Jon Kong, 70, was killed in a San Francisco car accident after she was hit by a van while walking in a crosswalk the morning of November 19, 2009. According to a news report in the San Francisco Examiner, Kong was walking across Geary Boulevard at Ninth Avenue. The van was traveling south on Ninth Avenue and turned on to eastbound Geary while striking the woman. Kong was transported to a San Francisco hospital where she was pronounced dead shortly afterward. The driver of the van has not been charged or cited pending a police investigation.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jon Kong for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Deaths in San Francisco

San Francisco tops the list in the nation for pedestrian accident fatalities, according to a recent study by Transportation for America, a coalition of transit, housing and planning groups. Kong was apparently the 23rd pedestrian fatality in San Francisco this year. The report states that nearly 50 percent of traffic accident deaths in San Francisco involve pedestrians -- a rate that is more than four times the national average.

In this particular case, it is not clear why the van driver did not see Kong walking in the bright yellow crosswalk. Kong was thrown about 20 feet from the point of impact and then struck again by the same vehicle. Police say alcohol was not a factor and that the driver of the van had a valid driver's license. If I were a member of Kong's family, I'd definitely want to find out what exactly happened here and whether there was any negligence involved.

Car Accident Liability Issues

Why did the driver fail to see Kong? Was he distracted -- talking on a handheld cell phone or texting at the time? Was he going too fast or did he make the turn recklessly without paying attention to traffic? If it is determined during the course of the police investigation that the van driver is at-fault, then he could be held liable for Kong's fatal injuries. If the van driver was on-the-job at the time of the accident, his employer could be held liable as well. If this fatal pedestrian accident was caused by a dangerous roadway or intersection, the city of San Francisco could be held liable for Kong's wrongful death as well. California Government Code states that any claim against a governmental agency should be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

Kong's family would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will follow up with the official investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable for their actions. The best California 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.