Woman Dies in Crosswalk Accident
I’m Ed Smith, a car accident lawyer in Sacramento. On February 1, a man and woman were walking across a Sacramento intersection when the woman was struck by a vehicle and died. California Highway Patrol (CHP) policemen responding to the scene of the crash said the driver of the motor vehicle remained at the accident scene. Alcohol consumption did not appear to be a factor.
What Happened?
The accident happened in the evening hours when a motorist in a Honda Civic drove east along El Camino Avenue and was passing through a light that had turned green at Bell Street. The motorist was reported as driving at about 40 mph at the time when a man and woman entered the crosswalk against the light. The woman, age 32 but whose name remains unidentified, was hit by the Civic, tossed 100 feet or more before succumbing to her injuries. The man who was accompanying her was uninjured in the accident.
We extend our condolences to the woman’s family and friends as they cope with this terrible tragedy.
Avoiding Pedestrian Accidents
Both pedestrians and motorists are required to obey traffic laws. While motorists are expected to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, pedestrians can also exercise caution when crossing. Pedestrians can help guard their own safety by not stepping off the curb when traffic is moving through an intersection.
Pedestrian Injuries in Motor Vehicle Collisions
In 2016, pedestrian fatalities increased 9 percent, the highest increase in 26 years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. According to a report by the Governors Highway Safety Association, 42 percent of the pedestrian deaths in the first half of 2016 occurred in only four states. These were California, Florida, New York and Texas.
What Types of Injuries Are Common in Pedestrian Accidents
A collision between a motor vehicle and a pedestrian frequently results in serious injuries to the walker. The severity of the injuries may be related to the speed at which the vehicle is moving at the time of the impact. Vehicles traveling at higher speeds result in more severe injuries. Common injuries to pedestrians include the following:
- Injuries to the head and brain may range from cuts and abrasions on the head to traumatic brain injuries.
- Leg and foot injuries are common because when an adult is struck by a vehicle, this is generally where the vehicle impacts.
- Arm and hand injuries can range from scrapes and abrasions to road rash and broken bones.
- Injuries to the spine can range from vertebrae, ligament or disc damage. In some instances, spinal cord injuries lead to partial or total paralysis with loss of bladder and bowel function.
- Internal injuries depend on the location, which can range from collapsed lungs to damage of lower organs such as the spleen or intestines.
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a car accident lawyer in Sacramento. Pedestrian accidents can cause the death of a loved one or severe injuries that require a long recuperation. If your family member, or you yourself, have been injured by a negligent driver, give me a phone call at (916) 921-6400. I am here to offer free, friendly advice. I also have a toll-free line at (800) 404-5400 in addition to a contact form on my site of AutoAccident.com.
For over 35 years, I’ve been assisting Sacramento residents and those in the rest of Northern California in obtaining compensation for their personal injuries. This includes areas such as vehicular accidents and traumatic brain injuries as well as wrongful deaths.
Visit Verdicts and Settlements to see how I have helped other clients.
For reviews by prior clients, visit Avvo, the legal site, Google and Yelp.
Trial attorneys with a record of million dollar client settlements or verdicts are invited to join Million Dollar Forum. I belong to this group as a member from California.
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