Man Runs Onto Highway to Save His Dog and Is Struck by Two Vehicles
A pedestrian fatality occurred in Oroville on January 27 after a man ran out onto the highway to get his dogs. The accident happened around 6:48 p.m. along Highway 70 near Power House Hill Road. The report issued by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) identified the deceased as Travis Skybergmanley, age 37, and an Oroville resident. According to the police report, two of the man’s dogs were loose, and one of them ran onto the highway.
Drivers Remain at Scene of Pedestrian Fatality Accident
While the man was trying to pick up his pet in the slow lane, two vehicles heading south along the road struck and killed him. Both drivers remained at the scene of the accident. The CHP reported that neither alcohol nor drugs appeared to factor into the tragic accident. Anyone who saw the accident or has information about it is asked to phone (530) 538-2700, which is the Oroville office of the CHP.
Pedestrian Injuries and Fatalities on Highways
A surprising number of pedestrian fatalities occur on highways, with the estimate being about 10 percent. The majority of pedestrian accidents that occur after dark involve people walking on the street or highway. Some of the reasons these pedestrian fatality accidents occur include:
- Driver inattention, drunk driving, and suicidal behavior lead to some pedestrian fatality accidents.
- Most pedestrians are on highways simply to cross them. With the speed at which motorists travel on a highway, pedestrian accidents are common since the motorist does not have enough time to avoid hitting the person on foot. It is not uncommon for motorists to miss seeing the pedestrian until it is too late to avoid striking them.
- A pedestrian may be fixing their own vehicle or pushing it off the road because of mechanical problems. Distracted driving, sleepiness, and drunkenness are usually the causes of these accidents because of driver negligence.
- A pedestrian who is injured on an interstate highway might be on the road due to a prior accident. In some cases, pedestrians are injured after being thrown from their vehicles. Sometimes, people are exchanging information, looking at crash damage or waiting for assistance. Inattentive driving and poor road lighting may contribute to pedestrian accidents in these instances.
- A small number of pedestrian fatalities occur when walkers are struck by vehicles while on the road shoulder or walking along the side. Pedestrians may also be crossing the street illegally in some cases. In most cases, these crashes are the result of driver errors or distractions.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
Accidents involving a pedestrian fatality on an interstate highway can sometimes be recovered in a wrongful death lawsuit. It is possible to sue any driver who causes a pedestrian accident as a result of general negligence. You may also be able to file a lawsuit against the state or federal agency responsible for designing the roadway, building it or repairing and maintaining it. Even if a particular person, such as a pedestrian, is rarely permitted on a highway, the agency in charge of the roadway has a duty to exercise reasonable care for anyone who might use the road.
If government negligence was one of the reasons for the death of your loved one, the family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. At AutoAcccident.com, we offer a free review of your case with no obligation on your part, can answer your questions and let you know about possible options to recover compensation.
Oroville Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Oroville wrongful death lawyer. When negligence by a motorist was the cause of a loved one’s death, the family may wish to find out if they can place a claim to recover compensation. Contact us for our free and friendly advice at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400. You can contact us online also.
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