Police have identified a 61-year-old woman who was killed in a pedestrian accident in Fremont as Siang Ho. A news report in the San Jose Mercury News states that Ho was crossing the street at the intersection of Mowry Avenue and Parkside Drive the night of May 14, 2010. She was struck by a Dodge Stratus driven by a 30-year-old motorist. The driver has not been arrested pending an official investigation.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Siang Ho for their devastating loss. This grieving family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

There were 33 deaths and 649 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Alameda County in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, countywide, 82 people died and 6,935 were injured in 2008 as a result of car accidents.

Pedestrian Laws

It is not clear from this news report whether Ho was in a marked crosswalk. However, California law requires drivers to yield right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections. According to 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." Drivers who are approaching crosswalks are also required to slow down to safely allow pedestrians to cross the street. In this case, I would also be interested to find out whether the driver was intoxicated, distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent at the time of the collision.

Liability Issues

The families of victims in such cases would be well-served to contact a reputed California personal injury lawyer who will make sure that their rights are protected and that the negligent parties are held responsible. If a dangerous or defective roadway caused this accident, the city can also be held liable. If a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction caused the driver to lose control they may be able to hold the auto manufacturer liable. Please remember that any such claim against a public entity in California must be filed within six months of the accident or injury.

What steps do you take as a driver at intersections to consciously look for pedestrians?

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.

Bookmark and Share