Elderly man killed in pedestrian accident in California
Pedestrians and drivers alike need to be cautious and aware of their surroundings, particularly on busy streets. Sadly, accidents involving pedestrians often result in serious injury or fatality. This was true for a recent pedestrian accident in California involving an elderly gentlemen and a delivery truck that resulted in the loss of a life.
The accident occurred toward the end of December in Napa. An 88-year-old male was on the sidewalk in his motorized wheelchair when he was struck by a delivery truck. The truck driver had apparently just finished making his morning delivery to a local restaurant when he hit the man while trying to turn left out of the parking lot. The section of sidewalk where the pedestrian was hit supposedly crosses the entrance/exit to the restaurant parking lot. The elderly man was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident.
According to police, the truck driver didn’t show any signs of possible impairment that would be a contributing factor in the crash. Local authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the event to come forward with their information. So far it is unknown if any charges are pending in this case.
The loss of a loved one in a pedestrian accident can be difficult to cope with. The victim’s surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim against both the driver and/or his employer. If found liable in the cause of his death, a California civil court could grant the family financial compensation for their loss.
Source: pressdemocrat.com, Napa pedestrian struck by Sonoma County delivery truck, Kevin McCallum, Dec. 20, 2013