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Pedestrian Accident in Sacramento Occurs Near I-80

Home » Pedestrian Accident in Sacramento Occurs Near I-80
January 26, 2021
Edward Smith

Watt Avenue Pedestrian Accident Results in Injury

A pedestrian accident on January 21 caused injuries to the person on foot after they were struck by a motor vehicle. The collision happened around 6:27 in the morning on Watt Avenue just off Interstate 80, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Paramedics with the Sacramento Fire Department were called to the scene to assess injuries. 

Further Details About the Pedestrian Accident

It was discovered that the pedestrian had suffered a leg injury, and the patient was transported by emergency responders to a nearby hospital. The CHP is investigating the pedestrian accident to determine liability and how it occurred.

Prevalence of Pedestrian Accidents

As more and more people opt for walking to work for exercise and other activities, the number of pedestrian accidents in California has grown. This, in combination with the increase in vehicles, has led to a high number of pedestrian accidents. 

Communities have made an effort to educate drivers and pedestrians on ways to stay safe. However, the number of accidents continues to mount. For example, in 2019, close to 7,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents. Let’s look at some of the more common reasons a pedestrian accident happens:

  • Failure to yield: This is the number one reason a pedestrian accident occurs. Motorists who are distracted or in a hurry often ignore the pedestrian’s right of way when crossing the street. 
  • Densely populated urban areas: Roadway congestion in urban areas and speeds over 25 mph often lead to pedestrian deaths
  • Distracted driving: Apart from being the number one killer in traffic accidents, distracted driving also took the lives of close to 2,900 pedestrians in 2019. The use of cell phones and texting are major contributors to this problem.
  • Poor visibility: It is difficult to see a pedestrian when inclement weather interferes with visibility. This is also true when poor roadway lighting makes it difficult to see pedestrians at night. 
  • Reckless driving: This behavior, which includes speeding and running a red light or stop sign, leads to many pedestrian deaths and injuries every year. 
  • Drunk driving: Intoxicated drivers lack the ability to proceed safely in pedestrian areas such as crosswalks and busy city streets.

Ways to Prevent Pedestrian Accidents

Motorists, pedestrians, and city governments all play a part in preventing pedestrian accidents. To begin with, crosswalks must be properly planned and have sufficient lighting. If this doesn’t happen, the city agency in charge can be held liable for a pedestrian injury or death. 

Pedestrians are responsible for wearing clothing or reflectors at night that makes them more visible and crossing only in crosswalks at the appropriate time. Drivers need to yield to pedestrians in and out of crosswalks and increase their vigilance for walkers.

Investigating a Pedestrian Accident

When a pedestrian is hurt or a fatality occurs, it is important for a law firm to investigate the accident. At our law firm, our investigators go to the scene of the accident as quickly as possible to look for evidence that will substantiate fault. They do this by performing accident reconstruction techniques that help show how the accident occurred. 

They also obtain video footage of the accident from traffic lights and nearby businesses in urban areas. Our investigators review police reports for accuracy. Once all the information is acquired, our experienced injury attorneys use it to build a strong case for our client.

Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. I am here to help you when you’ve been involved in an accident. Reach out to me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for my free, friendly advice. I can be reached online also.

I’ve been able to help many clients recover the damages they suffered in wrongful deaths, car and truck accidents, and other traumas.

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Learn about my law firm by visiting the following sites:

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