(Apple Valley, CA) A 53-year-old Apple Valley man died in a Dale Evans Parkway collision in Apple Valley
On Tuesday, August 19, at around 8:40 p.m., the Dale Evans Parkway collision occurred. According to the Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station, the incident happened at the intersection of Dale Evans Parkway and Zuni Road.
When deputies investigated, they learned a 53-year-old man rode a motorized shopping cart in the northbound lane of Dale Evans Parkway. At the same time, a gray 2002 Mazda B-Series driven by a 49-year-old man from Barstow also traveled northbound. All of a sudden, the driver struck the man on the motorized shopping cart.
By the time first responders arrived, they found the rider with major injuries, transporting him to St. Mary’s Hospital. Despite reaching the hospital, paramedics pronounced him dead from the Dale Evans Parkway collision. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Legal Opinion on the Dale Evans Parkway Collision
The Dale Evans Parkway collision raises serious legal questions about visibility, road sharing, and driver awareness. The impact caused fatal injuries, and although the driver stayed at the scene, the law still demands a close look at whether he acted with proper caution. Motorized shopping carts are not typical vehicles and are not legally designed for roadway travel. Regardless, California Vehicle Code 467 does define “pedestrian” to include someone using a self-propelled device for mobility due to disability. If this rider used the cart due to a physical limitation, then under the law, he may be treated as a pedestrian.
Drivers still have a duty to avoid collisions with slow-moving or vulnerable persons in the roadway. VEH 21954 states that pedestrians outside a crosswalk must yield to vehicles, but it also requires drivers to exercise due care and avoid hitting them if possible. If the driver failed to see the cart in time, it could be considered negligent driving.
Investigators will likely examine whether lighting, visibility, or lane positioning played a role in the Dale Evans Parkway collision. Since the incident happened at night, whether the motorized cart had reflectors or lights may also factor in.
What the Family Can Do
The family of the man who died may file a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. This allows close relatives to seek compensation for funeral costs, emotional suffering, and the loss of companionship and support. A wrongful death attorney can review police reports on the Dale Evans Parkway collision to determine whether the driver had a reasonable chance to avoid the collision. The family should act quickly to preserve evidence and begin the legal process. Though it cannot undo the loss, pursuing justice can provide answers, accountability, and some measure of financial stability in the aftermath of such a devastating incident.
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.
