Woman Struck by Big Rig Sues City

The woman who was struck by a tractor-trailer last November while crossing at East Washington and McDowell Boulevard is suing the city of Petaluma.

Heather Kontos, 23, suffered major injuries in the early morning accident, including a broken pelvis and injury to her abdomen, leg and brain, according to her attorney, and continues to receive treatment.

In the suit, filed November 22 in California Superior Court, Kontos blames poor lighting and concrete pillars at the busy intersection that she says obstructed the driver’s view and caused him to hit her as she was walking.

“We believe that the City of Petaluma knew or should have known that the intersection was dangerous and would present a potential risk to both pedestrians and motorists,” said Timothy Loranger, an attorney with Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman in Los Angeles.

“The street lamps were not working at this intersection, and in particular, the street lamp at the corner where Ms. Kontos was walking was not lit, causing the area to be dark.”

A year after the accident, the city has not fixed the light, according to Loranger.

Kontos, a Casa Grande grad, has incurred more than $1 million in medical expenses and will likely suffer some disability for the rest of her life, Loranger said. 

The young woman is seeking unspecified damages, in part because her treatment continues.

Reached on Tuesday, Ron Blaquie, the city’s risk assessment manager, said he could not comment on ongoing litigation.

Kontos’s suit also names Matheson Postal Services, the company which owns the mail truck, and the driver. The suit was filed in Sacramento because the company is based there.