Pedestrian Suffers Major Injuries in Merced Hit and Run
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced personal injury attorney. A local man suffered serious injuries following a hit and run accident in Merced on July 5, 2018. Shortly after midnight, the man was riding his skateboard with a friend to a local convenience store along the 2000 block of R Street when he was struck by an oncoming vehicle, whose driver reportedly fled the scene following the collision. Emergency personnel was dispatched to the scene where they later found the victim unresponsive in the roadway. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he was listed in critical condition the following day. Family members of the victim say that their loved one may face a long road to recovery as he suffered numerous bone fractures from his head to his legs.
Accident Investigation
According to local authorities, a 24-year-old Merced woman reached out to officials in regard to the traffic accident. She informed police that she believed her vehicle, a 2010 Dodge Avenger, struck a dog as she was traveling southbound along R Street and left the scene due to fear.
When investigators examined the impact to the Dodge, they concluded that the damage was consistent with that of crashing into a pedestrian. The woman was then detained and booked into the local county jail on charges of driving without a license and hit and run causing major bodily injury.
Pedestrian Accidents
The number of pedestrian injuries and fatalities in the United States has increased in recent years. In fact, approximately 129,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency rooms for crash-related injuries in 2015, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There were also 5,376 pedestrian fatalities that same year in question, accounting as an average of one pedestrian death every 1.6 hours. Additionally, fatal collisions among pedestrians are 1.5 times more prevalent compared to those involving motor vehicles due to a pedestrian’s lack of physical protection in an accident.
Pedestrian Injuries
A pedestrian suffers injuries every eight minutes in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Some of these injuries may include:
- Bone Fractures: Any type of fracture in the body can be serious but particularly when it involves the spine, pelvis or hips;
- Head and brain injuries: This type of damage can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries. Some symptoms of these injuries may include memory loss, confusion, drowsiness, agitation, irritability, and restlessness;
- Lower Extremity Injury: The legs are a common site of injury among adults in pedestrian accidents as this location is typically struck by a motor vehicle;
- Spinal Cord Injury: Any form of trauma to the spinal column can result in long-lasting or even permanent damage. In serious cases, partial or complete paralysis can occur;
- Upper Extremity Injury: Trauma to the upper limbs is common and can be caused by a collision with a motor vehicle or landing on the ground. Signs of these injuries may include abrasions, broken bones, cuts or scrapes.
Coverage in Hit and Run Accidents
Hit and run accidents can leave devastating effects on victims and their families. Unlike other types of car accidents, these accidents can present unique challenges for victims if the suspect driver and vehicle cannot be located. This is where Uninsured Motorist Protection (UM) makes all the difference. This type of coverage is optional to add onto an automobile insurance policy in California and is highly beneficial to those who carry it as it compensates victims for damages related to a hit and run or an accident caused by an uninsured driver. Contact an attorney for additional information.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Getting into a hit and run accident can be frightening and stressful, however, you do not need to undergo it alone. Contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer in Merced is the most important step to take in the recovery process. An attorney with years of experience can protect your rights, investigate further into the facts and evidence of the accident, and communicate effectively with insurance companies while you recover from your injuries.
Merced Personal Injury Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced personal injury attorney. Pedestrian accidents are capable of causing severe harm to those involved. In such cases, the injured pedestrian may be able to seek compensation for the losses related to their injuries like time lost from work, future medical costs and other types of damages. If this has happened to you or someone you love, I am here to provide you with free, friendly legal advice on your situation. Please feel free to contact me any time at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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