Elderly Wheel-chaired Man Struck, Killed in San Diego

Local police have launched an investigation into an accident that killed a 70 year old man confined to a wheelchair Tuesday night in the City Heights area of San Diego.

According to accident reports, the collision took place at around 8 p.m. at the intersection of University Avenue and 36^th Street, where the elderly man was attempting to wheel his way across the street. While making his way across University, he was struck by a pickup truck passing through the intersection.

The driver, a 46 year old man who has yet to be identified, remained at the scene following the collision. Responding police do not believe that drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash, and it is unclear if any charges are to be filled against him.

The wheel-chaired man suffered a broken pelvis in the accident, as well as bleeding in his brain. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead a few hours after arriving. The pickup truck driver was unhurt.

Louie Zetouna, owner of a liquor store near the accident site, said that the collision made an unmistakable sound. “Someone ran in and said you need to call 9-1-1, someone has been hit by a car.” As he ran outside after hearing the sound, he recognized the man as one of his longtime customers.

He reported that the man had been bound to a wheel chair about a year ago following an amputation of one of his legs. “I don’t know why he was by himself. He usually has someone helping him.”

While speaking with police on the phone, he said he wanted to help his longtime customer, though he was told to leave him be until police could arrive. “That’s exactly why I felt bad,” he said. “I wanted to do something but I couldn’t do anything.”

Police investigators are still working to uncover the circumstances surrounding the accident, and who may have been at fault.

If you or someone you know has been hurt in a crash such as this, you should seek help. Depending on the details surrounding your ordeal, you may be entitled to compensation, which an experienced San Diego car accident lawyer can help you recover in full.

At AA Accident Attorneys, we understand the dangers you face on California’s crowded and dangerous roads, both as experienced legal professionals, and as neighbors who drive the same roads and live in the same neighborhoods. We will work hard to get you back onto your feet as quickly as possible.

As always, we will charge you nothing for our legal services until your case is won. If we do not collect on your case, then you will owe us nothing. Call us today for a free evaluation and to learn what a car accident lawyer can do for you!