Second Woman Died in Carmichael Accident
A second woman died Saturday from an earlier accident that occurred in Carmichael. The accident happened on March 23 and involved two older women who were hit by a vehicle while walking. The first woman died as a result of her injuries on Friday. Both women were aged 72. The accident occurred when the walkers were struck by a 16-year-old girl who was driving west along Arden Way, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). I would like to offer my sympathy to the friends and families of the two women who died in such a tragic way.
Details of the Accident
Police reported that both women were walking along the shoulder of the street at about 9:30 in the morning. For unknown reasons, the teenager’s car swerved and struck them near the 5500 block of Arden Way. The CHP reports that this section of Arden Way has no sidewalk for pedestrians.
First Woman Identified
The first woman, identified as Peggy McClendon, was a Carmichael resident. The identity of the second woman is pending notification of her family by the coroner’s office. Both suffered major injuries and were taken to a local hospital, where McClendon died on Friday. The accident is being investigated by the CHP.
The news clip from CBS Sacramento below reports on the tragic accident.
Why Pedestrians Are Hit
Over 73,000 pedestrians are injured each year. More than 4,000 are killed. The majority of pedestrian accidents occur in nice weather. Older citizens are involved in accidents more than younger ones. Drivers are required to be in control of their vehicle at all times. Some reasons a Carmichael fatality can happen are:
- Pedestrians walking in the road: Many accidents occur when a pedestrian is walking on the side of the road. Sometimes this is due to lack of a sidewalk. It is important for cities to recognize the danger this causes for walkers. Some towns are taking steps to make sure pedestrians have a safe place to walk.
- Lack of a crosswalk: Many intersections lack a crosswalk. It is known that using a signaled crosswalk decreases the number of accidents. Pathways in or near parking lots are another problem. Drivers may be preoccupied with parking and not see walkers.
- Turning left: Drivers making a left-hand turn cause many pedestrian accidents. This also can lead to a Carmichael fatality when the driver is speeding. Walkers need to be aware of what is happening around them. Drivers should check twice for pedestrians entering the road.
- Electronics: Both drivers and walkers use electronic devices on the road. This type of distracted driving can cause a fatality. Pedestrians may be so busy talking that they fail to hear approaching vehicles.
- Exiting vehicles: Passengers leaving their vehicle on the left side of the car may be hit. If you can’t avoid doing this, look carefully before leaving the vehicle.
- Nighttime Accidents: About 70 percent of pedestrian accidents happen at night. Wearing light colored clothes is a good idea. So is carrying a flashlight.
- Quiet cars: Electric cars are 40 percent more likely to hit a pedestrian. Walkers are unable to hear the car coming.
- Substance use: It is important not to drink and walk. If you do, the likelihood of a pedestrian accident is increased.
Carmichael Wrongful Death Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Carmichael wrongful death lawyer. If a negligent driver killed a loved one, you have the right to collect damages. This can help you with the financial loss a death poses. Call me at (916) 921-6400 for free and friendly advice. You can also call (800) 404-5400. I have a convenient contact us form on my website, AutoAccident.com.
I’ve helped many residents of Arden Arcade in the past 37 years to collect damages. The areas range from wrongful death and bicycle accidents to traumatic injuries.
I belong to the Million Dollar Advocates and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. The first allows membership to lawyers who win more than $1 million for a client. The second honors attorneys who practice legal excellence.
Learn more about my practice on the following pages: