Pedestrian Killed by Hit and Run Driver
I’m car accident lawyer in Sacramento Ed Smith. A recent accident near the 65th Street and Broadway intersection ended in the death of a pedestrian. The man died shortly after being struck by a hit and run driver. Police are asking the community for any information they might have on the identity of the driver.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sympathy to the family and friends of Joey Cabral who died in this tragic way.
Accident Details
The accident happened on 65th Street near where it intersects Broadway. Sacramento Police reported that the pedestrian was heading west on 65th when a vehicle traveling south hit him. The driver of the car has not been identified as of the time of this report. The pedestrian was found lying in the road, and he was not responsive when paramedics reached him. He was identified as Joey Cabral. Cabral was pronounced dead at the scene by personnel from the fire department of Sacramento.
Pedestrian Accidents on the Increase
Pedestrian deaths increased by a 27-percentage point margin in the decade leading up to 2016 in California. In the first six months of 2017, California led the nation in the number of pedestrian deaths. The number of pedestrians who lost their lives in Sacramento has increased from 10 in prior years to 19 in 2017. Police in Sacramento have instituted programs such as Wait for the Walk to cut down on the number of pedestrian fatalities.
Reasons for Increased Pedestrian Deaths
Reasons for pedestrian deaths are varied. More people are walking for the health benefits walking brings. This means that the interaction between motor vehicles and walkers has increased. Both groups, according to experts in the field, are responsible for safety. One of the prime causes of pedestrian accidents is the explosion of cell phone use. Drivers and pedestrians alike take their attention away from the road. Since even a momentary glance can end in an accident, authorities have clamped down on cell phone usage for motorists. Some cities are starting to institute the same policy for walkers.
Speeding and Pedestrian Deaths
Speeding is another reason pedestrians are killed. Consider that the impact from a motor vehicle at 40 mph has an 85 percent chance of killing a pedestrian. Alternately, a car traveling at 20 mph has a 5 percent chance of causing fatal injuries. Maintaining a lower speed at intersections and crosswalks can help avoid pedestrian fatalities.
Drinking and Pedestrian Accidents
Drinking is a problem for both drivers and walkers when trying to avoid pedestrian accidents. The Governor’s Highway Safety Association has reported that about 34 percent of all pedestrians killed in a crash with a motor vehicle have elevated blood alcohol levels. This is in comparison to 15 percent of drivers who are impaired.
Jaywalking
A new law in California is on the books concerning jaywalking. Assembly Bill 390 allows pedestrians to enter a crosswalk even if the countdown to a steady red light has begun. The understanding is that the person must be able to reach his or her destination by the time the countdown is finished. However, many pedestrians cross haphazardly, causing accidents. Also, it is better to pass at designated crosswalks only. If no crosswalk is present, looking both ways and using a well-lit street is recommended.
Sacramento Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Sacramento car accident lawyer Ed Smith. If you have been involved in an accident where a pedestrian injury occurred, you need the help of an experienced legal advocate. Reach out to me anytime at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. I’ll be here to answer your questions and give you friendly and free legal advice. If it is easier for you, connect with me online here on my website AutoAccident.com.
It is always a good idea to learn about an attorney’s practice before retaining him or her. Look at my Settlements and Verdicts page to see how I resolved other cases.
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