Hit and Run Pedestrian Accident in Berkeley
A jogger running along Wildcat Canyon Road in Berkeley was struck by an individual riding a motorcycle on August 23rd. The motorcyclist, instead of stopping and offering aid to the jogger as the law requires, left the scene of the crime.
What Happened?
The accident occurred when a man from Piedmont, age 39, was running along the road close to Inspiration Point and was struck shortly after 6:30 in the morning, according to the California Highway Patrol. Following the preliminary investigation, CHP authorities concluded that the motorcycle rider was traveling westbound and was attempting to pass traffic by crossing the yellow lines that indicate passing is not permissible when the bike struck the jogger. According to witnesses to the crash, the motorcycle rider kept heading toward the city after striking the jogger. The victim was subsequently transported to Walnut Creek to the John Medical Center for medical treatment. No information is available on the condition of the accident victim or on the identity of the person who ran into him at this time.
Pedestrian Accidents
Unlike other areas of roadway safety, the number of pedestrians injured and killed in the United States has increased. In 2015, the last year for which there is comprehensive data, 5,376 pedestrians were killed, averaging out to one every 1.6 hours, and this represents the highest number since the year 1996. For 2015, about 129,000 pedestrians were seen in emergency rooms nationwide for injuries related to a crash with a motor vehicle. Since pedestrians have no protection in a collision, fatal accidents are 1.5 times more prevalent than those involving motor vehicles.
Berkeley Pedestrian Accidents
Berkeley residents share the road with many bicyclists and pedestrians. Out of 57 comparable cities, Berkeley ranked number one in 2014 with 98 pedestrians injured or killed. In addition, the number of hit and run injuries or deaths placed Berkeley in the number eight spot.
Incidence of Pedestrian Accidents Nationwide
Older adults account for 19 percent of all pedestrian accidents. Of all children who die in an accident, 20 percent were pedestrians. In 2014, 70 percent of those killed in a pedestrian accident were male. Seventy-five percent of all pedestrian deaths occurred in urban areas and 34 percent were legally impaired by alcohol. The majority of accidents were between the hours of six and nine in the evening. In 2015, California had the highest number of deaths nationwide with 697 pedestrian fatal accidents.
Type of Vehicle Collision
Overall, single-vehicle crashes predominated are known as a cause of pedestrian fatalities by a factor of 92 percent. Of all crashes, front end collisions by a motor vehicle were more common. Large trucks accounted for a greater number of rear and side-impact collisions.
Crosswalk Safety Precautions
While crosswalks help keep pedestrians safe with 42 percent of all pedestrian accidents happening on roads without a crosswalk, some accidents occur because, despite the presence of a crosswalk, pedestrians choose not to use it. Of all pedestrian accidents, only 9 percent actually happen in crosswalks. Improper utilization of traffic signals is one of the major reasons accidents happen in crosswalks.
Berkeley Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Berkeley pedestrian accident lawyer. If a member of your family has died or you have been injured due to a pedestrian incident, please call me at (510) 631-0200. I am always here to offer you my friendly advice free of charge. You can also call my toll-free number, which is (800) 404-5400 anytime day or night.
I’ve practiced as an injury lawyer in California, including the Berkeley area, for the past 35 years, and I continue to do so by serving clients with traumatic injuries or families with wrongful death claims to obtain fair compensation.
Since you want to be informed when you consult an attorney, all my reviews can be found at Avvo, Google, and Yelp. In addition, my Verdicts and Settlements page is available to you to see how I resolved prior cases.
I am a California member of the Million Dollar Forum. This group is made up of less than 1 percent of trial lawyers in the country who have obtained at least $1 million in settlements or verdicts for their clients.
Photo Attribution: Wikimedia Commons biker-446071_1280.jpg
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