Pedestrian Fatality Occurs in Sacramento

Home » Pedestrian Fatality Occurs in Sacramento
September 22, 2020
Edward Smith

Accident Along Roseville Road Causes the Death of a Pedestrian

A pedestrian fatality occurred in Sacramento on September 21 after the walker was involved in a collision with a motor vehicle. The Sacramento Police Department reported around 5:00 a.m. on social media that the accident had happened in the neighborhood of Ben Ali close to Roseville Road and Marconi Circle. Roseville Road was closed down by police while an investigation was conducted into the accident, and motorists were told to find alternate routes. No information has been released yet on the identity of the pedestrian, pending notification of the family by the Sacramento County Coroner’s office. 

How a Pedestrian Fatality Occurs

Both drivers or people on foot can be at fault for a pedestrian fatality. In the case of the walker, it is usually caused by crossing the street against the light or in the middle of the block. Drivers are not attuned to seeing people cross outside a crosswalk, and cars parked at the curb can obstruct their view. In addition, street lights are often placed at corner locations to make it easier to see. In some areas, streetlights are too far away for a driver to easily see a pedestrian, especially if they are wearing dark clothing. 

Driver Negligence and Pedestrian Accidents

There are many ways in which driver negligence can result in a pedestrian fatality. When negligence is the cause of the pedestrian fatality, the family may place a claim for compensation by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Some of the types of driver negligence are listed below:

  • Reckless driving: A reckless driver is one who does not obey traffic laws, which can endanger the lives of others. Running a stop sign or red light is common, as well as speeding or cutting in and out of traffic. 
  • Distracted driving: Distracted drivers may be talking on a cell phone, texting or accessing the car radio. That split-second look away from the road ahead is enough to cause a pedestrian fatality.
  • Drunk driving: Inebriated drivers are a serious problem everywhere. Driving intoxicated means the motorist’s judgment is lacking, reflexes are slowed, and even the vision and ability to track is affected.
  • Fatigue: A driver who is too tired or sleepy to be on the road is a danger to everyone. They can fall asleep behind the wheel and are affected similarly to a drunk driver.

Investigating a Pedestrian Fatality

Our investigators go to the accident site as quickly as possible to collect evidence to support a compensation case for wrongful death. They check the area surrounding the accident to see if government negligence contributed to the pedestrian fatality. This may include nonfunctioning crossing signals, poor lighting or overgrown shrubbery. They check for errors in the police report and talk to witnesses. Accident reconstruction is performed.

Grief Following a Loved One’s Death

When a loved one dies suddenly, it leaves the family in a state of shock and grief. It’s even worse when the loved one’s death didn’t have to happen. In these times, family and friends want to be supportive but don’t always know how to do so. Some of the following suggestions might help:

  • Call to express your sympathy. If it is permitted, drop by for a short visit.
  • Send flowers, a sympathy card or make a donation to the deceased person’s favorite charity.
  • Offer to run errands or accompany the grieving person if they need to go out.
  • Send or bring food because people who are grieving often forget to eat. 

Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. If your loved one was lost due to a negligent motorist or entity, you may be interested in my free and friendly advice. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400. You may also send me a message using the online form.

I’ve helped numerous Sacramentans over my 38-year career to obtain compensation for their wrongful death claims, traffic crashes, and all types of traumatic injuries.

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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/condolences-trauerkarte-letters-3991589/

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