Chengwei Hu, 72, Died In San Diego Tour Bus Accident While Walking Near The Intersection of Ninth Avenue and Broadway
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA (November 8, 2022) – A pedestrian identified as Chengwei Hu was killed in a San Diego tour bus accident by the intersection of Ninth Avenue and Broadway.
San Diego County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 3:15 p.m. on October 30. Chengwei Hu was walking at the intersection when he was hit by a tour bus traveling at a low rate of speed.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Chengwei Hu was taken to the University of California, San Diego Medical Center with critical injuries.
Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he was pronounced dead at the hospital. Police interviewed the bus driver involved in the crash.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For San Diego Tour Bus Accidents
Tour bus companies are considered common carriers under the law and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Pursuant to the Judicial Council of California Civil Jury Instructions, “Common carriers must carry passengers [or property] safely. Common carriers must use the highest care and the vigilance of a very cautious person. They must do all that human care, vigilance, and foresight reasonably can do under the circumstances to avoid harm to passengers[or property].” There are a number of steps that bus drivers should take in order to avoid hitting pedestrians.
- Bus drivers should check their blind spots before making turns.
- Bus drivers should slow down in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
- Bus drivers should be well trained and familiar with how their vehicle controls.
Bus drivers are expected to undergo specialized training and must exercise due care at all times to avoid collisions. However, buses have large blind spots and many collisions are due to bus drivers that fail to check their blind spots for pedestrians. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21950, the driver of any vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk shall exercise all due care and reduce the speed of their vehicle as necessary to safeguard the wellbeing of the pedestrian. If a bus driver fails to reduce their speed and hits a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
The company that a bus driver worked for could potentially be held liable for a bus accident. In general, employers are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, a tour bus driver may have been transporting passengers when they were involved in a crash. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any bus accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage from inside and around the bus should be examined.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- A thorough, investigation should be conducted.
It can be difficult to know where to begin after any bus accident. But it is important to remember that accident victims and their families do have rights. The family of any person that is killed in a bus accident 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, though, bus companies will often fight hard to deny liability for any collision. This is why it is so important that all evidence is properly preserved after a collision.
Investigating A San Diego Tour Bus Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Chengwei Hu. 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. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.
Do you need more information about a San Diego tour bus collision? 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 any collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
