Salinas, CA (October 21, 2024) – On Monday evening, October 21, 2023, a tragic accident occurred at the intersection of Monterey Street and East Market Street in Salinas, resulting in the death of 50-year-old Felix Santos Gomez.
Accident Details: Around 8:30 p.m., Gomez attempted to cross East Market Street outside the designated crosswalk while traffic had a green light. Video footage shows that Gomez ran across the street, attempting to beat the oncoming vehicles, when he was struck by a Toyota SUV traveling through the intersection with the right of way. The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated fully with police. Gomez sustained fatal injuries. The driver was not impaired.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination. If negligence is found to have caused the accident, Gomez’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Investigators will look into the following:
- Driver’s Actions: California law imposes a duty on drivers to exercise caution in pedestrian areas. Whether the driver took sufficient care in observing their surroundings or had enough time to react could be relevant in determining liability.
- Road Conditions and Pedestrian Infrastructure: Given the busy nature of Monterey Street and East Market Street, the intersection’s design and pedestrian infrastructure may be scrutinized in light of this accident. Proper lighting, clear signage, and visible crosswalks can be critical in high-traffic areas, particularly at night. If road conditions, poor signage, or faulty infrastructure contributed to the danger Gomez faced, the municipality may bear some responsibility for the incident.
Understanding Right of Way and Comparative Negligence: Since Gomez crossed against a green light and outside a crosswalk, the law may view his actions as negligence. However, his family may still be able to recover partial compensation if another party shares the liability.
My deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and loved ones of Felix Santos Gomez during this challenging time. Losing someone so suddenly is heartbreaking, and I extend my sympathies to all who are affected by this tragic incident.
Source: KSBW