A 25-year-old man from Lancaster lost his life on Saturday night after being hit by a vehicle while walking on the Antelope Valley Freeway.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the victim was walking in the southbound lanes of the freeway, just south of Lancaster Boulevard. At approximately 10:09 p.m., a 2020 Subaru, driven by 51-year-old Emilio Ramirez of Palmdale, struck the victim.
The possibility of alcohol or drugs playing a role in this tragic incident is part of an ongoing investigation.
Anyone who may have information about this crash is urged to contact CHP.
PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
This tragic accident underscores the dangers that pedestrians face every day in this country.
According to data from the Governors Highway Safety Association, the number of pedestrian fatalities in the United States has grown substantially faster than all other traffic deaths. An estimated 7,342 pedestrian fatalities occurred in 2021, an increase of 13 percent from the previous year.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, a Managing Partner with Bond Legal.
“An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help identify what happened. These resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision,” said Bond, an experienced pedestrian attorney.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. The family of the victim may be entitled to a wrongful death claim.
“Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident,” said Formica.
As an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family through this difficult time while protecting their rights.
“Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth,” Formica noted. “However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
