Man Critically Injured in Fresno Pedestrian Accident
A man was critically injured in a Fresno pedestrian accident that occurred during the early morning hours of April 15, 2019. The incident happened at approximately 12:30 a.m. in the area of Cedar Avenue and California Avenue. Officials said a man was struck by an unidentified vehicle and was transported to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Authorities last reported he was listed in critical condition, but they believe he is expected to survive.
Investigation of the Fresno Pedestrian Accident
Officials have not yet released an exact cause of the pedestrian accident due to an ongoing investigation. Authorities are searching for any nearby camera surveillance that may have captured a glimpse of the car involved. So far, a description of the suspect vehicle has not yet been released by investigators.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrians who have been struck by a vehicle often suffer traumatic injuries. The severity of the injuries will depend upon the type of vehicle and speed traveled as well as the age and health of the pedestrian. The most common pedestrian accident injuries include broken bones, facial scarring, spinal cord damage, internal injuries, and head trauma.
Proving Negligence in a Pedestrian Accident
When a collision involves a pedestrian and a motor vehicle, the determination of who is to blame will generally require careful consideration of the circumstances and facts of the incident. Both drivers and pedestrians must obey traffic signals, signs, and laws. Pedestrians must exercise due care and make reasonable efforts to avoid an injury. Motorists must pay attention to the road and drive within the posted speed limit. If a pedestrian suffers injuries due to driver error, he or she may seek compensation for personal injury damages. To learn more about how liability is established in an accident, watch the below video.
Recoverable Damages in a Pedestrian Accident
A personal injury claim may include two types of damages, economic and noneconomic. These include:
- Costs for rehabilitation and medical care.
- Disfigurement may be claimed for the emotional suffering and humiliation caused by scarring or other unsightly marks. The cost of cosmetic surgery to improve the appearance of the scarring may also be reimbursed.
- Expenses such as in-home nursing care or household services.
- Loss of consortium may be claimed for the deprivation of companionship and intimacy for the injured party and his or her spouse. The inability to conceive children due to the injury may also be claimed.
- Loss of earning potential may be recovered if the injuries are so severe that the pedestrian cannot return to their prior job.
- Lost wages for the time a pedestrian misses from work to recover from their injuries and attend medical appointments.
- Medical equipment and retrofitting an injured pedestrian may need for their home to accommodate a disability such as a spinal cord injury.
- Pain and suffering for the impact on a pedestrian’s life as a result of the crash such as emotional and physical distress.
- Property damage for the cost to repair or replace personal property such as damaged glasses, clothing or watches.
Financial Recovery for Hit and Run Pedestrian Accidents
Payment for damages incurred in a pedestrian accident usually comes from the car insurance policy of the at-fault driver. If the motorist flees the scene of the incident and goes unidentified, the injured pedestrian may have recourse through their own auto insurance if they have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This will help cover losses resulting from an accident with a driver who has insufficient coverage, no insurance, or leaves the scene of a crash. If you do not have an insurance policy of your own but are covered by another driver in your household, your losses and injuries may be reimbursed from that policy. For more details, contact an experienced attorney.
Fresno Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno personal injury lawyer. Hit and run accidents involving pedestrians often involve debilitating injuries. The complications of these accidents are significantly compounded when a negligent driver leaves the scene of the incident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit and run accident as a pedestrian, please call me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly case advice.
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