Florinda Garcia Flores, 47, was killed in a car accident after she was hit by a minivan while crossing the street, in Santa Barbara the morning of May 27, 2010. According to a KEY News report, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred as Flores was walking west on Coast Village Road. A minivan driven by a 17-year-old boy was approaching her from behind. For some reason, the teen driver lost control of the minivan, jumped the curb and struck Flores, who was thrown several feet away on to the roadway at the intersection of Coast Village Road and Butterfly Lane.

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Fatal Pedestrian Collision

The driver apparently told police that he lost control of his van because it suddenly started to veer to the right. He also said that he tried applying the brakes, but was unsuccessful in stopping the car and ended up striking Flores. Police determined that he was not under the influence, but found marijuana and paraphernalia in his vehicle. The driver was cited and released to his parents. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Florinda Garcia Flores for their profound loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everybody who knew and loved this woman. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one fatality and 60 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Santa Barbara. Countywide, five people died and 151 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, police determined that the driver was not under the influence at the time, but found drugs and paraphernalia in his vehicle at the time. If I were one of Flores' family members, I would be curious to find out how authorities came to the conclusion that the teenager was not under the influence at the time. Officials are now examining the teen's vehicle for malfunctions because the driver said the car veered to the right. I trust an official investigation will determine what exactly caused this accident and Flores' tragic death.

If the teen driver is determined to have been under the influence of drugs or driving recklessly at the time, he could be held criminally and civilly liable for Flores' death. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, family members of deceased accident victims could file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. The best Neweport Beach personal injury lawyers will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

What steps do you take as a pedestrian to make sure you are safe on the roadway?

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.