SAN DIEGO, CA (June 10, 2022) – A 40-year-old woman was killed in an accident by a flying Tesla as she was crossing the street in Kearny Mesa according to NBC San Diego.
The Tesla driver, identified as 39-year-old Frank Schoaf, reportedly ran a red light and hit a dip in the road that caused his car to go airborne. As his car flew through the air, it struck and killed the woman, whose identity remains unknown, as she was walking across Convoy Street.
The car eventually came to a stop as it crashed into the drive-thru of a KFC restaurant near Othello Street.
The Kearny Mesa accident occurred around 8:30 a.m. and was witnessed by a man named Julio Lizarraga, who checked on both driver and pedestrian.
Lizarraga reported that Schoaf looked lost while inside his car after the crash. He also said he ran back to the victim and said she wasn’t breathing, but began moving and breathing minutes later. Ultimately, she succumbed to her injuries.
Frank Schoaf has been arrested for vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence of drugs. He is currently in jail on $100,000 bail.
We will update this story with more information as it becomes available.
Liability In Kearny Mesa Pedestrian Accidents
Thousands of pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every year in pedestrian accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “An estimated 137,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal crash-related injuries in 2017. Per trip, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash.” There are a number of factors that could lead to a pedestrian collision including:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Driver distraction
- Inclement weather
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. The family of any victim that died in a pedestrian collision may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Kearny Mesa Pedestrian Accident
We at West Coast Trial Lawyers extend our deepest condolences to the family of the decedent in this case. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Kearny Mesa accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need assistance after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (213) 972-3700.