An 18-year-old skateboarder was seriously injured in a Los Angeles car accident after he was struck by a car the afternoon of April 7, 2010. According to a report in the Whittier Daily News, the accident occurred near the intersection of Broadway and Comstock Avenue, in Whittier. Fire department officials say the teenager was unconscious when they arrived. He had sustained injuries to the chest, mouth and left wrist. The skateboarder was thrown about 20 feet from the point of impact.

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My heart goes out to this young man and his family for what they are going through now. I hope his injuries were not catastrophic and wish him the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Please keep him in your prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one fatality and 37 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Whittier. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 214 deaths and 4,985 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Car Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it is not entirely clear how or why this injury collision occurred. Whose fault was this accident? Was the driver impaired, distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent? The article states that the skateboarder was thrown at least 20 feet from the point of impact. So, where exactly was he walking or riding his skateboard when the horrific crash occurred? Was he on the side of the road or was he crossing in a crosswalk or at an intersection? Did the driver fail to yield right-of-way to the pedestrian, in this case, the skateboarder? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here.

Liability Issues

If the driver caused this accident, then he or she could be held liable for the teenager's serious injuries. In such cases, victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy, surgeries and even long-term care if it becomes necessary. If a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to this collision, then, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any claim against a governmental agency in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. The best Los Angeles personal injury lawyers will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

What tips would you offer to pedestrians, especially young people riding skateboards on public streets?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.