Felicano Quibuyen, 82, a disabled World War II veteran in a wheelchair, suffered serious injuries in a Los Angeles truck accident after he was struck by a tractor-trailer while crossing the street. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Quibuyen was struck as he crossed South Azusa Avenue at Amar Road the morning of December 24, 2009. Quibuyen's wheelchair became entangled in the fuel lines on the truck's under carriage and he was dragged several feet, West Covina fire officials said.

A Good Samaritan flagged down the driver of the big rig who hadn't even realized that he had struck Quibuyen. Officials say that very likely saved the elderly man's life. Quibuyen still suffered severe injuries to his face and leg and may have suffered head injuries as well. He is expected to survive. The truck apparently belonged to Faraon, a City of Industry-based food distributor.

Truck Driver Did Not See Pedestrian

My heart goes out to this injured victim, his wife and other family members. Apparently, Felicano Quibuyen was on his way to buy a battery for his wristwatch when this horrific pedestrian accident occurred. I commend the actions of the Good Samaritan who saved Quibuyen's life. His injuries would have been fatal if not for the actions of this true American hero. I wish Quibuyen the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the driver of the big-rig was not paying attention to the pedestrian in the crosswalk. He wasn't even aware that he had hit him and dragged him on the street. I would be curious to find out whether this truck driver has been criminally charged and whether he committed any further violations such as running a red light at this intersection. Motorists in California are required to yield right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks.

Crosswalk Laws and Liability Issues

California Vehicle Code Section 21950 states: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection." The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk "shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian."

If the truck driver is found to be at fault for this pedestrian accident, then the truck driver's employer can be held liable for the accident and Quibuyen's major injuries. Quibuyen would be able to seek compensation to cover medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, therapy and other related expenses. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to advise the family about their legal rights and options. 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.