Jesus Valencia, 15, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident the afternoon of April 21, 2010 after he was hit by a vehicle while crossing a street in Ontario. According to a news report in The San Bernardino Sun, Jesus was trying to cross Grove Avenue near Fifth Street, when he was struck by a pickup truck. Police say the teenager was not in a crosswalk and a few motorists, who saw the boy walking across, stopped. However, the driver in the middle lane did not stop in time. Jesus was transported to a local hospital where he died shortly after the collision.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of this boy for their tragic and devastating loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to them. Please keep them in your prayers.

Accident Statistics

There were five fatalities and 35 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Ontario in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics. In San Bernardino County as a whole, pedestrian accidents accounted for 39 deaths and caused 432 injuries during the same year.

Pedestrian Laws

If the details of this news report are accurate, police are saying that the teen was not in a crosswalk. However, if I were a member of the boy's family, I would want to confirm that detail. Eyewitness reports are invaluable in any accident, especially so in a pedestrian accident.

Motorists in California are required under California Vehicle Code section 21950 (a) to yield right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk. However the same section also requires pedestrians to exercise the "duty of due care" while walking on roadways. The code section states: "No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk."

Liability Issues

If the driver of the pickup truck is found at fault in this case, he or she could be held liable for the teen's wrongful death. In such cases, families of deceased victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will make sure that their legal rights are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

What are some tips you would offer to keep pedestrians safe on our roadways?

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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