Oakland, California — A pedestrian is facing a difficult recovery after sustaining multiple brain injuries when a vehicle driven by two young children struck her in East Oakland. The case highlights how a sudden pedestrian crash can leave survivors and families grappling with extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and uncertainty about long-term health.
Oakland Pedestrian Seriously Injured Near 35th Avenue
Kiara Bowling was walking a friend’s dog near 35th and Mangels avenues on August 6 when a Toyota Camry driven by two young brothers struck her.
Authorities said the children had taken the family vehicle while their parents were asleep before driving several blocks and sideswiping another vehicle. The Camry then veered toward Bowling and hit her.
Bowling was taken to Highland Hospital with severe brain injuries, facial fractures, and other trauma requiring multiple surgeries. Her family later reported that she was responding to voices and moving her hands and feet.
As of August 13, she remained in critical condition, with doctors describing her condition as a diffuse axonal brain injury.
How California Injury Claims May Apply After a Severe Brain Injury
When someone suffers a traumatic brain injury because of another party’s negligence, California law may allow the injured person to pursue compensation.
California Civil Code Section 1714 establishes a general duty to exercise reasonable care, although determining responsibility in an unusual incident involving young children may require a detailed investigation.
A brain injury claim may involve compensation for:
- Emergency treatment, hospitalization, and surgery
- Rehabilitation, therapy, and future medical care
- Lost wages and reduced future earning ability
- Pain, emotional distress, and loss of normal activities
- Long-term assistance when brain injuries cause permanent limitations
Evidence such as surveillance footage, medical records, witness accounts, vehicle information, and investigative reports can become important when determining how the incident occurred and who may be legally responsible.
At Brain Injury Help Center
Severe brain trauma can affect memory, movement, communication, independence, employment, and family life. Survivors may also face years of rehabilitation and medical expenses while the full extent of the injury is still being assessed.
At Brain Injury Help Center, we help California TBI survivors and their families understand their legal options following serious accidents. Our team can review the circumstances, identify potentially responsible parties, preserve key evidence, and explain what compensation may be available.
Free consultations are available, regardless of immigration status.
