Deadly collision happened at Telegraph Road and South Malt Avenue, authorities say
COMMERCE, CA, (October 23, 2024) - A 44-year-old pedestrian was fatally hit by a vehicle at an intersection in Commerce early Wednesday morning, according to authorities.
Gavin Kester, 44, lost his life after being hit by a motor vehicle at Telegraph Road and South Malt Avenue in Commerce early Wednesday morning, authorities said in a release.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner identified the victim as Gavin Kester.
Based on preliminary findings, Kester was struck shortly before 5 a.m. at Telegraph Road and South Malt Avenue, near a flooring store. Tragically, the 44-year-old died as a result of blunt traumatic injuries.
No other details were available about the crash, which is under investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
This tragic accident underscores the dangers that pedestrians face every day in this country.
California remained the state with the highest number of pedestrian fatalities, though its numbers had decreased. In 2019, the state had 1,020 pedestrian traffic fatalities, increasing to 1,026 in 2020 before falling to 958 in 2021.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal, noted that it’s imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim’s family in cases such as this.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline. The family of Gavin Kester 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 catastrophic accident.”
“Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth,” Bond noted. “However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in fatal pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help she's available for a free consultation to guide you
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).