A 3-year-old boy was killed in a Huntington Beach car accident after he was struck by a pickup truck in a parking lot the night of May 28, 2010. The Orange County Register reports that the fatal collision occurred in a parking lot between 15272 Jason Circle and Robinwood Church. Police say 19-year-old Alan Hess was driving a Chevy Silverado pickup truck west in the parking lot, when the boy ran in front of the truck. The child was transported to a local hospital where he died shortly afterward. Police are investigating the cause of the accident. Anyone with information is asked to call 714-536-5667.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of this little boy for their untimely and devastating loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were five fatalities and 59 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Huntington Beach. In Orange County as a whole, 31 people died and 785 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Accident?

Based on this news report, it is not clear how this tragic collision occurred. There are several unanswered questions here. Where were the parents or the individuals who were watching this child at the time of the accident? How did this child get into the path of the vehicle? Was the driver of the vehicle under the influence, distracted or speeding in the parking lot? Was the driver in a position to stop the car to avoid the fatal collision? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine exactly what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

If the driver of the vehicle is determined to have been at fault here, then, he could be held liable. If there was a dangerous condition at the parking lot that caused or contributed to this incident, then the property owner could also be held liable. In any case where there is negligence or wrongdoing involved, families of deceased accident victims could file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. An experienced Huntington Beach personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims' families in such cases about their legal rights and options.

What are some of the tips you would offer to keep children safe, especially in parking lots?

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.