Franzisca Nzau sustained serious injuries in an October 19, 2009 Bakersfield car accident after she was struck by a California Highway Patrol officer who was attempting to make a left turn. According to an ABC News report, CHP Officer Leonard Dehart was driving south on M Street and was stopped at a light preparing to turn left on to the eastbound State Route178. Dehart said he slowly moved forward to allow a vehicle traveling north on M to pass. After that, he apparently accelerated to make his left turn and he was blinded by the glare of the morning sun. Dehart told officials that he did not see Nzau walking in a crosswalk directly ahead of him until it was too late. Nzau sustained a broken pelvis and collarbone. She was transported to an area hospital.

My heart goes out to Franzisca Nzau who was seriously injured in this pedestrian-car collision. I wish her the very best for a quick and complete recovery. I also hope she did not suffer any other major injuries. Please keep this injured victim in your prayers.

Bakersfield Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were four fatalities and 94 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Bakersfield, California. In Kern County as a whole, 17 deaths and 207 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2007. Also during the same period, 142 deaths and 3,615 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in Kern County.

This is an extremely unfortunate accident. It just goes to show how even professionals and a CHP officer such as Leonard Dehart can make an error while driving. Like many motorists who cause motorcycle and pedestrian accidents, perhaps, Dehart's "internal radar" was looking for cars and trucks. He was apparently not consciously looking for pedestrians or bicycles. Just like any on-the-job driver, Officer Dehart and his employer, the California Highway Patrol, could be held financially liable for Nzau's injuries.

Car Accident Liability Issues

Nzau seems to have been doing everything right here. She was within a marked crosswalk and California law requires motorists to yield right-of-way or slow down at crosswalks so pedestrians can cross safely. 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."

Franzisca Nzau may be well-served by retaining the services of a skilled California personal injury lawyer quickly for this case. She would be well-advised not to discuss this case or its details with anyone until getting legal representation. This includes not signing any documents, in these situations. Accidents involving peace officers can sometimes be tricky especially if the agency is investigating their own officer. Nzau may also want to seek a personal injury lawyer outside of Kern County to avoid local politics and the "good old boy" syndrome and any real or perceived conflicts of interest.

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.