Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Traffic Justice

Sidewalk-Jumping Driver Claims Children He Hurt Were “Reckless”

This fall, 90-year-old Edward Nelson lost control of his vehicle, jumped the curb, and pinned two six-year-old twins against a wall with his BMW SUV in Menlo Park, California.

Collision scene: In October a 90-year-old driver struck three boys walking on the sidewalk in Menlo Park, California. Now the driver claims the boys were behaving "recklessly." Image: ##http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2013/12/31/driver-responds-to-lawsuit-over-menlo-park-crash-that-injured-6-year-old-twins## Palo Alto Online##
Collision scene: In October a 90-year-old driver struck three boys walking on the sidewalk in Menlo Park, California. Now the driver claims the boys were behaving "recklessly." Image: ##http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2013/12/31/driver-responds-to-lawsuit-over-menlo-park-crash-that-injured-6-year-old-twins## Palo Alto Online##
Collision scene: In October a 90-year-old driver struck three boys walking on the sidewalk in Menlo Park, California. Now the driver claims the boys were behaving "recklessly." Image: ##http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2013/12/31/driver-responds-to-lawsuit-over-menlo-park-crash-that-injured-6-year-old-twins## Palo Alto Online##

One of the twin brothers suffered a broken arm. The other was hospitalized in critical condition; he wasn't released from the hospital until five weeks and multiple surgeries later. A third brother, 9 years old, was also injured in the collision.

Perhaps you would expect Nelson to be ashamed? Beg the family for forgiveness? Not so much.

In response to a lawsuit from the family, Nelson's attorney has accused the boys of "reckless, careless and negligent" behavior. According to The Almanac, the family is seeking damages from Nelson, a retired attorney, for the injuries and emotional trauma the boys suffered. Some of the injuries may be permanent, they say.

Nelson's attorney claims the boys, "knowing the probable consequences thereof, placed themselves in a position of danger." And that the family failed to "reasonably mitigate" damages they sustained.

Meanwhile, The Almanac reports, Nelson’s license was confiscated after the crash and he was ordered to undergo an examination with the DMV. The Almanac reports that he only faces “a possible infraction” from local law enforcement since he was not intoxicated and his license was valid.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Talking Headways Podcast: From Intern to CEO

What does it take to run a big (or small) engineering firm? Find out in this week's episode!

January 23, 2025

Streetsblog on the Road: Bike Share in Shanghai

The Chinese mega-city provides an example of great urban mobility, albeit with a side of authoritarianism.

January 23, 2025

Will Incoming U.S. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy Derail America’s Two Biggest Transportation Bills?

America has a new transportation secretary – but a recent executive order appears to direct him not to perform some of the most important duties of his job.

January 23, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines Are On the Road Again

Is working from home here to stay, or will bosses eventually force their employees to come back to the office? And how will that affect transportation patterns?

January 23, 2025

Survey: Boomers Don’t Accept That They Won’t Be Able To Drive Forever

The vast majority of aging adults believe they'll never have to give up driving. They might not have a choice.

January 23, 2025
See all posts