Vehicle struck woman while turning from parking lot in La Mesa
May 13, 2026 | La Mesa, CA
What happened in the crash?
Saba Berhane, 80, died after being struck by a vehicle along Fletcher Parkway in La Mesa.
- Date: May 13
- Location: Fletcher Parkway, La Mesa, California
- Victim: Saba Berhane, 80
- Incident: Struck by vehicle turning right from parking lot onto street
- Outcome: Died at hospital from injuries
Why do these accidents happen?
Pedestrian fatalities continue to rise across U.S. roadways due to driver behavior, infrastructure gaps, and vehicle-focused road design. Between 2009 and 2023, pedestrian deaths increased 80 percent while all other traffic fatalities rose 13 percent, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.
Key facts at a glance
| Factor | Detail | Source |
|---|
| Right-of-way rules | Pedestrians generally have right of way | State vehicle codes |
| Common contributing factors | Road conditions, signage, lighting | Federal Highway Administration |
| National trend | 80% rise in pedestrian deaths (2009-2023) | Governors Highway Safety Association |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, analysts stress the value of an independent review to examine road conditions, signage visibility, and lighting.
“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 Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress.”
Key takeaways
- Insurance companies may offer quick settlements below case value
- Thorough investigation helps protect family rights
- Legal representation supports fair compensation
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(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).