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.

12-Year-Old Burgess Hu Suffers Fatal Injuries After Tragic Bicycle Accident Near Excelsior Middle School in Byron, California

A bicycle accident claimed the life of 12-year-old Burgess Hu of Discovery Bay.  The tragic accident occurred in front of Excelsior Middle School on Byron Highway in Byron, California on Monday September 23, 2013, at approximately 7:45 a.m. 

According to published reports, a GMC Yukon SUV that was being driven by an unidentified female was turning from the school onto Byron Highway when it struck Burgess Hu.  California Highway Patrol Officials have indicated that Burgess was pronounced dead at the scene.  At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our thoughts and prayers are with Burgess Hu’s family in their time of grief and sadness.

California Highway Patrol Officials are still investigating the cause of this terrible bicycle accident.  It has been reported that the driver of the SUV did not initially realize that she had struck the boy.  A comprehensive bicycle accident investigation is needed to determine if the driver failed to see the boy because of inattentive driving, texting or talking on a cellphone.

Concerned members of the Byron and Excelsior Middle School communities have expressed outrage over this tragic bicycle accident.  Community members have indicated that vehicles that are dropping off and picking up students in front of Excelsior Middle School frequently ignore traffic safety rules causing a dangerous condition of public property.  According to anonymous sources, cutting in line, illegal U-turns and turning into exit streets are dangerous driver behaviors that are commonplace in front of Excelsior Middle School.  These and other negligent driver behaviors put the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians at risk and must be stopped.  A public entity may share some liability if they had notice of the dangerous condition at the school and failed to take appropriate measures to remedy it.

When cyclists are struck by cars or trucks the resulting injuries can be fatal or severe regardless of any safety precautions taken by the cyclist.  Sadly, Burgess Hu was unable to survive this terrible accident despite the fact that he was wearing a bicycle helmet at the time of the collision.  As this terrible accident demonstrates, a moment of driver negligence or inattention can cut short a young life and destroy a family in an instant.  

At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP, our dedicated legal team is committed to helping victims of bicycle accidents and their families.  We believe that negligent drivers should be held responsible for the heartache and pain they cause.  If you or a loved one have been involved in a bicycle accident call Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP today.  One of our compassionate bicycle accident attorneys will provide you with a free consultation and help explain your rights.   

Dublin Cyclist Couple Hit by Motorist in Pleasanton: Diana Hersevoort Pronounced Dead at the Scene

A Dublin couple was struck by a young motorist on Sunday afternoon while riding their bikes on Foothill Road in Pleasanton, California.  The accident took place on a two-lane road a quarter mile south of Golden Eagle Way, while the couple were riding south on Foothill Road.  Police and emergency personnel were called to the scene on June 9^th at 1:08 p.m.  Tragically, 58-year-old Diana Hersevoort was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Both bikers were hit by the 2004 Dodge Neon that was being operated by an unidentified 18-year-old man.  Johannes Hersevoort was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for undisclosed injuries.  Several reports state that Johannes was hit first, followed by his wife Diana who was riding ahead of him.  At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our thoughts and prayers are with the Hersevoort family in their time of grief.

This tragedy is a reminder to motorists that they need operate their vehicles responsibly to ensure the safety of cyclists.  The stretch of road where this accident occurred is a popular bicycle route but is very dangerous for cyclists because of reckless drivers.  Several comments by community members indicate that many drivers are frustrated by sharing the road with bicyclists, and often try to pass them at unsafe speeds.  This dangerous attitude toward cyclists is very common, and speeding and aggressive driving are frequent factors in causing accidents that leave bicyclists with fatal and severe injuries.

Sadly, cyclists being struck by automobiles on California roadways is an all too common occurrence. Losing a loved one in a bike accident is a tragedy that no family should be forced to endure or witness.  If a family member witnesses a loved one sustain fatal injuries, they may be entitled to compensation for negligent infliction of emotional distress, as well as compensation for the wrongful death of a loved one.

At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our bicycle accident attorneys understand the importance of an immediate and comprehensive investigation to identify all responsible parties, causes of action, and preserve critical evidence.  Families that have experienced the wrongful death of a loved one need a dedicated attorney to fight for them.  If you have lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, call Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP for a free consultation.

Tragic San Jose Pedestrian Accident Claims The Life of One Child and Leaves Two Others with Serious Injuries

The San Jose community is outraged following the death a young girl who was killed while crossing the street with her younger sister and aunt on Tuesday April 15, 2013.  Although it is too early to determine if the 20-year-old male driver was speeding, neighbors and community members have reported that the location of the accident is known for drivers exceeding the 25 MPH speed limit. Following the devastating accident, concerned community members are demanding that further safety precautions and preventative measures be taken to reduce speeding in the area.

The preschooler was struck by a Lexus SUV near Parkview Elementary School on Bluefield Drive in South San Jose, California.  The SUV was traveling west on Bluefield drive when it struck Maria Quiroz, Arlet Quiroz, and killed 5-year-old Aileen Quiroz.  According to police, Aileen died at the scene after sustaining fatal injuries at 3:24 p.m.

Several reports state that 30-year-old Maria Quiroz sustained serious injuries and remains in the ICU at Valley Medical Center. She reportedly suffered from several broken ribs and a punctured lung.  Two-year-old Arlet Quiroz was treated for contusions to her head.  At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our thoughts and prayers are with the Quiroz family, and we are hoping for a fast recovery for both Maria and Arlet.

Police are continuing to investigate exactly what happened across from Parkview Elementary School, and are working to interview all witnesses.  As of Wednesday, Maria Quiroz had not been interviewed regarding the incident because of the severity of her injuries. Her interview and account of events may be the key to piecing together exactly what happened on Tuesday afternoon.

If speed was a factor in causing the accident, criminal charges may be filed against the driver.  Similarly, if the driver was distracted by talking or texting on his cell phone, he could face serious criminal consequences.  If the driver is found to have been reckless or careless in his actions, the family will be entitled to compensation for the wrongful death of their daughter, as well as for the injuries sustained by Maria and Arlet.

The San Jose pedestrian accident attorneys of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP have a history of obtaining significant verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients.  We understand the tactics that insurance companies employ to minimize and delay payments to victims of pedestrian accident and their families.  We utilize our understanding of these tactics to get our clients the compensation they deserve.  This can include damages for property damage, past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, emotional distress, loss of consortium, pain and suffering. 

If you or a loved one has suffered because of a reckless driver, call the experienced accident attorneys of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP today for your free consultation and case evaluation.