Mother Whose Daughter Was Severely Injured In 2014 Crash Believes Others Are In Danger
ANAHEIM (CBSLA.com) — A mother whose daughter was severely injured in 2014 after being struck by a car in a crosswalk while on her way to school is speaking out.
"For me, she's a miracle and I see her and even though I know I'm going through a lot I say, 'No, there is nothing worse than being in Paulina's place,' " said Salud Herrera of her daughter.
The child was once a vibrant 11-year-old who had won the Principal's Award and the Shining Star award at Juliette Low Elementary in Anaheim.
Now, Paulina Perez, age 13, is severely brain injured and paralyzed after she was struck in a crosswalk while on her way to school to eat breakfast with friends.
The incident happened in Sept. of 2014 when a crossing guard wasn't on duty.
"If I could give my life, I would give it to her," said Herrera.
Just two months ago, another child and a man were struck in the same crosswalk and Herrera is desperate for something to be done.
As it stands, crossing guards come on-duty five minutes before the students start arriving to campus for the school breakfast.
"What are they waiting for? For somebody to die?" Herrera asked.
Herrera is now suing the city of Anaheim and the Magnolia School District over allegations they neglected to follow California regulations that require crossing guards to adjust schedules for when
students are arriving.
"It's just sad. It shouldn't happen. That's what bothers me," said her attorney, Mark Robinson, who explains that something needs to change.
"If I have to live with this sadness in my life, it's OK but at least other kids lives are going to be saved," said Herrera.
CBS2 learned earlier Wednesday that four other schools in the Magnolia School District have the same five-minute overlay with the crossing guards.
A call placed to the school superintendent for comment has not yet been returned.
