Vehicle Versus Pedestrian Accident Results in Injury
A pedestrian was injured in Sacramento on June 12 at the juncture of 7th and K streets. Authorities received a report of a vehicle versus pedestrian accident at this location at 11:59 in the afternoon. Both a Sacramento Police unit and Sacramento Fire were dispatched to the site. The pedestrian was located near an alley. The individual was treated at the scene by emergency responders and was able to leave. The driver remained at the accident site and was allowed to leave after the official investigation concluded. There is no word at this time whether drugs or alcohol was involved.
Pedestrian Accidents Climb in California
California is one of the top states for accidents involving walkers, ranking 16th out of all states. It should be noted that many pedestrian accidents are not reported, leading to underreported statistics. After analyzing the problem, experts concluded that roads in the state are designed to accommodate motor vehicles. This has led to calls for a better infrastructure throughout the state.
Common Reasons for Pedestrian Accidents
While there are many reasons for an accident involving walkers, some of the most common are:
- Distraction: Being inattentive to what you are doing can lead to pedestrian accidents. This is true for both motorists and walkers. Talking on cell phones and texting are two of the most common behaviors. Motorists often take their eyes off the road to check GPS devices or change radio stations. Walkers should never block out the sounds by listening to music.
- Unfamiliar roads: Drivers who are navigating unfamiliar areas will often focus on street signs or addresses and fail to look for walkers. It is best to use Google maps to search the area before departing.
- Ignoring traffic rules: Motorists may ignore traffic rules that are designed to keep individuals safe. This includes traffic lights and signs, as well as those near crosswalks.
- Driving at an unsafe speed: Drivers who travel at an unsafe speed are unable to avoid an accident. Aside from being unable to stop, the speed at which the vehicle is traveling has a profound influence on the intensity of the injury. For instance, when a vehicle is traveling at 16 mph, there is a 10 percent risk of severe injury. However, when that speed reaches 31 mph, the risk to a pedestrian becomes 50 percent. At 46 mph, the risk of severe or fatal injury reaches 90 percent.
- Inappropriate time to cross: Some crosswalks do not allow pedestrians the time they need to cross the street. This is due to negligence on the part of the city workers who set the timing on the traffic crossing devices. In such cases, a lawsuit against the city can be filed. Since the time you have to file a claim against a government agency differs from most personal injury claims, it is best to have legal assistance. Your personal injury lawyer will ensure that documents are filed in a timely fashion.
Investigating a Pedestrian Accident in Sacramento
Our firm dispatches investigators to the scene of the accident as soon as possible to ensure that evidence is not destroyed or hidden. They interview witnesses, review police reports for mistakes and obtain videos from traffic cameras or nearby businesses. If the pedestrian was injured in a crosswalk, our investigators also check the design and traffic devices that may have caused the accident. Once all data is compiled, our legal team works to build a robust case for our clients.
Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento pedestrian accident lawyer. Let me help you obtain the damages you deserve if you have been injured by another’s negligence. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. If it is more convenient for you to reach out to me online, use the form found on my website AutoAccident.com.
I’ve helped numerous clients since 1982 in car accidents, wrongful death cases and other traumatic injuries.
Please take the time to learn more about my practice by going to the following pages:
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/people-woman-pedestrian-urban-city-2587100/
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