Pedestrian Injured in Fresno Hit and Run Accident
A pedestrian was injured in a Fresno hit and run accident on the early morning of April 15, 2019. The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. along Belmont Avenue in the vicinity of Highway 99. Officials said a woman was walking west along Belmont Avenue when she was hit by a dark SUV. The motorist of the SUV reportedly continued driving west along Belmont Avenue. The woman was transported to the hospital after the pedestrian accident and was last reported to be in critical but stable condition.
Common Injuries in a Pedestrian Accident
The severity of a pedestrian injury will depend on the speed of the car and the area hit. It will also depend on whether the pedestrian fell to the ground, into a fixed object, or into the windshield or onto the hood of the vehicle. Some common injuries in these accidents include:
- Brain and Head Injury: When trauma to the head occurs in a pedestrian accident, this can result in a life-altering injury. A traumatic brain injury is a condition that can result in a loss of motor skills and cognitive functions as well as changes in personality and sleep patterns.
- Internal Trauma: Brain bleeds, rib fractures, and internal bleeding are serious injuries that may be potentially sustained in a pedestrian accident.
- Spinal Cord Injury: This type of trauma often has life-changing consequences. Even small amounts of damage to the spinal column can be devastating as it is responsible for transmitting signals between the body and the brain. This can result in partial or complete paralysis.
- Wrongful Death: Pedestrians who are hit by a car may suffer fatal trauma in some extreme cases.
Pedestrian Accidents and Driver Error
Drivers are considered negligent when they do not exercise due care under specific circumstances. Some of the factors that contribute to a pedestrian accident due to motorist negligence include:
- Disobeying traffic signs and signals
- Disregarding weather or traffic conditions
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failure to use signals when turning
- Not looking when backing up
- Speeding
How Can a Pedestrian Stay Safe on the Road?
Walking near an intersection or road can be dangerous. Due to a lack of physical protection, pedestrians are susceptible and vulnerable to suffering injuries in an accident. However, walkers are also responsible for maintaining their safety on the roadway. Some of the ways a pedestrian can stay safe on the road include:
- Carry a flashlight or wear bright, reflective clothing when walking at night
- Do not wear earbuds to listen to podcasts or music, so you are more aware of your surroundings
- Face the flow of traffic when walking along the shoulder of the road
- Look both ways before crossing in the crosswalk, even if the signal indicates it’s your turn to cross
- Make eye contact with an approaching driver before crossing
- Obey traffic-control devices and signs
- Use designated crosswalks and do not cross in the middle of the block
- Walk in well-lit areas to increase visibility
For more details on how to stay safe as a pedestrian, watch the below video.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Pedestrian Accident?
Liability in a pedestrian accident must be determined to recover subsequent losses. This will be based upon the duty of care owed by the parties involved. Pedestrians, like drivers, are required to follow the rules of the road and exercise due care. When a driver breaches that duty of care, he or she may be held financially responsible for personal injury damages incurred. These include medical bills, disfigurement, loss of consortium, wage loss, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering. If the motorist leaves the scene of the accident, the injured pedestrian may use their own automobile insurance policy to cover their losses if they have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This helps pay for damages resulting from a crash caused by a driver who does not have enough insurance, no coverage, or leaves the scene of the incident. For more details, contact an experienced Fresno personal injury attorney.
Fresno Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno personal injury lawyer. Pedestrian accidents, whether a hit and run or crosswalk injury, can have lifelong consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent motorist, you may benefit from the insight of an experienced attorney. Please call me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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