A man was injured Tuesday morning when he was struck by a Toyota Highlander while crossing the street in an electric wheelchair, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported. The August 31st accident occurred on Mendocino Avenue near Courthouse Square just after 11:00 a.m. According to police, the man in the wheelchair was travelling south on Mendocino and apparently had a green signal to cross the street. The driver of the Toyota Highlander was turning right on a red light from Fourth Street onto northbound Mendocino.
The Press Democrat reported that the driver of the Toyota, who was not identified, would be cited for a pedestrian violation. The man in the wheelchair was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital by ambulance.
Cause of the Car vs. Pedestrian Accident
If news reports are accurate, it appears that the driver of the SUV is responsible for this Santa Rosa car vs. pedestrian accident. The law pertaining to make a right turn at a red light is found in California Vehicle Code Section 21453 (b): "(b) Except when a sign is in place prohibiting a turn, a driver, after stopping as required by subdivision (a), facing a steady circular red signal, may turn right, or turn left from a one-way street onto a one-way street. A driver making that turn shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to any vehicle that has approached or is approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard to the driver, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to that vehicle until the driver can proceed with reasonable safety."
Pedestrian Accidents and Personal Injury Liability
When accidents such as this one occur, the victim may be entitled to compensation for injuries, including medical expenses, lost earnings or wages due to not being able to work, and compensation for pain and suffering. While authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the pedestrian accident, the family members of the victim may benefit from speaking to an experienced and knowledgeable northern California car vs. pedestrian accident attorney. An attorney who is familiar with the unique legal issues of pedestrian accidents involving a driver making a right turn on a red light can advise the victim and his family of their legal rights and options should they wish to pursue a personal injury claim.
Sources: Press Democrat, California Vehicle Code
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