Sacramento Pedestrian Death at Watt Avenue

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October 15, 2018
Edward Smith

Sacramento Pedestrian Death

Sacramento Pedestrian Death

Sacramento Pedestrian Death – A Sacramento pedestrian death occurred along Watt Avenue close to Baseline and Straight Roads on October 10 when a man walking on one of the traffic lanes was hit by a vehicle. According to a report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the driver said the man was dressed in dark clothing, something confirmed by police, and wasn’t visible. The driver was uninjured in the accident and remained at the scene to aid in the investigation. Neither alcohol nor drugs were believed to be a factor in the accident.

I want to offer my sympathy and prayers to the friends and family of the man who died in their time of sorrow.

Sacramento Pedestrian Death Details

The accident happened shortly before 6:00 in the morning, according to authorities. Officials reported that this area of Watt Avenue is rural with no lighting. An investigation is being conducted into the collision, which will include whether the vehicle had any mechanical problems or the driver was negligent. The identity of the deceased pedestrian has not yet been released, pending notification of the family.

How to Avoid a Sacramento Pedestrian Death

There are a number of ways a pedestrian can reduce their risk of being in a collision with a motor vehicle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises taking these steps to help avoid injury or becoming a statistic:

  • Distracted walking is as dangerous as texting and driving: Talking or texting or even listening to music while walking causes distraction. It is a better idea to stay aware of what is going on around you.
  • Only cross at designated areas: Always cross at an intersection. Better yet, use a designated crosswalk with lights if possible, even if you have to go out of your way. Jaywalking can get a pedestrian killed because drivers don’t expect someone to step out between cars at the curb.
  • Don’t walk in the streets: Always walk on a sidewalk unless there are none available. If you must take to the street, face traffic and stay on the shoulder.
  • Don’t walk if you have been drinking or using drugs: Pedestrians sometimes have been using alcohol or drugs. This can adversely affect their judgment and reactions, making them take chances.
  • Increase your visibility after dark: Pedestrians who are struck by a vehicle and injured or killed are often found to be wearing black or other dark clothing. This makes it more difficult for a motorist to see a pedestrian. Wearing light-colored clothing or using reflective strips is a good idea as well as carrying a flashlight after dark.

Motorists Can Avoid Causing a Sacramento Pedestrian Death

Following are ways that motorists can help avoid accidents with pedestrians that can cause injuries or fatalities:

  • Always yield to pedestrians, whether they are in crosswalks or not.
  • Don’t talk or text while driving or commit other distracting behaviors such as eating.
  • Passing another vehicle stopped at a crosswalk can be dangerous since you might not see a pedestrian entering the road.
  • Stay alert to what is going on around you. Playing with the radio, texting friends or talking on the phone can all cause you to lose focus. Some pedestrians do not use crosswalks even when they are available, which means you need to be on guard at all times to prevent a Sacramento pedestrian death.
  • Don’t drink and drive. You will not use the same degree of caution when you do.
  • Slow down when nearing an intersection, even if no pedestrians are visible. Striking a pedestrian at higher speeds can cause more serious injuries or death.
  • Use extra caution in areas where there are churches, shopping centers, and schools.

Watch the following video where Attorney Ed Smith explains wrongful death claims:

Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. Pedestrian injuries often happen when a negligent driver disobeys the rules of the road. An experienced lawyer can help you obtain fair compensation to pay medical and other bills caused by the accident. Please contact me at (916) 921-6400, and I will give you free and friendly advice. Those phoning long distance can call me at (800) 404-5400, and I can be reached online.

I’ve helped numerous Sacramento residents and those in the wider Northern California region to obtain the compensation they deserve in a variety of motor vehicle accidents, traumatic brain injuries, and bicycle accidents.  

I am a long-time member of the milliondollaradvocates.com. As a forum of trial attorneys from around the country, we have each won more than $1 million for a client.

If you are thinking of hiring an attorney, you should become familiar with their practice. You can learn about mine by reading comments from previous clients and some of my peers as well as how I resolved prior cases on the following pages:

Photo Attribution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9-lg0clbRM; https://www.pexels.com/photo/alone-black-and-white-boy-child-551590/

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