(El Cajon, CA) A 39-year-old woman died weeks after being struck by a vehicle in a North Mollison Avenue crash.
The San Diego County Medical Examiner said Susana Gascon was hit by a sedan around 2 p.m. on December 6 while she was walking across the street in the 800 block of North Mollison Avenue in her hometown of El Cajon. Paramedics transported Gascon to Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, where she was treated for serious injuries.
Gascon remained hospitalized for more than three weeks before she died on December 28, officials said. Her death was later linked to complications from the injuries she sustained in the crash. Additional details about the driver or the moments leading up to the collision were not released. Information about potential citations or charges was not immediately available, and several aspects of the case were listed as Unknown.
Authorities did not say whether the driver remained at the scene or whether impairment, speed, or visibility were factors. The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation.
Overview on the North Mollison Avenue Crash
When a pedestrian is struck on a city street, investigators review traffic safety laws that focus on driver responsibility and pedestrian protection. These reviews are routine and help clarify what factors may have contributed.
Because a pedestrian was crossing the roadway, investigators may examine the Pedestrian Right-of-Way Law. This law requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, even when someone is crossing outside of a marked crosswalk. Midday traffic and neighborhood conditions can heighten the importance of driver awareness.
If speed is found to be a contributing factor, authorities may also review the Basic Speed Law. This statute requires motorists to drive at speeds that are reasonable for traffic, visibility, and road conditions. Driving too fast for conditions can reduce reaction time and increase the severity of pedestrian injuries.
Finally, investigators sometimes consider the Unsafe Passing or Turning Law when evaluating how a vehicle approached or moved through an area where pedestrians are present. These statutes help officials understand what may have led to the North Mollison Avenue crash as the investigation continues.
Guidance for the Family
If you have lost a loved one after a pedestrian crash, staying in contact with investigators can help you obtain updates and request the official collision report when it becomes available.
You may also consider speaking with a legal professional experienced in fatal pedestrian cases to better understand your options. Emotional support is just as important, and leaning on family, friends, or local grief counseling resources can help as you move through the weeks ahead.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
