Pedestrian Killed in Honolulu, HI, Tour Bus Accident by Ala Moana
Honolulu, HI -- February 23, 2017, a woman was killed as the result of an accident where she was hit by a tour bus outside the Ala Moana Center.
Honolulu emergency services were called to the intersection of Mahukona Street and Kona Street, a private intersection on Ala Moana Center property.
According to preliminary investigations, the 65-year-old woman was attempting to cross the intersection using a crosswalk. As she did so, a Travel Plaza Transportation tour bus was on its way to pickup passengers. It took a left turn at the intersection where there was no stop sign. The bus driver somehow did not see the pedestrian, and the woman was hit.
As a result of the collision, the woman sustained fatal injuries. Medical officials pronounced her deceased at the scene.
At this time, Honolulu Police investigators have not determined the exact cause of the accident. No charges or citations have been reported.
Investigations are still underway.
Map of the Area
Commentary
Liability in an accident like this depends a lot on who had the right of way at the time of the accident, which requires a closer look at what each person was doing at the time. Of course, having the right of way is just part of the story. Of equal importance is, regardless of the right of way, could either the pedestrian or the driver have done something to avoid the accident. That's why it is important to know if the driver looking at his phone or was he otherwise distracted? News says he had no prior incidents, but all it takes is one moment of inattention to cause a fatal crash.
There needs to be a thorough independent investigation into this accident to ensure all of the facts come to light. The main reason for this is because when it comes to commercial bus accidents, a police report just isn't enough to determine liability. Commercial bus companies have a lot to lose in a fatal accident, so they will adamantly defend themselves against any accusation of fault--as is their right. In order to convince them to accept accountability for the accident, an experienced professional must confront them with tangible and irrefutable evidence from the accident scene. It's a complex process for those who aren't experienced with it, and the article below is good resource for delving further into the subject.
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--Grossman Law Offices
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