Elderly Man Dies After Berkeley Pedestrian Accident 

Fatal Berkeley Pedestrian Accident Occurs Near Willard Park

A 75-year-old man has died following a recent Berkeley pedestrian accident near Willard Park, according to local authorities. The incident occurred as the man was taking a walk and attempting to cross Derby Street at the intersection, as reported by the Berkeley Police Department.

Walker Struck at Low Speed in Fatal Berkeley Pedestrian Accident

Police say the pedestrian was struck by a gray 2010 Acura MDX driven by a 58-year-old Santa Clara resident, who reportedly hit him at an estimated speed of 10 mph. The driver stopped immediately and fully cooperated with the investigators. Emergency personnel transported the man to Highland Hospital after he was found conscious but suffering from bleeding to the head, cuts, and abrasions; there appeared to be no severe trauma at the scene.

Police Continuing Investigation Into Accident

Despite initial signs he would recover, the pedestrian died at Highland Hospital on Sunday, August 24, as confirmed by the coroner’s office. The street was closed for roughly twenty minutes during the investigation, and the Berkeley Police Department continues to probe the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Leading Causes of Pedestrian-Motor Vehicle Accidents

• Distracted Driving: Motorists using cell phones, adjusting vehicle controls, or otherwise not paying attention significantly increase collision risks and cause a Berkeley pedestrian accident. 
• Failing to Yield: When drivers do not cede the right of way at intersections or crosswalks, accidents can occur involving pedestrians.
• Speeding: Excessive speeds limit reaction time and worsen the severity of pedestrian injuries during collisions.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug impairment makes drivers less likely to see pedestrians or react safely, especially at night or in busy urban areas.
• Poor Visibility: Accidents are more frequent at night or in adverse weather conditions when pedestrians are harder to see, and inadequate street lighting can obscure visibility.
• Left-Hand Turns: Studies show left turns pose higher risks than right turns due to drivers focusing on other vehicles and overlooking pedestrians.
• Unmarked or Unsafe Crosswalks: Lack of clear pedestrian crossings or malfunctioning signals contributes to driver confusion and pedestrian injuries.
• Impatient or Inexperienced Drivers: Drivers unfamiliar with local pedestrian patterns or unwilling to wait can create hazardous situations for walkers.

In the video below, personal injury attorney Ed Smith outlines the legal basis for filing a wrongful death lawsuit:

Berkeley Wrongful Death and Fatal Accident Lawyer

I am Ed Smith, an experienced Berkeley wrongful death attorney dedicated to helping families seek justice after the loss of a loved one due to a negligent driver. If your family has experienced such a tragic event following a Berkeley pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your loss. Reach out at (510) 631-0200 or (800) 404-5400 for caring, no-obligation advice about your case. For added convenience, you may also connect with our team using our online contact form. Whether meeting in person or virtually, our attorneys offer free consultations to discuss your situation and review your legal options.

Professional Recognition & Client Resources

Our law firm is proud to be acknowledged for excellence in legal advocacy and client service. We belong to prestigious organizations, including the Top 1 Percent, highlighting our commitment to achieving exceptional results for our clients. This honor demonstrates our dedication to upholding the highest standards in personal injury and wrongful death law.

For more information about our proven results, explore our Settlements and Verdicts page, and read feedback from former clients on Yelp and Avvo. These resources showcase the level of service, compassion, and success our firm consistently delivers to families throughout Berkeley and beyond.

Photo attribution: Pixabay

tk: [620]