Sandra Arlia, a 66-year-old woman, is being arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter in connection with a fatal San Francisco car accident. The collision killed 22-year-old Rory Tomasello who was riding a bicycle through a crosswalk. According to a CBS News report, the fatal bicycle accident occurred at the intersection of Monterey Road and Edmundson Avenue in Morgan Hill, the evening of October 23, 2009. A car that was going west on Edmundson stopped and allowed Tomasello to cross. However, Arlia, who was driving a Cadillac, had gone through the crosswalk and struck Tomasello.

The bicyclist was not wearing a helmet and died of his injuries November 2. Arlia was not cited initially. However, she was later issued a misdemeanor warrant for manslaughter and turned herself in.

Bicycle Accidents

California Highway Patrol's 2007 traffic accident statistics show that there were four injuries involving bicycle accidents in Morgan Hill. In Santa Clara County as a whole, four fatalities and 587 injuries were reported as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.

Vehicular Manslaughter

Misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter as defined by California Penal Code Section 192 (c) (2) states the misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter is: "Driving a vehicle in the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to felony, but without gross negligence; or driving a vehicle in the commission of a lawful act which might produce death, in an unlawful manner, but without gross negligence." It is not clear why Arlia was charged with vehicular manslaughter. Was she inattentive, speeding, distracted or negligent in some other way?

Contacting an Experienced Injury Lawyer

This fatal accident apparently led city staff to reassess the safety of all its mid-block crosswalks. The crosswalk where this fatal accident occurred, officials say, was not intended to be ridden across on a bicycle. In fact, city ordinance dictates that bicyclists dismount to cross the street and then walk their bikes in the crosswalk.

In such cases, it is in the best interests of the victims' families to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will make sure their rights are protected and the negligent parties are held accountable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.