Crash on Great Highway claims life of senior citizen, authorities say
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, (December 27, 2024) - An elderly woman was fatally struck by a motor vehicle along the Upper Great Highway and Ulloa Street early Friday morning, according to San Francisco police.
(GoFundMe: Melissa Lai Chow)Melissa Lai Chow, age 68, was fatally hurt after being hit by a vehicle on the Great Highway early Friday morning, according to San Francisco police.
The city's medical examiner identified the victim as 68-year-old Melissa Lai Chow. A GoFundMe has been created to cover her funeral costs.
Officers said San Francisco resident Chow was hit around 5:43 a.m. She was transported to a local hospital, where she later passed away. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene. Additional information regarding the incident can be shared with SFPD at (415) 575-4444.
There were 24 pedestrian fatalities in 2024 in the city, officials said.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
No state has more pedestrian deaths on its roadways than California. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (COTS), in 2018, around 893 pedestrians were killed on California roadways, a 26% increase from 2014.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“It is always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian.”
Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney, noted that in cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim's family.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of the investigation, the family members of Melissa Lai Chow may be entitled to a wrongful death claim for the loss of love and companionship.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in fatal pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help she's available for a free consultation to guide you
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).