Woman Killed in Pedestrian Accident
An Antioch woman tragically lost her life in Pittsburg in an auto versus pedestrian accident.
What Happened?
At approximately 4:50 a.m. on 31 July, a vehicle traveling on Atlantic Avenue struck a 35-year-old woman. The authorities identified the woman as Kyna Scott of Antioch.
Paramedics immediately began resuscitation efforts on the 35-year-old female, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Preliminary reports indicate that she died from significant head trauma. The driver of the vehicle did not sustain any injuries.
The Pittsburg Police Department’s Fatal Accident Response Team arrived at the accident scene shortly after it occurred and began investigating. After the accident, the vehicle’s driver remained on the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Cause of the Accident
The cause of the accident is still under investigation. However, at this point, investigators do not believe drugs or alcohol played a role. Additionally, they do not believe the driver was distracted during the accident.
About Atlantic Avenue
Pedestrian accidents are not uncommon on Atlantic Avenue because of the design of the road. Atlantic Avenue is a two-lane street with a center lane that connects Harbor Street and Railroad Avenue. It is lined by apartments on the north side and a large strip mall on the south.
Its speed limit of 35 miles per hour is rarely observed, and signs warning of hazards on the road are rarely read. The road also boasts a great deal of traffic in the morning as a commuter grabs breakfast at the McDonald’s located on the road (the only one in Pittsburg).
Atlantic Avenue Crosswalks
The sidewalks on the south side of the street consequently cross nearly half a dozen entrances to the strip mall in half a mile. These crossing areas are all poorly marked, and several are along a curve, making it difficult for drivers to see approaching pedestrians.
Additionally, crosswalks spanning from the strip mall to the apartment complexes across it are poorly lit and poorly signed. Drivers regularly roll the stop signs that border the crosswalks.
What happens when victims are within a crosswalk?
The vehicle’s driver is fully liable if a pedestrian is within a crosswalk during the accident. Pedestrians have the “right of way” according to traffic laws, so vehicles are required to stop for them.
This liability may be diminished if other factors prevent the driver from seeing the victim in the crosswalk. Factors can include poor lighting of the crosswalk and poor markings showing the crosswalk.
What happens when victims are NOT within a crosswalk?
In non-commute hours, Atlantic Avenue can become a sleepy street with people using it only to run errands. As a result, many local residents will jaywalk across it rather than cross in a designated area.
The vehicle’s driver may still be liable if a pedestrian is not in a crosswalk during an accident. Drivers must avoid accidents and to yield to pedestrians. Therefore, the driver in a fatal pedestrian accident may be liable if he did not make all reasonable efforts to avoid the accident.
Antioch Wrongful Death Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, and I am an Antioch wrongful death lawyer. The loss of life is always tragic. This tragedy can be compounded by pedestrian accidents. If one of these accidents impacts you or a loved one, please call me at (925) 428-5220 for friendly, free advice. I can also be reached toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
I am highly experienced in representing victims and their families in the aftermath of fatal pedestrian accidents. I have exclusively practiced personal injury and wrongful death law over my 34-year career.
I have also assembled a team of committed injury lawyers here to help.
Please see our reviews on standard websites to learn about others’ experiences.
You can also see some of my Past Verdicts and Settlements listed in my extensive auto accident database.
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Image Attributed to W. Robert Howell at Wikimedia Commons
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