Pedestrian Accident in Pleasanton Claims the Life of Yizhen Zhou and Leaves Her Husband With Serious Injuries

A tragic pedestrian accident claimed the life of 65-year-old Yizhen Zhou on October 12, 2013.  The accident occurred on Santa Rita Road near Francisco Street in Pleasanton, California.  Mrs. Zhou was crossing the street with her husband in a marked crosswalk when they were both struck by a vehicle that was being operated by a 49-year-old Danville woman. 

It remains unclear as to why the driver did not yield for the pedestrians.  Some common causes of pedestrian accidents include: driver confusion, driver inattention, aggressive driving, and talking or texting on a cellphone.  All drivers have a responsibility to pay attention to the roadway and safely operate their vehicles to avoid this type of devastating pedestrian accident.

Yizhen Zhou and her husband were immediately transported to Eden Medical Center following the accident.  Tragically, Mrs. Zhou was unable to recover from her severe injuries.  Doctors at Eden Medical Center pronounced her dead on Monday evening.  Her 72-year-old husband remains hospitalized and is reportedly in serious condition.  At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP we want to offer our sincere condolences to the family of Yizhen Zhou.  We also want to wish Mr. Zhou a complete and speedy recover.

The crosswalk where the accident occurred has flashing overhead lights and embedded lights on roadway surface along the edge of the crosswalk.  According to published reports, the embedded lights were not functional on the date of the accident. 

A comprehensive pedestrian accident investigation is needed to determine whether the absence of the embedded lights created a dangerous condition of public property.  Additionally, Pleasanton residents have expressed concerns that the crosswalk is situated at an unsafe location in the middle of the block.  The City of Pleasanton may share some of the liability if accident if the absence of the lighting or the improper design of the crosswalk is found to have been a substantial factor in causing this fatal accident. 

At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our dedicated legal team specializes in fighting for the rights of pedestrians.  If you or a loved one have been involved in a pedestrian accident call our office today.  One of our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers will provide you with a free consultation and case evaluation.