Tragic Nov. 12 collision happened along Highway 138
PHELAN, CA, (November 16, 2024) - On Nov. 12, a tragic incident on Highway 138 resulted in the death of 65-year-old Sang Ho Lee, a resident of Phelan. The California Highway Patrol responded to the scene at approximately 5:36 p.m. after reports of a pedestrian walking along the highway.
Sang Ho Lee sadly died on Nov. 16 after being struck by a motor vehicle along Highway 138 in Phelan.
Lee was struck by a vehicle and, despite the efforts of emergency responders, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Information about the driver was not released.
The circumstances leading to the accident are currently under investigation by CHP.
PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
This accident underscores the dangers that pedestrians face every day in this country.
According to data from the Governors Highway Safety Association, the number of pedestrian fatalities in the United States has grown substantially faster than all other traffic deaths. An estimated 7,342 pedestrian fatalities occurred in 2021, an increase of 13 percent from the previous year.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, a Managing Partner with Bond Legal.
“An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. These resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision,” said Bond, an experienced pedestrian attorney.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Bond. The family of Sang Ho Lee may be entitled to a wrongful death claim.
“Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident,” she added.
As an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family through this difficult time while protecting their rights.
“Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth,” Bond noted. “However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
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).