Young Girl Struck, Killed in Crosswalk

A 9 year old girl was struck and killed by a large pickup truck while walking home from school Wednesday afternoon in Rancho Cucamonga.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the crash took place at around 3 p.m. at the intersection of East Avenue and Banyan Street, less than a block away from Etiwanda Colony Elementary School, where Ashlyn Gardener and her 7 year old brother Landon were crossing through a marked crosswalk when they were struck by a Ford F350 pickup truck attempting a left hand turn.

The two young pedestrians were rushed to San Antonio Community Hospital in the city of Upland, but Ashlyn was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival. Landon, who suffered only minor injuries in the collision, was treated and quickly released.

Police at the scene reported that the driver of the pickup truck, a 69 year old male, was neither intoxicated nor speeding at the time of the accident. An investigation into what led to the collision is still underway, but Ashlyn’s grandmother, Renae Star, is calling the terrible accident, also saying that she feels terribly for the driver involved.

A candlelight vigil was held Thursday at the crash site, where family, friends, and teachers gathered to set up balloons and stuffed animals in remembrance. “We’ve been so blessed to have her in our lives for the short amount of time we’ve had her,” said Ashlyn’s mother to the gathered crowd.

In response, some parents are now asking school officials to increase the number of crossing guards throughout the area to prevent further accidents, though District Superintendent Shawn Judson says that there has never been a problem such as this in the area before the accident. Nevertheless, Judson assured concerned parents that city of officials would “take a look” at the possibility in the future.

In the wake of the accident, a fundraising website has also been launched to help the Gardener family cover funeral expenses. “No one anticipates the loss of a child,” says the site. “No parent should ever have to pay for their child’s funeral costs.”

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident such as this, you have legal rights. Depending on the circumstances that surround your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation from those at fault to pay for things like doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and more.

At AA Accident Attorneys, we can help you recover what you need to get back on your feet. We can lead you through the entire legal process, file your claim, and protect you from harassing phone calls from insurance companies while you focus on the treatment of your injuries.

As always, we will not charge you for any of these services until your case is won. If we are unable to collect on your case, then you will not owe us anything. If you would like more information about what a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can do for you, or for a free consultation to discuss your rights, call us today at 800-260-2577. We are available to take your call seven days a week, any time day or night.