Just after 11 am on Wednesday, January 1, two cars collided on Broadway in Lemon Grove, striking and killing 20-year-old Nadia Charles and 20-year-old Junior Joseph Juste. Charles and Juste were cousins who had immigrated from Haiti last year.
The fatal incident occurred while they were crossing the street at Broadway and Buena Vista Avenue in Lemon Grove. Two vehicles collided, sending one of the vehicles into the path of Charles and Juste, who both died at the scene. Both drivers of the vehicles were taken to the hospital, while they suffered injuries, they were not considered to be life-threatening. Investigators told news outlets that speed was a factor in the crash.
Why Pedestrian vs Vehicle Accidents Are So Dangerous
Pedestrian vs vehicle collisions are some of the most tragic and preventable accidents that occur on our roads. Unlike drivers, pedestrians have little protection from the force of a vehicle, making them especially vulnerable in these types of accidents. The devastating consequences of such collisions are felt by the victims and their families, as seen in the tragic deaths of Nadia Charles and Junior Joseph Juste.
Speeding significantly increases the dangers of these accidents. When drivers exceed speed limits, they not only put themselves at greater risk but also jeopardize the safety of everyone around them, including other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. The faster a vehicle travels, the less time the driver has to react to potential hazards, and the more severe the impact of a collision.
Pedestrian vs vehicle accidents are even more likely to occur when a driver is speeding, particularly in areas with high foot traffic. In such ones, a driver’s ability to stop or avoid hitting a pedestrian is dramatically reduced, which can lead to tragic outcomes.
“When a loved one dies due to the reckless actions of another, like a speeding vehicle, the grief can be overwhelming,” says Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber, “if you are facing the unimaginable loss of a loved one due to a pedestrian accident, a personal injury attorney may be able to help you hold the at-fault party responsible and fight on your behalf to obtain compensation for your losses.”
Legal Options For Families Who Lose Loved Ones In Pedestrian vs Vehicle Accidents
The families of victims of pedestrian vs vehicle accidents may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice for their unimaginable loss. While legal action cannot replace the life lost, it allows families to hold the at-fault party responsible. Through a wrongful death claim, surviving family members may be able to pursue compensation for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical bills
- Loss of financial support
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- And more
If you’ve lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, contact Singleton Schreiber today to learn more about your options. Call us at (619) 771-3473 or contact us by email at [email protected] to schedule your free consultation.
