Julio Ortiz, of Jurupa Valley, Died In Bloomington Pedestrian Accident Near The Intersection of Slover Avenue and Spruce Avenue
BLOOMINGTON, CALIFORNIA (May 25, 2022) – A pedestrian identified as Julio Ortiz has tragically died in a Bloomington car accident near the intersection of Slover Avenue and Spruce Avenue.
San Bernardino County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 11:00 a.m. on May 13. Julio Cesar Ortiz was struck by a vehicle under unclear circumstances.
Many semi-trucks frequent that intersection. But the type of vehicle involved in the accident is unknown. It could have been a semi-truck, pickup truck, sedan or SUV.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help Julio Ortiz. Sadly, he died due to the severity of his injuries.
Police blocked off the intersection for some time to determine what happened. A full investigation into the Bloomington pedestrian accident that killed Julio Ortiz remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Bloomington Pedestrian Accidents
There has been a sharp increase in the number of pedestrian collisions across San Bernardino County. According to San Bernardino County government officials, “Bicyclists and pedestrians made up 5% of all traffic collision victims in 2019. Pedestrian injuries and fatalities were the highest reported since 2009, at 710 victims. This represents a one-year increase in pedestrian injuries and fatalities of 11%, and a 49% increase between 2010 and 2019.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a pedestrian collision.
- Pedestrian accidents are more likely to happen during the early morning hours and late evening when visibility is reduced.
- Commercial vehicles such as buses and semi-trucks are more likely to hit pedestrians due to their large blind spots.
- Nearly a third of fatal pedestrian collisions involve an intoxicated driver.
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians in the roadway. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21950, the driver of any vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk. If a driver hits a pedestrian after driving past a yield sign without stopping, this may be considered prima facie evidence of their failure to yield.
If the driver that hit a pedestrian was working at the time of the collision, their employer could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful acts of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. An employer may also be liable for a crash if their driver lacked the proper credentials to drive their vehicle. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any pedestrian collision.
- Eye witnesses to the crash should be interviewed.
- Surveillance footage should be sought. Many collisions are captured by doorbell cameras.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- An independent investigation into the collision should be conducted.
The family of any pedestrian that is killed in a car accident is protected by a number of laws. They have the ability to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. Unfortunately, insurance companies will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility for an accident. A wrongful death attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Bloomington Pedestrian Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Julio Cesar Ortiz. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of all who have lost so much. It is our sincere hope that city officials will study this intersection and implement measures that could help make it safer.
Do you need more information about a Bloomington pedestrian accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991. Se habla español.