The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported a Santa Rosa boy suffered major injuries - including multiple bone fractures - when he was hit by a car Friday evening in a Santa Rosa Crosswalk. The car vs. pedestrian accident was reported just after 7 p.m. at the intersection of Steele Lane and Service Court. The boy, who was not indentified, was crossing the street in a crosswalk when he was hit by a car driven by Carole Steele, 32. Police did not believe alcohol was a factor; the possibility of the driver being distracted by a cell phone was not determined. Witnesses are asked to call the Santa Rosa Police Traffic Bureau at (707) 543-3636.
What is the Law Regarding Pedestrians in Crosswalks?
Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950: "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..." Although the cause of the accident remains under investigation, based on the news reports, it appears the driver may be responsible.
Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Liability
If the investigation by Santa Rosa Police reveals the driver is in fact responsible for this accident, she may be liable for the injuries sustained by the teen boy. After an accident such as this one, the parents of the injured teenager would be well-advised to contact a California pedestrian injury lawyer about the crash and the unique liability issues involved. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can review the accident report, and advise the family of their best course of action to recover maximum financial compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost earnings, and other expenses following this major injury Sonoma County pedestrian accident.
Sources: Santa Rosa Press Democrat
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