Hit-and-Run Accident on Norwood Avenue Causes Death of Pedestrian
A pedestrian fatality occurred on May 31 caused by a hit-and-run driver in North Sacramento. The Sacramento Police Department said that the collision was reported on Norwood Avenue between DuBois Avenue and Taylor Street shortly before 9:00 p.m. When police arrived at the scene, they discovered a male pedestrian who had suffered major injuries.
Driver Flees Scene Before Police Arrive
Paramedics with the Sacramento Fire Department attempted medical assistance, but the male died at the accident scene. The name of the pedestrian has not been released pending notification of the family. The driver involved in the accident fled the scene before the arrival of the officers. That driver is being sought.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
The number of hit-and-run accidents has increased over the past decade despite the emergence of severe penalties. One of the reasons this has happened is due to the number of drivers in California without a viable license or insurance. If they remain at the scene of the accident, this issue would be discovered.
Another reason behind the increase in hit-and-run accidents is the number of drivers who are driving while inebriated or under the influence of drugs. Several polls of drivers have shown that over 33 percent admit to using drugs or alcohol while driving.
Pedestrian Fatalities Are on the Rise
Over the past five years, the number of pedestrian fatalities has increased greatly. Several factors that experts believe are driving the increase are:
- There are more pedestrians and drivers on the road.
- Drivers are more likely to be distracted than in the past. Pedestrians are also more apt to be distracted.
- Speeding is rampant in urban and rural areas.
- The infrastructure in many cities is aging, and maintenance has fallen behind.
How Do These Elements Affect a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Distraction has become a way of life for many people, including pedestrians and motorists. Being distracted while driving is a form of negligence that is the backbone of many personal injury lawsuits.
Speed Increases the Likelihood of a Pedestrian Fatality
Speed is directly related to the risk of a pedestrian dying in a traffic accident. This is due to the greater force of impact a speeding vehicle has when striking a pedestrian. For instance, a car traveling at 10 miles per hour will most likely cause minor injuries to the pedestrian. However, a car traveling at 40 mph has a 90-percent chance of causing a pedestrian fatality.
Lack of Road Maintenance Can Cause a Pedestrian Fatality
The failure of cities to maintain the roads leads to many traffic accidents. This is seen in both rural and urban areas and consists of failure to fix potholes, provide adequate lighting, clear debris from the roadway and trim tree branches that are obscuring stop signs.
A lawsuit can be filed against the city or county government to recover damages. It is important to remember that the time limit for filing is different for other personal injury lawsuits, and failure to meet the deadline can keep the court from hearing the case.
Wrongful Death and a Pedestrian Fatality
If a member of your family dies due to another’s negligence, it is possible to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. While this can in no way bring back the love and support the decedent provided, it can bring a sense of justice and closure to the grieving family members. An injury attorney will be able to review your case after investigating the accident site and let you know what your options are going forward.
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, and I’m a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. Let me help you when a family member has died due to another party’s negligence. We provide compassionate advice to members of the Sacramento community who need help in this tragic situation. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400 for my free and friendly advice or reach out to me online if that is easier for you.
I’ve helped numerous Sacramentans in wrongful death claims, car accidents and pedestrian injuries.
Learn more about my firm by clicking on the following links:
I’m a member of the following:
Photo attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/pedestrians-people-busy-movement-400811/
:cd llo [cs 739]