Sandra Dawn Cox, 48, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident after she was struck by a vehicle while crossing the road. According to a news report in The San Bernardino County Sun, the fatal collision occurred at the intersection of Highway 62 and Encelia Avenue the evening of August 8, 2010. Cox was walking across the highway and was struck by a westbound 2005 Chrysler 300, which was being driven by 19-year-old Lacey Barker. An investigation is ongoing.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Sandra Dawn Cox for their tremendous loss. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

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

Pedestrian Laws

Based on this news report, it is not clear why this fatal collision occurred. Was the young driver of the Chrysler impaired, distracted, speeding or driving recklessly at the time? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to the fatal accident?

Motorists are required to yield right-of-way to pedestrians who are walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks. California Vehicle Code section 21950 states: "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." The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk "shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian."

Liability Issues

If the driver is determined to have been at fault for this accident, then, she could be held liable for Cox's wrongful death. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims could seek compensation to cover funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. An experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer will be able to advise families in such cases about their legal rights and options.

What are some of the most dangerous intersections in your city 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.

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