 5:45 a.m. on East Highway 99 Frontage Road just north of Woodbridge Road. The girl, who was not identified, was apparently crossing the road with her sister to catch a school bus when she was struck. Her sister, who made it across the road and was not hurt, witnessed the accident. The victim was airlifted to Lodi Memorial Hospital with major injuries, where she died.
Cause of the Accident
The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the CHP. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear why the girl was struck. The CHP will surely look at the speed of the vehicle, possible driver impairment or distraction, evidence of braking, such as skid marks, and other factors in determining whether the driver could have prevented the fatal pedestrian accident. At this point, there are more questions than answers as to what happened and why.
Pedestrian Accident Liability
Whenever a pedestrian is struck by a moving vehicle there is always the potential of very serious injury. Pedestrians do not have the protection of a seatbelt, airbag, or steel walls of a vehicle, or even a helmet that a cyclist may have. If the driver of the vehicle is determined to be responsible for the crash, he or she may be liable for the victim's death, including funeral and burial expenses, loss of love, care and companionship and other accident-related expenses. In situations such as this September 1st Lodi pedestrian accident, the parents of the victim may benefit from speaking to a California pedestrian accident lawyer about their legal rights following this accident. A knowledgeable lawyer can review the facts of the accident, explain the unique legal issues relevant to a potential wrongful death claim, and advise the victim's family of their best course of action going forward to protect their rights.
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