Rancho Cordova Hit and Run Driver Kills Disabled Man
I’m Ed Smith, a Rancho Cordova pedestrian accident lawyer. An accident at a busy intersection in Rancho Cordova claimed the life of a man in a wheelchair as he was crossing the street. This city intersection has a reputation among local residents as being dangerous, and this is not the first time a pedestrian has lost his life trying to cross.
What Happened?
A wheelchair-bound man, somewhere in his 60s, was attempting to cross Mather Field Road and International Drive at the crosswalk in the intersection where the speed limit is 45 mph when the man was struck and killed by a motor vehicle. The medical center for the VA lies just off that intersection. No time was reported as to when the accident occurred, and no further information is available about the hit and run driver who struck the man.
We extend our sympathy to the family and friends of the man who passed away in this tragedy.
Local Residents Speak Out
A resident in the area spoke to a reporter following the incident. She said that she heard screaming and went outside to find a man lying on the ground and the wheels from his wheelchair a distance of about 5 feet away from the chair itself. She realized the man was dead when the paramedic attending to him removed her gloves, tossed the gloves down and made a gesture. A veteran who was interviewed said that he recalled another disabled man was killed the previous year at the same place by another hit-and-run driver. Both individuals would like for authorities in the city to look into the problem of this dangerous intersection, and make changes to make it safer.
Safety for Pedestrians at Crosswalks
The California Department of Motor Vehicles reports that deaths of pedestrians account for 22 percent of all traffic deaths in the state. However, drivers should be cognizant of pedestrians and yield the right of way to avoid serious injury such as traumatic brain injury or death of those who are on foot, riding a skateboard, on roller skates or for those who are disabled and using a wheelchair.
- Even at intersections without signage, watch for pedestrians, and give them the right of way if they are already entering the intersection or already crossing.
- At “T” intersections without signage, pedestrians have the right of way on the road that goes through.
- Check for the presence of pedestrians when making a turn at an intersection. Remember people using wheelchairs may be harder to see, particularly at night. Obey traffic lights and signs, stopping when signaled to do so.
- Remember that not all crosswalks are located at corners or intersections. Some may be located in the middle of a street, particularly in the areas around schools.
Rancho Cordova Pedestrian Safety Overview
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, 15 pedestrians died or were injured in Rancho Cordova in 2014, which placed it at number 81 out of 105 other cities. The purpose is to give cities in the state the chance to compare their safety to cities of similar size throughout the state. Sacramento County itself showed a total of 440 fatalities and injuries of pedestrians in the same year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in 2015, there were 5,376 fatalities of pedestrians, which averaged to a fatality each 1.6 hours. Obviously, drivers need to exercise more caution around pedestrians to avoid injuries and fatalities to those who are walking.
Rancho Cordova Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Rancho Cordova pedestrian accident lawyer. Pedestrians have a vulnerability in traffic unshared by motor vehicles. If someone you love was killed by a hit and run driver or if you have been hurt in such an accident, you need to know what you can do to defray the cost of medical expenses, funeral and end of life expenses or lost wages. Just call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for friendly and free advice from an injury lawyer. You can contact me online if you find that to be more convenient.
I’ve helped many Northern Californians, including residents of Rancho Cordova, deal with wrongful death and traumatic injury claims.
The Million Dollar Advocates is a forum that allows membership only to those trial lawyers who have garnered client verdicts or settlements of $1 million. I am proud to say I am a California member of this group.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/motorized-wheelchair-wheelchair-952190/
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