Santa Monica Pedestrian Fatally Hit by Car

An elderly woman was hit and killed by a car on Pico Blvd. in Santa Monica on July 17^th. According to Santa Monica Police Department Sgt. Richard Lewis, this is the fifth fatality this year in Santa Monica involving a pedestrian and a vehicle.

The accident happened at about 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning. The pedestrian, an 80-year-old female, was walking westbound on Pico, on the south side of the street, approaching 26^th St. The pedestrian was crossing Pico against a red light, about 20 feet outside of the crosswalk. The pedestrian was struck by an 82-year-old woman who was driving a Toyota Prius eastbound on Pico on a green light.

Officers estimated the driver's speed at at least 30 mph, but under the 35 mph speed limit, when she slammed into the pedestrian.

The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

According to Sgt. Lewis, the driver immediately stopped her car, cooperated with the investigator, and voluntarily submitted to a blood test. Lewis stated that there is no reason to suspect the driver was under the influence.

This tragic accident is a reminder to pedestrians to always use crosswalks, and to always look both ways before stepping onto the street. It's also a reminder to drivers to anticipate jaywalkers, particularly close to intersections, and to pay close attention to their surroundings.

If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, contact the Santa Monica personal injury attorneys at McGee, Lerer & Associates, (800) 999-9948.