Rosamond, CA – Authorities have identified the pedestrian killed in a collision on Rosamond Boulevard early Sunday morning, September 22, 2024, as 63-year-old Abelardo Hermitano Mendez Sosa, a resident of Rosamond, according to KBAK.
Around 3:31 AM, Mendez Sosa was walking in the eastbound lane of Rosamond Boulevard, east of 50th Street West, when he was struck by a 2018 Ford Fusion driven by a woman from Lancaster.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the pedestrian was in the roadway when the vehicle, also traveling eastbound, collided with him. Emergency personnel arrived at the scene, but Mendez Sosa was pronounced dead shortly after.
The driver of the Ford remained at the scene and cooperated fully with the investigation. CHP confirmed that she was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. However, the pedestrian’s sobriety is still under investigation as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a specific “Duty of Care” towards pedestrians, who are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents. This responsibility includes being vigilant for pedestrians near the roadway and, if a fatal collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident, filing a Wrongful Death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
If the at-fault driver avoids legal consequences, compensation might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine the best options in such cases.
Partial Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
California Law does not consider pedestrians to have the right-of-way under all circumstances, such as if they attempt to cross outside of a crosswalk. However, motorists are never relieved of the expectation to provide pedestrians with a Duty of Care toward their safety.
It may therefore be determined that a motorist is held only partially liable in a pedestrian accident. If that is the case, they would be financially responsible for the victim’s recovery costs in proportion to their degree of liability.
