Monterey County, CA – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is investigating a fatal accident that occurred on the evening of Saturday, July 13, on Highway 1 at Soberanes Canyon Trail, which resulted in the death of an 80-year-old female pedestrian, KSBW reports.
According to CHP, a 25-year-old resident of Seaside was driving her Ford F-150 northbound on Highway 1 when the pedestrian crossed from the westbound shoulder into the lane. The driver was unable to avoid the collision, and the pedestrian was struck by the vehicle.
The Ford driver stayed at the scene and fully cooperated with officers. Despite the prompt response, the pedestrian succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity is currently being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Authorities have confirmed that the woman was from out of state.
The driver of the Ford and her passenger were unharmed in the accident. CHP has indicated that neither alcohol nor drugs appear to have been factors in the crash. As of now, no arrests have been made.
The section of Highway 1 where the incident occurred is known for its scenic views and is frequented by both locals and tourists. The Soberanes Canyon Trail is a popular hiking destination, adding to the area’s foot traffic.
CHP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision and urges drivers and pedestrians alike to exercise caution in such areas to prevent future tragedies.
Duty of Care Toward Pedestrians
Drivers are entrusted with a specific “Duty of Care” towards pedestrians, who are more vulnerable and prone to fatal injuries in traffic accidents. Nevertheless, establishing liability can be intricate and influenced by various factors. This process of sorting through complexities to determine fault is one of the crucial services that a personal injury attorney can offer.
Even after fault is determined, insurance companies often strive to minimize claims they cannot reject outright. This is where a personal injury attorney can be invaluable, advocating on behalf of victims to secure the full compensation they rightfully deserve.
