Hazel Avenue Intersection Traffic Collision Seriously Injures Older Pedestrian
A pedestrian injury happened in Orangevale on September 21 when the walker was struck by a motor vehicle. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the collision happened at the intersection of Hazel Avenue and Greenback Lane shortly after 9:00 in the morning. The pedestrian was described as an older female, and she reportedly suffered a significant injury in the collision and was transported to a hospital by emergency responders.
Hazel Avenue Closed for Pedestrian Accident Investigation
Hazel Avenue was closed down while an investigation by the CHP was conducted into the pedestrian injury. No information on the condition of the injured woman has been released. Her name will not be made public until the family has been notified.
Intersection Accidents
Pedestrian injury accidents are common at Hazel Avenue and Greenback Lane even though crosswalks and traffic signals are installed. Among the reasons a driver may be at fault for a collision with a pedestrian are:
- The driver was disobeying traffic laws by speeding, running a red light, or making an unsafe or illegal turn.
- The motorist made a turn without signaling.
- The driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- They were texting, talking on a cell phone, or otherwise distracted.
- The driver was too tired to be behind the wheel of a car, which can have a similar effect to being drunk.
Government Negligence Can Result in a Pedestrian Injury
The government entity in charge of an intersection’s design and maintenance can be at fault if accidents continue to occur. Some of the ways this can happen include:
- Inadequate lighting can contribute to an accident, especially to pedestrians after dark.
- Poor placement of poles at street corners can obstruct a driver’s vision.
- A traffic light or crosswalk signal that isn’t working or is malfunctioning or mistimed can lead to a collision.
- Lack of road maintenance leads to a dangerous condition such as upheavals in the pavement and potholes.
- Poor design of the roadway where drivers don’t have a clear view causes accidents.
Pedestrian Injury Accident Investigations
The way a pedestrian injury accident is investigated is similar to other traffic collisions. When the accident is at an intersection, care must be taken to gather evidence specific to these areas. That includes checking the traffic lights to see if the accident involving the walker was captured on film and ensuring the crossing lights are functioning correctly.
Our investigators review the police report to ensure it is error-free, and they interview witnesses to the pedestrian injury. If government negligence is involved, such as poorly painted lines or mistimed crossings, they may be held responsible financially for injuries.
Accident reconstruction is a powerful tool used by our investigators to support a client’s financial compensation claim. The investigators photograph the site of the pedestrian injury as well as damage that was caused, which can illustrate the position the pedestrian was standing in when struck and where.
Once the evidence has been compiled, our experienced lawyers take over. They build a case that supports our client’s claim, whether it is used for insurance negotiations or in civil court.
Related articles by Orangevale personal injury lawyer Ed Smith:
- Injuries to Pedestrians and Vehicle Speed
- Safety Concerns and Older Pedestrians
- How Marked Crosswalks Might Not Be Safe
Orangevale Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Orangevale personal injury lawyer. If you or a loved one was injured by a negligent motorist, enlisting the help of an experienced lawyer may help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Call (916) 921-6400 for my free and friendly advice or (800) 404-5400. You can also connect with me online.
I’ve helped numerous Orangevale residents obtain compensation for traffic accidents, government claims, wrongful deaths, and injuries since 1982.
The following pages show how I helped others in the past:
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