Major Injury in Pedestrian Accident Near J Street Exit Ramp in Sacramento
A major pedestrian injury happened on northbound State Route 51 in Sacramento on August 13. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the accident happened at around 6:34 in the evening at the J Street exit ramp. According to the accident details, the male pedestrian was running across the lanes when he was struck in the number one lane by a driver in a Chevy Volt.
A Second Vehicle Becomes Involved in the Accident
At this point, a Toyota Sedan became involved in the crash. Although the walker stood up and was leaning against the center divider, first responders with the Sacramento Fire Department determined that the pedestrian had suffered a major injury. The pedestrian was then transported to a nearby hospital for further care and evaluation.
Pedestrian Major Injury Accident Being Investigated
The pedestrian major injury accident is under investigation by the CHP and Sacramento Police Department to determine what happened. It was not reported whether alcohol or drug consumption contributed to the crash.
Reasons for Pedestrian Accidents
Some of the main reasons for pedestrian accidents are:
- Lack of marked crosswalks: Not every intersection has a crosswalk, and the nearest one may be several blocks away. While technically, it is best for the pedestrian to move on and use the crosswalk, it is impractical to expect that will always happen. Without a crosswalk, a pedestrian injury is more likely. It is the responsibility of the city or town to determine the degree of traffic at various intersections to see if the installation of a crosswalk is needed. If this effort is left undone, then an argument can be made that the city government was negligent, especially if many accidents happened at the location.
- Left-hand turns: Drivers need to be cautious when making a left-hand turn. Many times, motorists are busy watching for other vehicles and neglect looking for a pedestrian. If this happens, the driver is responsible for a pedestrian injury.
- Distraction: This behavior is the bain of the roadway since many drivers are too busy multitasking while they drive and do not focus on the road.
- Drunk driving: Inebriated motorists are not in control of their vehicle or their reaction time and can easily cause a pedestrian injury.
Investigation of a Pedestrian Major Injury Accident
In most personal injuries, it must be proven that negligence by another person or entity was involved. Over my years as a lawyer, I’ve been successful in many cases involving a pedestrian major injury. Our investigators head to the accident site right away to gather the evidence required to support our client’s claim. It includes:
- The investigators review the police report to ensure its accuracy and interview the witnesses to the pedestrian major injury accident.
- They search the vicinity for road and traffic surveillance cameras. In many instances, the accident was captured on tape.
- The investigators perform forensic reconstruction of the accident. This helps show the positioning of the vehicles, how the collision occurred and can even demonstrate the driver’s negligence in some cases.
- They look for lack of maintenance or design problems by the government entity in charge. This can include poor lighting, faded lane markers or others.
Once the evidence is compiled, our lawyers go right to work to build a strong case for our client. It is used with the insurance company, and if they refuse to pay what the injured client deserves, it can be taken to court.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. Pedestrians often suffer serious injuries when they are involved in a traffic accident. If a negligent driver was the cause, I have free and friendly advice to offer. Phone me at (916) 921-6400 or at the long-distance line at (800) 404-5400. The online form is another way to get in touch with me.
I’ve assisted Sacramentans in getting compensation for their traffic accidents, traumatic injuries, and wrongful deaths since 1982.
Comments by clients and cases handled by my firm are below:
It is an honor for me to belong to the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Forum.
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