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.

Drag-Racing Ends in Life Threatening Injuries for a San Jose Woman After a Car Crashes Through her Kitchen

A woman suffered life threatening injuries on Wednesday, April 24, 2013, after a car lost control and came crashing through her kitchen wall.  Several reports state the silver BMW that caused the injury was participating in a “drag-race”, and lost control when it collided with the car it was racing against. Both cars participating in the illegal street race crashed.

The incident occurred near Leigh High School, on Leigh Avenue and Anne Way around 4:00 p.m. The vehicles involved were operated by minors, both of whom are 17-years-old.  The boys driving are reportedly cousins, who attend local high schools.

A total of five people were injured in relation to the devastating crash.  A 40-year-old mother was rushed to the hospital after safety personnel freed her from under the vehicle that entered her home.  The woman remains in critical condition.  A 9-year-old girl who also lives in the home was pulled from the wreckage by neighbors.  The young girl amazingly escaped the crash with only minor scratches. Both drivers of the vehicles involved went to the hospital for injuries, as well as three passengers.

Following their release from the hospital, both drivers were arrested, and are now being held on felony charges for reckless driving.  Fire Fighters that reported to the scene said that they had never seen a car go that far into a house before, and they were unable to enter the home upon first arrival because it was not structurally safe.  Safety beams had to be put in place before investigators could enter the devastatingly damaged home. 

Several neighbors and community members are outraged by the reckless act.  Unfortunately, illegal street racing is very common in the Leigh High School Neighborhood, and families in the area constantly fear for their safety. Crashes caused by reckless drivers have serious consequences.  If a driver is found to be at fault for a crash resulting in injury, the injured party may be entitled to reimbursement of medical costs, income lost as a result of the injuries, and even future medical expenses or future loss of income.  Similarly, if other property is damaged in the accident, such as the home in this situation, the victim may be entitled to monetary compensation to repair the damaged property.

 

If you have suffered at the hands of a reckless or inattentive driver, let the dedicated and experienced pedestrian accident lawyers at Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP evaluate your claim, and fight for your right to fair compensation.   If a reckless driver has injured you or a loved one, call Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP for a free case evaluation and consultation.