Pedestrian Fatalities in Sacramento Soaring
Sacramento residents are far too familiar with waking up in the morning to read about the latest pedestrian fatalities in the area. Pedestrian deaths around Sacramento reached their highest in 2016, and that trend has continued in high numbers not only in the state but across the nation. In 2018, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 57 pedestrian fatalities within a four-county area, and a high number of those deaths occurred around Sacramento County. Despite efforts to research and promote safety for area pedestrians, it has been projected that the numbers of these fatalities will increase across 25 states.
Reasons for the Increase in Pedestrian Fatalities
One study showed that street designs were continuing to be put into place that endanger pedestrians. Advocacy groups report that state and federal policies result in roads that focus on the fast movement of motor vehicles over the safety of walkers. Critics of measures to improve roads, intersections and driver behavior say they are underfunded because the majority of monies appropriated are used for bridge and road repair and construction.
California Efforts to Improve Safety
Among safety programs instituted by the State Transportation Department, 129 different locations in California were monitored for a two-year period and were chosen because they were recognized as a danger to pedestrians. Areas that were studied included signals, signs, sidewalk design, crosswalks, and others. Recommendations for changes were received for 89 sites, and the work at 54 was completed last year. Improvements included crosswalk markings with a higher visibility, warning signs, parking restrictions and changing the timing at certain traffic lights.
Factors That Contribute to Pedestrian Accidents
The number of pedestrian fatalities has increased around the country each year. Urban deaths of pedestrians have risen by 69 percent during the past decade. However, there are potentially many reasons for the increase. Included among them are the larger vehicles on the road, distracted drivers, and the increase in the number of people riding bicycles and walking. Part of the problem may be the pedestrians themselves. One member of the California House transportation committee says that he believes pedestrians who are distracted may add to the number of injuries and fatalities. He says he often sees pedestrians who are listening to music and who will step into the street without paying attention to their surroundings.
Losing Someone in a Pedestrian Fatality
The shock of losing a family member in a pedestrian fatality can cause overwhelming grief. Sudden death robs the family of having the ability to say goodbye one last time. It also leads to feelings of anger that a negligent driver led to this tragedy. It is important for family members to help one another as they pass through a difficult time. Some of the things that can be done are:
- Don’t hold in the grief: While everyone grieves in their own way, it is better to talk about a loved one’s demise and the way it has affected you. It also gives other family members a chance to be open about the way they feel.
- Taking care of yourself: Faced with the loss of a loved one, family members may not eat properly or sleep as they should. This is a common reaction. However, when this happens, it is difficult to maintain the stamina that is needed. Family members can help by checking in on each other.
- Adapt schedules: In many cases, the decedent was in charge of household tasks such as transporting children to school or making the meals. It is helpful to reroute these tasks until the initial phase is over.
What an Attorney Can Do
When a family member dies, it is difficult to face that they are gone. When their death was due to someone else’s negligence, it is even harder to accept it. In many cases, it is possible to take the negligent party to task. One way of doing this is by filing a wrongful death claim. This helps the family mourn without worry over financial problems caused by the loss of the help and income the deceased contributed. Spouses, children, partners in life, and parents all have the ability to file such a claim. Your attorney will be able to help.
What an Attorney Can Do
At our firm, we empathize with the pain grief brings into our life. We have all lost someone we loved. If you need us, we will be there for you. Once onboard, our investigative team finds out why the accident happened and who was at fault. We do this in a number of ways, including interviewing witnesses at the accident scene, obtaining footage of the crash, and reviewing police reports for inaccuracies. Once this information is collected, we release it to our lawyers to build a strong case against the defendant.
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. Pedestrian fatalities can be devastating for a family. Let us provide free and friendly advice by calling us at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400. You can also contact us online.
I’ve helped many Sacramento residents through wrongful deaths, traumatic injuries, and all types of car accidents.
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Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_127897232_l-2015
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