Christopher Neal, 21, sustained major injuries in a San Bernardino car accident after he was struck by a motorist on State Route 62 in Twentynine Palms the night of July 22, 2010. According to a news report in The San Bernardino County Sun, the major injury collision occurred in the eastbound lanes of the roadway.

San Bernardino County Sheriff's officials say the driver, 46-year-old Lori McNay, was also eastbound on the roadway and said she could see Neal until he was right in front of her car. Neal was taken to an area hospital with severe injuries. Officials also say there were no street lights where this collision occurred. An investigation is ongoing.

I sympathize with this young victim and his family for what they are going through at this time. I hope Neal has not suffered catastrophic injuries and pray that he has a speedy and complete recovery. He will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one fatality and five injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in Twentynine Palms. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 39 people died and 432 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Collision?

Based on this news report, it is not clear how or why this major injury pedestrian collision occurred. Whose fault was this accident? Did the pedestrian come in the way of McNay's car? Did McNay fail to see the pedestrian? Did the lack of street lighting in the area present a dangerous roadway condition, hampering the motorist's visibility? Was the driver in this case impaired, distracted or otherwise negligent at the time of the accident? Was the pedestrian under the influence? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determined exactly what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

If the motorist is determined to have caused this injury accident, then she could be held liable for the injuries caused. If a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to this accident, then the governmental entity responsible for maintaining this roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any claim against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. An experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims in such cases about their legal rights and options.

What are some of the most dangerous roadways for pedestrians in your city or neighborhood?

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is 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 us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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