Auburn Fatal Pedestrian Accident
I’m Ed Smith, an Auburn Personal Injury Lawyer. People are told from a young age to look both ways before crossing the street; however, sometimes, this isn’t enough. Sadly, a 42-year-old man lost his life recently while crossing Highway 49 in Auburn.
On a Full Moon Night
A 42-year old man was struck and killed by a pickup truck as he crossed Highway 49 near Elm Avenue in Auburn, likely sustaining polytrauma including multiple bone fractures from traumatic injuries. Despite the late hour, there was a full moon that lit up the night sky. Authorities from the Auburn police department indicated that the pedestrian injuries occurred around 8:30 PM around 500 feet north of Elm Avenue near the local E.V. Cain Middle School. He was declared dead when emergency personnel arrived on the scene.
Not the First Time
Despite what some may think, auto accidents involving pedestrians are more common than most would care to believe. In fact, another accident occurred near this same location back in 2009 and claimed the life of a 20-year old Auburn man as he was crossing the same patch of road. Many of these injuries caused by car accidents occur due to distracted driving or drunk driving. They have the potential to lead to a wrongful death.
Highway 49 is a Dangerous Location
In addition to being the location for multiple fatal accidents, highway 49 is a dangerous stretch of road. Pedestrians need to cross four lanes of traffic with a speed limit of 45 MPH. While this may not seem that fast to people who are used to cruising down the interstate, this speed is actually faster than most people realize. A car can travel hundreds of yards in just a few seconds at this speed, creating the potential for people to be hit and killed by heavy objects moving at high speed. In fact, if the light is green, many cars are able to maintain a high speed before turning onto Interstate 80 just a few hundred yards south of the accident location. In fact, many cars are traveling at a significantly higher speed than the posted speed limit as they prepare to merge onto the interstate.
Pedestrian Accidents can Lead to Serious Injuries
While most people understand that being struck by a car can lead to multiple injuries, it is important for people to understand the specific injuries that these accidents can cause. Injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries: People who strike their head on the pavement can develop severe brain damage that can lead to chronic pain, particularly if the spinal cord is also damaged, and a host of other complications and comorbidities from their injuries. Many people with traumatic brain injuries die shortly after.
Chest Trauma: If a person is struck in the chest by a car, they can suffer multiple rib fractures that can also damage their heart and lungs. People who lose the function of their heart and lungs require emergent medical care to remain alive.
Abdominal Trauma: Abdominal trauma can occur along with chest trauma, particularly if people are struck by a larger vehicle. The abdomen is the home for many of the body’s vital organs, including the liver, kidneys, pancreas, stomach, and intestines. An injury to the abdomen can also lead to severe internal bleeding that can progress to death in short order.
Auburn Pedestrian Accident and Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Auburn Personal Injury Lawyer. Nobody should have to worry about their safety as they cross the street. If you, or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, please contact me at (530) 392-9400 for friendly, free advice. I also have a toll-free line available at (800) 404-5400.
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Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Source of Auburn Fatal Pedestrian Accident – Auburn Journal
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