A 78-year-old Riverside man died Friday night after he was struck by a vehicle in Riverside, police reported. The victim, Francisco Rivera-Villeta, was waking eastbound across Van Buren near Magnolia Avenue when he was struck by a car traveling southbound on Magnolia. Rivera-Villeta was taken to Riverside Community Hospital where he later died. The female driver told police she was not able to stop before striking the man. The cause of the accident is under investigation.
What Caused This Accident?
Based upon the limited information about the accident reported in the Riverside Press-Enterprise, it is not clear why the woman struck the man. Was she speeding, under the influence of alcohol, or distracted? Or was the man crossing the road illegally? Hopefully the investigation by the Riverside Police department will yield answers to these questions. Please keep the family of Francisco Rivera-Villeta in your prayers. Our sympathy goes out to everyone who knew and loved him.
Pedestrian Accident Liability
About 5,000 people die in pedestrian accidents each year in the United States. The vast majority of fatal pedestrian/motor vehicle collisions occur on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in later evening hours, which was the case in this March 26th accident. Elderly people (age 70 and older) account for 16 percent of all pedestrian fatalities. While this incident remains under investigation, the family of the man killed would be well-advised to speak to a Riverside pedestrian accident attorney about their legal rights. If the driver caused this accident, or if a defect in the roadway caused this accident, the family may be entitled to compensation in a wrongful death claim. An attorney can monitor the investigation and help the family protect their legal rights.
Sources: Riverside Press-Enterprise
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