LAKE ELSINORE, California – Anthony Devaney, 19, of Lake Elsinore was killed Tuesday night after he was struck by an SUV while crossing Lake Street just west of Interstate 15, according to a San Bernardino County Sheriff Coroner report.

According to the report, Devaney was wearing dark clothing as he walked north across the eastbound lane of Lake Street about 10:10 p.m. Also, the report indicated that he was allegedly wearing ear buds at the time the SUV struck him. The driver of the vehicle was unable to slow down quickly enough to stop by the time they saw the pedestrian in the roadway. The driver cooperated with investigators and was later released from the police station, the report said.

The roadway was closed for the investigation of the pedestrian accident, but it reopened at approximately 4:00 a.m.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Source: California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Report

Pedestrians need to be especially cautious on our roadways because they are more vulnerable to injury or death. According to the California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Report, in San Bernardino County 39 pedestrians died and 472 were injured in 2009.

In California, there were 598 pedestrians killed and 12,418 injured in 2009, according to the CHP traffic report.

National data compiled by the National Highway Transportation and Safety Authority shows that pedestrian injuries and fatalities in the United States were up 4.9% in 2010 to 4,280 deaths and injuries were up 19% in 2010 to 70,000 people injured.

San Bernardino County Law Firm

Police investigate every car accident involving a death to determine the cause of a crash, Seegmiller explains. The investigation will seek to find out if either driver was under the influence of alcohol, distracted or if there were any circumstances that may have led to the crash that were illegal or reckless.

“Families of victims killed in car accidents not only have to cope with the loss of a loved one, but later their lives may be forever changed due to the loss of income and other costs,” said Seegmiller.

If you have lost a loved one in a car accident we know that this is a difficult time. We offer our condolences to the family and friends of the victim. For roughly 30 years, the legal experts at Seegmiller Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients who were injured in serious traffic accidents or have lost a loved one.

Our legal team has also handled hundreds of wrongful death claims for families of victims killed in traffic accidents. Our staff is compassionate and understands the pain its clients are going through. We know that this is a difficult time for those who have been injured and for the families of those who have been killed.

There is no cost to clients until our experienced team of lawyers and legal professionals have won your case. Finding the best car accident attorney can mean you will get the settlement you need to get your life back on track. Compensation for your injuries, loss of wages and pain and suffering can’t take away the trauma of the accident, but it can help you rebuild your life.

Call us today at 1-855-ASK WEST to speak with our car accident law firm. Seegmiller Law Firm has offices in California including its headquarters in Irvine. We also have offices outside of Orange County to serve you in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, Riverside and in Las Vegas, Nevada.