Minor Injured in Crash With Recreation Vehicle
A pedestrian accident involving a minor occurred in downtown Sacramento on May 25 in a collision with a vehicle. Authorities with the Sacramento Police Department said they were called to the intersection of Richards Boulevard and Bercut Drive around 4:35 in the afternoon after receiving a report that a child had been struck by a recreational vehicle. The child in question was responsive to emergency responders and was taken to a nearby hospital under Code 3, which means the sirens and lights were in use. No information was released on the condition of the minor. The accident is being investigated by the Sacramento police to determine how the pedestrian accident occurred.
Reasons a Pedestrian Accident Happens
Negligent motorists are a common cause of serious injuries to pedestrians, who lack any protection in a collision against a vehicle. While drivers tend to watch out for other motorists, they sometimes neglect to look for others such as motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. Some of the reasons that motorists are responsible for a pedestrian accident include:
- Drunk or drugged driving is responsible for many traffic accidents every year, including those with pedestrians.
- Distracted driving such as texting, changing a radio station or reaching for something inside the vehicle can lead to a collision.
- Fatigue from being on the road too many hours, doing shift work or just getting insufficient sleep is becoming a more common cause of accidents.
- Speeding, running a red light or stop sign, changing lanes carelessly, and other forms of negligent behavior are common causes of accidents.
Both walkers and motorists can be responsible for a pedestrian accident. Among pedestrians, they may not expect a vehicle coming their way. A walker may also be crossing at a busy corner where there is no pedestrian crosswalk. The absence of a crosswalk at a busy intersection may be due to faulty city planning. If so, the city may be partly responsible for the person’s injuries.
Compensation Following an Accident
An individual who is injured through negligence or from an intentional act may claim fair compensation with the help of an experienced Sacramento personal injury attorney. By placing a claim, their expenses can be covered for their pain and suffering, medical costs, and wages that were lost by being unable to work.
Investigation of a Pedestrian Accident
A lawyer experienced in handling pedestrian accidents can help provide the evidence needed to support a compensation claim. We send our investigators to the accident site right away to gather the evidence needed. Some of the areas in which they conduct an investigation include checking for mistakes in the police report and interviewing the witnesses. It is important to perform accident reconstruction also, which can show exactly how the incident occurred. Videotapes of the accident may be available from nearby cameras located on businesses and traffic lights.
Government Neglect Can Cause a Pedestrian Accident
In addition, problems with the road itself can result in an injury if overhanging branches or overgrown shrubbery obscures a clear view of a pedestrian or driver. In others, potholes, missing signs, or malfunctioning traffic lights may be to blame that can indicate negligence by a government entity. When the investigation is complete, the evidence is given to our lawyers to construct a strong case. It is used either when dealing with the insurance company or in court.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. Serious injuries are common in pedestrian accidents. If negligence by another was the cause, I have free and friendly advice to offer when you call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. An online form is available also.
For more than 38 years, I’ve helped injured residents of Sacramento get compensation following an accident caused by negligence. From traffic accidents to traumatic injuries or wrongful deaths, I work hard toward obtaining compensation for a client.
The following pages contain reviews left by some of my former clients as well as cases that my firm has handled:
I’m a proud member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Forum.
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