Hickory Avenue Accident Claims Life of Elderly Pedestrian
An elderly pedestrian was struck and killed by a motor vehicle on December 31 in Orangevale. According to the news release by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the man, age 77, was in the street walking during the evening against traffic and clad in dark-colored clothing. The accident happened around 6:30 in the evening along southbound Hickory Avenue near Potts Court. The vehicle that struck him, a Ford F250, was reported to be moving around 35 or 40 mph when it collided with the pedestrian.
Additional Information About the Pedestrian Fatality Accident
Although CPR was performed on the walker by paramedics with the Sacramento Metro Fire District, he was pronounced deceased at around 6:41 p.m. The police report stated that speeding, drugs, or alcohol were not factors that led to the pedestrian accident. The driver of the pickup was uninjured and was not detained by the police.
Losing a Loved One in a Pedestrian Accident
Our firm empathizes with the pain a family feels after losing a loved one due to another party or entity’s negligence. We respond to the grief and anger the family members feel with compassion and a fight for justice.
Over and over, we hear a family member speak of their fear of losing their home, not being able to pay for funeral and burial costs, or their inability to provide for others in the household. We know that nothing we will do will replace the loved one’s presence.
However, our injury attorneys can help by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. By setting up an in-office or virtual meeting, the family can learn if they can file a claim.
How Environment Affects Visual Conspicuity
Seeing an object or target is influenced by the environment. This includes objects around the target and the ambient light. Let us look at the way crowding affects the recognition of an object.
Fix your gaze on a vehicle traveling down the street framed by a light pole. Keeping your gaze steadied on the vehicle, note a point beyond which it is no longer possible to identify the light pole. This is the point of maximum gaze deviation.
Now add two other vehicles. Keep your gaze focused on only one vehicle, using the light pole as a marker. Follow that vehicle until it is again impossible to make out the light pole. By repeating this experiment, you will find that the number of cars influences the point of maximum gaze or where the light pole can no longer be identified in peripheral vision. This is referred to as crowding or lateral masking. Conversely, it should be noted that crowding can decrease the conspicuity of the object.
Conspicuity Angle
The conspicuity angle is the direction of the target (the car) and the point of maximum gaze deviation. The maximum gaze deviation angle is also called the conspicuity angle. By knowing the angle of conspicuity, one is able to shed light on how conspicuous an object is. Having a way to determine a pedestrian’s conspicuity in an accident with a motor vehicle gives investigators an important tool when calculating liability.
Conspicuity and Illumination
Visibility is positively affected by illumination. The light source in a pedestrian accident ranges from crosswalk illumination and street lights to motor vehicle headlights. Cities are obligated to provide ample light in crosswalks and along the road. When the city does not provide adequate illumination in crosswalks and streets, they may be considered liable for a pedestrian accident. Since claim timelines against the government differ from other lawsuits, contacting a personal injury lawyer is vital.
Head Lamps and Conspicuity
Under California law, a vehicle’s headlights must illuminate the road ahead for 300 feet. There are reasons why this does not always happen:
- Some drivers change the headlights, installing other types.
- The lights are worn out, or one of the headlights is broken.
- The manufacturer did not provide proper headlight illumination.
- The car’s owner has changed the headlight cover.
Poor Weather Conditions and Conspicuity
Inclement weather is a significant reason that motor vehicle drivers do not see pedestrians. When rain or fog hampers visibility, drivers should adjust their speed accordingly.
Distracted Driving
Distraction is a major cause of car accidents. Distracted driving, when a driver is taking his or her focus off the road, is also a significant reason for pedestrian fatalities. Also, distraction may cause the driver to speed up and hit the pedestrian while at a higher speed. Higher speeds are likely to result in a pedestrian fatality. This is because the force of the impact increases exponentially with speed.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, and I am a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. If your loved one was injured or died as a result of a negligent driver, call me for my free, friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. I can also be reached online.
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Since 1982, my law firm has helped numerous Northern Californians get compensation for their car accident injuries, traumas, and wrongful deaths.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/candle-light-candlelight-flame-2038736/
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