Chico Accident Results in Major Injuries for Pedestrian
A pedestrian was seriously injured in an accident when a vehicle traveling southbound hit him on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway recently. The incident occurred in the vicinity of the Costco gas station. The area was closed to vehicular traffic for about three hours while the accident was investigated. According to the Chico Police Department, the walker, who is 58, was transported to the hospital for a fractured neck and deformed shoulder and right leg and was in serious but stable condition. A representative of the police department said the man was inebriated and crossed the road at an unauthorized location.
Driver Remains at the Scene
The motorist involved in the accident remained at the scene of the crash. Police reports indicate the man is from Oroville, and he was not inebriated when the accident occurred. No charges have been made.
Pedestrian Accidents
The number of accidents involving pedestrians is at an all-time high. This is partly due to the number of vehicles and walkers on the road. For instance, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 7,668 pedestrians were killed in 2019, an all-time high. Some reasons for accidents involving walkers are:
- Distracted driving: Many drivers are too busy texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the GPS to watch for someone crossing the road. For example, it takes roughly five seconds for someone to read or write a text. The same amount of time is used for a vehicle to travel the length of a football field. Distracted driving is actually overcoming drunk driving as a leading cause of traffic accidents.
- Running a red light: Intersections are dangerous for walkers with motor vehicles, those on foot, and bicyclists converging. The traffic in an intersection is often endangered by a driver who runs a red light. Because a red-light runner does not stop, a person in the crosswalk or entering the road from the curb can be injured.
- Drunk drivers: A motorist who is inebriated has poor reflexes and lacks the cognitive skills needed to drive safely. They often have blurred vision and trouble maintaining their lane. All of this makes it hard for them to spot and avoid hitting a person in a crosswalk or one stepping off the curb.
- Poor road maintenance: The city agency in charge of road maintenance can cause an accident when they ignore their duties. For example, if a crossing light or a traffic signal is malfunctioning, the risk to a person crossing the road is higher. Likewise, potholes or broken curbs and overgrown foliage blocking a driver’s view of a stop sign all pose dangers for a walker. A claim can be placed against the agency for the injuries the individual suffers. The timeline to file this claim differs from that of other personal injury lawsuits, and if the deadline is exceeded, the claim will not be heard in court.
- Fatigued drivers: Drowsy drivers are a menace on the roads. Closing your eyes for even five seconds can cause a traffic fatality. If the driver nods off, it is easy to see how life can be taken.
Visibility Is Key to Pedestrian Safety
A key reason for accidents involving pedestrians is lack of visibility. This takes into account the conspicuity of the pedestrian. At night, a walker in dark clothes in a poorly lit area is difficult to see. Walkers are encouraged to carry a flashlight, wear light-colored clothing or use reflective tape or clothes. Other ways walkers can protect themselves are:
- Use a crosswalk
- Don’t walk in the road
- Check for oncoming traffic before entering the road
- Don’t jaywalk
- Don’t take safety for granted in a crosswalk
- Watch for drivers exiting a driveway
- Don’t drink and walk
- Don’t use headphones in both ears so you can hear approaching vehicles
Chico Personal Injury Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a Chico personal injury lawyer. If you have been injured by a negligent driver, you need the insight an experienced lawyer can provide. Call me at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 or contact me online to set up a free case consultation. My team of injury lawyers will be able to answer your questions, tell you more about your claim and your options.
We helped Chico residents since 1982 obtain the compensation they deserve in all types of accidents, wrongful death cases, and other traumas.
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Photo attribution: Image by Brian Merrill from Pixabay
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