Accident on Sunrise Boulevard Entrance Ramp Claims Life of Pedestrian
A traffic fatality occurred in Rancho Cordova on January 21 after a pedestrian was struck by a motor vehicle. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) incident report, the accident happened close to the entrance ramp on Sunrise Boulevard that leads to Highway 50 around 5:30 in the morning. It was reported that the motorist who struck the pedestrian was driving a Subaru Outback and remained at the accident scene.
Further Information About the Traffic Fatality
The County Coroner was called to the traffic fatality scene to declare the pedestrian dead. No further information has been released on the identity of the pedestrian, pending notification of the family. Although one lane at the entrance ramp was blocked by the accident, traffic continued on the shoulder of the road. A Sigalert was issued warning motorists to expect delays. As late as 8:00 a.m., that lane remained closed while an investigation was conducted into the cause of the traffic fatality.
Traffic Fatalities Involving Pedestrians
Pedestrians are among our most vulnerable when it comes to traffic accident injuries and fatalities. Many of those accidents are caused by drivers of passenger vehicles, who often say they didn’t see anyone walking across the street. Many pedestrians become a traffic fatality due to the negligent behavior of a motorist, including:
- Speeding is a major cause of a pedestrian traffic fatality. Studies have shown that vehicles that are slow-moving such as in residential areas or parking lots show a much lower rate of fatalities when striking pedestrians. A vehicle traveling as fast as 43 mph that strikes a pedestrian has a 70-percent chance of that accident resulting in a traffic fatality.
- Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents. It just makes sense that a driver who is texting, reaching for a drink, or chatting with passengers is not concentrating on driving.
- Reckless drivers are a road menace and are negligent when they tailgate, cut in and out of traffic, and run red lights. They are a frequent contributor to a traffic fatality.
- Fatigued driving can be caused by working long hours, staying up late the night before, or certain medications the motorist is taking. Drivers who are not alert to what is going on around them can cause an accident.
- Drunk drivers are always a menace to others sharing the road. Because their driving becomes erratic and they cannot count on their reflexes or vision to spot a pedestrian in time to avoid a crash, they can cause a traffic fatality.
Helping a Grieving Family
A death in the family is always difficult to face but can be worse when that loved one was killed by someone else’s negligence. They not only miss their loved one but may face financial problems. Following are a few ways a supportive friend or family member may help a grieving person during these early days of grief:
- Call, send a sympathy card, or visit if it is permitted.
- Take over a prepared meal or have one delivered.
- Offer to run errands, babysit, or other helpful chores.
- Help out around the house by washing dishes, cutting the grass, or other ordinary tasks.
- Remember that grief does not end once the funeral service is over. Keep in touch and continue to offer companionship and a shoulder to lean on.
Conducting an Investigation
Our investigative team goes to the accident scene to gather the evidence that our injury attorneys use to build a strong wrongful death claim. The investigators search for videos of the accident from traffic cameras, talk to witnesses and go over the police report for mistakes. In addition, they check for signs of government negligence such as poor lighting and perform accident reconstruction.
Rancho Cordova Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Rancho Cordova wrongful death lawyer. The loss of a loved one is always a tragic experience but worse when it didn’t have to happen. If your loved one died because of someone else’s negligence, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for my free, friendly advice. I can also be reached online.
My law office has helped the people of Rancho Cordova since 1982 in obtaining the compensation they deserve for their traffic collision injuries, wrongful deaths and all types of traumas.
Find information about my law firm below:
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