Fatal Pedestrian Accident Kills Man 

62-year-old Michael Dougherty was killed in an Encinitas pedestrian accident on Thursday evening. 

The incident took place on November 4th at 7:15 p.m. on Encinitas Boulevard. 

According to reports, Dougherty had just finished delivering groceries when he was walking across Encinitas Boulevard back to his vehicle. 

Dougherty was then hit by an oncoming pickup truck in the southbound lanes. 

The pickup truck also hit the driver’s side of the pedestrian’s vehicle causing both vehicles to end up on the eastside of the curb. 

A witness called 911 but unfortunately Dougherty was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:25 p.m. 

The San Diego’s Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating the incident. 

According to statistics, there was a 26% increase in pedestrian deaths in California from 2014-2018.

In addition, California’s pedestrian fatality rate is about 25% higher than the national average. 

Tips for pedestrians: 

• Always be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid distractions (use of headphones, cell phone) 
• Obey traffic laws & signals
• Always use crosswalk

If your injuries are caused by the negligence of a third party you may be entitled to compensation. In the event of a death, families may be entitled to wrongful death benefits. 

It is also important to remember that in the state of California a person involved in a car accident who has sustained injuries has to file a claim within two years of the accident.