Temecula, CA (April 26, 2024) – A tragic incident near the Promenade Temecula mall has resulted in the death of a local pedestrian late Friday night. Authorities identified the victim as 39-year-old Leland Franklin of Temecula.
Incident Overview: Franklin was struck by a vehicle while on Winchester Road, approximately 200 feet south of Promenade Mall East, at around 9:55 p.m. on Friday. He was pronounced dead at the scene, as reported by the county coroner’s office. The driver involved in the incident remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement officials.
Investigation and Legal Implications: According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, there was no immediate indication that drugs or alcohol were involved in the collision. The investigation continues as authorities seek to understand the full circumstances surrounding the incident. The cooperation of the driver may help clarify the sequence of events leading to the accident. There are still a lot of questions surrounding the circumstances leading up to the collision. Was Franklin crossing the road at a designated crosswalk? If it happened at a traffic signal, who had the right of way? Were there any environmental factors that prevented the driver from avoiding a collision?
All of these questions need to be answered to help understand liability, and it’d be surprising if there were no witnesses to this crash since it occurred just outside of a mall. However, if the investigation finds that the driver was negligent, the family of Franklin could pursue a wrongful death claim for their damages, including funeral costs, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.
My deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Leland Franklin during this difficult time. I hope that the investigation reveals more information about the tragic accident so that the family may seek justice if necessary.
Source: Patch