Ventura County Supervisor Carmen Ramirez Died In Oxnard Pedestrian Accident With Pickup Truck Near The Intersection of Seventh Street and A Street
OXNARD, CALIFORNIA (August 13, 2022) – A woman identified as Carmen Ramirez died in an Oxnard car accident with a pickup truck by the intersection of Seventh Street and A Street.
Ventura County officials are saying that the accident took place around 6:40 a.m. on Friday. Ventura County Supervisor Carmen Ramirez was walking in a crosswalk when she was hit by a 2020 GMC Sierra pickup truck.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Carmen Ramirez was taken to an emergency room in critical condition.
Despite the best efforts of doctors and nurses, she died due to the severity of her injuries. Before being elected, Carmen Ramirez worked as a longtime legal aid attorney who served low-income communities across Ventura County.
A candlelight vigil is scheduled for August 13 at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Liability In Oxnard Pedestrian Accidents
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured every year in pedestrian accidents in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “More than 7,000 pedestrians were killed on our nation’s roads in crashes involving a motor vehicle in 2020. That’s about one death every 75 minutes.” The vast majority of pedestrian accidents involve some amount of driver error.
- Nearly one-third of fatal pedestrian collisions involve a speeding driver.
- Another third of fatal pedestrian accidents involve an intoxicated driver.
- Pedestrian collisions are more likely to occur in the late evening hours when visibility is reduced.
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid pedestrians. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21950, the driver of any vehicle shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian that is crossing the roadway in a lawfully marked crosswalk. If a driver fails to reduce their speed to avoid hitting a pedestrian in a crosswalk, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Pickup trucks are often used for commercial purposes. If the driver of a pickup truck was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any collision.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any person that is killed in a pedestrian collision may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Sadly, drivers will often fight hard to deny liability for any collision. This is why it is so important that evidence is properly preserved after any collision.
Investigating An Oxnard Pedestrian Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Carmen Ramirez. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about an Oxnard pedestrian accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims get the information and support that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
