California may often enjoy some lovely weather in the wintertime. Unfortunately, it has also seen its share of people hit by a truck. Such was the case recently in San Rafael.
According to authorities, a man and a woman were walking near the San Rafael Transit Center when tragedy occurred. Witnesses were not in agreement on whether the pedestrians were walking toward the Center or away from it. It also was not immediately available as to whether the pair was in a crosswalk at the time of the tragedy.
Apparently they were crossing Hetherton Street shortly after noon when a dump truck that was turning from Third Street onto Hetherton Street struck them. According to reports, the woman was struck dead at the scene. The man was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries.
While the investigation was still under investigation, authorities indicated that they did not believe that alcohol or drugs contributed to the accident. The driver of the dump truck was cooperating and had volunteered a blood sample. The dump truck was also being investigated.
If the dump truck’s driver was driving distracted, perhaps texting or talking on his cell phone, this could have caused him to not see two pedestrians step into his path. It’s possible that negligent driving led to two people being hit by a truck. Under California law, the woman’s surviving family members may be able to seek financial compensation for the loss they have suffered, including pain and suffering and loss of companionship, among other things. The man can also file a personal injury claim for his medical bills and rehabilitation costs, as well as lost wages.
Source: marinij.com, Pedestrian killed near San Rafael Transit Center, Laith Agha, Jan. 3, 2014