A 1-year-old boy was killed in a Los Angeles County pedestrian accident after police say the child ran in front of a van and was struck. According to an Associated Press news report, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred in Pomona the afternoon of July 3, 2009. The van's driver, 50-year-old Larry Shyne, apparently drove the boy to a hospital along with one of the child's relatives. The boy, who has not yet been identified, suffered major injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Police say it seems the boy went into the street from the sidewalk and was hit by the van. No citations or arrests have been made pending an investigation.

My heart goes out to the parents and family of this little boy for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved this child. Please keep them in your prayers.

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 50 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Pomona. In Los Angeles County, in 2007, 210 deaths and 5,095 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents.

Based on this news account, it seems the child had run out from the sidewalk on to the street and into the path of the van. However, if I were a family member, I would want to know whether this van driver had been fully attentive to his surroundings. He must be commended, however, for stopping at the scene of the accident and actually helping transport the child to the hospital.

In these types of cases, the child's family would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will determine whether there was any negligence or wrongdoing on the part of the driver. If that was the case, then he could be held liable for the child's fatal injuries. I would also be curious as to who was caring for the child at the time of the incident. Was the toddler under the care of a babysitter or a daycare service? If so, the caregiver could be held liable because this happened on their watch.

A skilled personal injury lawyer should also look into whether there was a dangerous roadway condition that contributed to a particular accident. If that is the case, the city or the public entity in charge of maintaining that roadway can also be held liable. In California, any such claim against a governmental entity must be filed properly within 180 days of the accident or injury.

Bookmark and Share