(Palm Springs, CA) A southbound vehicle struck 71-year-old Craig Von Bargen in a marked crosswalk during the Palm Canyon Drive crash near Palm Canyon Drive and Via Las Palmas.
The Palm Canyon Drive crash unfolded on Friday, September 26, at 9:35 p.m. Officers arrived within minutes and secured the intersection. They redirected traffic while paramedics reached Craig Von Bargen. Paramedics assessed Von Bargen and pronounced him dead at the scene. Police said he had been crossing eastbound in the marked crosswalk. Investigators noted the driver-alert lighting was not activated.
Officers canvassed nearby homes and businesses for witnesses and video. Upon investigation, police said drugs and alcohol did not appear involved. Minutes later, traffic investigators documented measurements and gathered debris. When officers finished, they reopened lanes in stages to ease congestion. The case remains active with the Palm Springs Police Department. Anyone with information about the Palm Canyon Drive crash can contact the department at 760-323-8125.
After a pedestrian collision, questions pile up fast. California pedestrian law covers crosswalks, visibility, and driver duties. Knowing the rules helps you avoid costly mistakes with a claim.
Legal Analysis on the Palm Canyon Drive Crash
The loss of Craig Von Bargen is tragic, and the law recognizes that. Investigators will examine driver duties at that crosswalk. If speed played a role, California Vehicle Code 22350 applies. That law requires safe speeds for conditions, including darkness and pedestrian activity.
Next, right-of-way rules matter at marked crosswalks under California Vehicle Code 21950. Drivers must yield to pedestrians who are within a marked crosswalk. Failure to yield can establish negligence in a civil claim. Lighting questions may also matter for visibility and notice. Still, drivers must keep a proper lookout despite reduced lighting. If distraction is suspected, California Vehicle Code 23123.5 may become relevant. That statute prohibits handheld device use while driving. Evidence of phone use can support negligence.
Because a life was lost, the family may pursue a wrongful death claim. California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60 allows recovery for funeral costs and lost support. Survivors can also seek damages for the loss of companionship and care. If roadway equipment failed, a separate claim may arise against a public entity. Evidence drives these cases. Counsel will obtain the full police report and scene photos. They will request any nearby surveillance and the vehicle’s data. Independent experts can reconstruct speeds, sight lines, and stopping distances. Early action helps preserve that critical proof for the family’s claim.
What the Family of Craig Von Bargen Can Do
The Von Bargen’s family should request the police report number and the coroner’s confirmation. They should gather photos, witness names, and any video sources near the scene. Medical and funeral records should be organized and saved. An attorney can place preservation letters on the driver and the city. Insurance claims should start promptly to avoid delays. Legal counsel can also evaluate public-entity timelines. Government claims often require a filing within six months. Acting now protects rights, secures evidence, and supports accountability.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
