VICTORVILLE, California – David Rivera, 40, of Hesperia was killed Tuesday night by the driver of a Jeep who for unknown reasons veered off the roadway and struck his motorized wheelchair, according to a press release issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department.
Rivera was riding in his wheelchair heading northbound on 7th Avenue just south of Manzanita Street about 9:53 p.m. when the crash took place, the report said. Paramedics responding to the scene of the crash pronounced the Hesperia man dead upon their arrival.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Major Accident Investigation Team is investigating this collision.
“Under California law, people who ride in wheelchairs, ride skateboards or bicycles are considered to be pedestrians,” said Attorney West Seegmiller. “All motorists therefore have a duty to exercise care when they are present.”
California Pedestrian Law
“Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950 (a) The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
(b) This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
(c) The driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of the vehicle or take any other action relating to the operation of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.
(d) Subdivision (b) does not relieve a driver of a vehicle from the duty of exercising due care for the safety of any pedestrian within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.”
San Bernardino County Accident Law Firm
If you have been injured in a Victorville car accident due to the actions of a negligent motorist it’s important that you take steps immediately to maintain your rights. We know that this is a difficult time for those who have been injured as well as the families of those victims who have been killed by an errant driver. Our firm has a proven track record supported by settlements and trial verdicts ranging from several thousand dollars to millions.
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 (1-855-275-9378) 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 Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and in Las Vegas, Nevada.
