The Desert Sun reported a man in his late 80's was killed Tuesday night when he was struck by a car on Bonita Avenue. According to CHP reports, the accident happened just east of Magnolia Street at 11:43 p.m. The Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner identified the victim as Joe R. Thomas, 86, of Cabazon. The driver of the vehicle that struck Thomas was not injured and remained at the scene of the crash. The incident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol - San Gorgonio Station.
Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability
Based on the news reports, it is unclear whether Thomas was in the road or on the side of the road when he was struck. Hopefully the CHP investigation will provide answers as to what happened and why. If it is determined that the driver of the vehicle was responsible for this crash, he or she may be cited for negligent driving. Additionally, if the driver of the car was responsible for this crash, he or she may be liable for the wrongful death of the victim, in which case the family members may be entitled to recover wrongful death damages for funeral and burial expenses, and loss of love, care, and companionship. After an accident such as this one where the cause is not clear, the family members of the victim may benefit from speaking to a California pedestrian accident lawyer who can review the facts of the accident advise the victim's family of their legal rights.
Sources: MyDesert.com
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