Deadly collision occurred on State Highway 18 and Flathead Road, authorities say
APPLE VALLEY, CA, (September 16, 2024) - A male pedestrian, between 18-20 years of age, was struck and killed by a vehicle early Monday morning in the town of Apple Valley, according to authorities.
A young male pedestrian's life was tragically cut short after being hit by a motor vehicle in Apple Valley early Monday morning, according to authorities.
The crash happened around 2:54 a.m. along State Highway 18 and Flathead Road.
A preliminary investigation found that a silver Kia Optima, driven by 31-year-old Nicholas Harris, was traveling westbound on the highway, approaching Flathead, when it crashed into a pedestrian from behind. The victim—whom officials did not identify—died from injuries at a hospital.
It was not immediately clear whether the driver would face any charges.
The Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) is investigating.
PEDESTRIAN CRASH INVESTIGATION
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (COTS), in 2018, around 893 pedestrians were killed on California roadways, a 26% increase from 2014.
“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 Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. The family members of the pedestrian 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,” said Formica.
“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.”
Newsline's national legal analysts Candice Bond and Stefano Formica are experienced in fatal pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help they are available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, Managing Partner, and Stefano Formica, Of Counsel, at Bond Legal, are the national legal analysts for Newsline. 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).