Two Injured in Pedestrian Accident in Modesto
Two parties were injured following a pedestrian accident on West Orangeburg Avenue in the Modesto area on the morning of Monday, September 13, 2021. The incident occurred at approximately 8:00 a.m., just two blocks away from Garrison Elementary School.
Details on the Modesto Pedestrian Accident That Left Two Injured
According to a preliminary report by the Modesto Police Department (Modesto PD), a 54-year-old woman was walking with her 7-year-old grandson and her 8-year-old granddaughter. While the three family members were walking north across the intersection in a crosswalk, the grandmother and her grandmother were struck by an eastbound sedan.
The grandmother suffered moderate injuries and was taken to an area hospital for treatment. The young girl was transported by air ambulance to Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera. Medical staff listed the child in critical condition. The young boy that was with the two relatives was not hit by the vehicle and was uninjured.
The sedan driver, a 21-year-old Modesto man, remained at the scene and was reported to have been cooperative with investigators. Officials with Modesto PD will be looking into whether distracted driving or speeding contributed as a factor to this devastating pedestrian accident. Anyone with information on the incident is encouraged to contact Officer Ryan Olson of Modesto PD.
What You Should Know About the Claims Process for a Pedestrian Accident
A driver has a duty of care while operating a car. This duty must not only be exercised to other motor vehicles on the road but also to cyclists and pedestrians. When a driver fails to follow the rules of the road and breaches their duty of care, an injured pedestrian may take legal action through a personal injury claim. The process generally involves the injured party filing a claim against the insurance company representing the driver responsible for the incident.
A personal injury claim for a pedestrian accident serves the purpose of providing financial compensation to the injured party for economic and non-economic damages incurred. Economic damages are designed to place the injured pedestrian in the position in which they were in before the incident occurred.
Some of the types of economic damages recoverable in these cases include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earnings because of a permanent injury or disability, property damage, and out-of-pocket expenses. Conversely, non-economic damages are intended to compensate an injured party and to make them whole again after the intangible losses they have experienced, including lost enjoyment of life and pain and suffering. For more details on the personal injury claims process, watch this video.
Is There Enough Insurance?
There are situations in which a pedestrian may face challenges, particularly if the other party did not carry liability coverage or not enough to pay for injuries and losses incurred. Under these circumstances, an injured pedestrian may bring a claim under their uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM and UIM) to help fully cover or supplement any losses not paid for by the at-fault party and their insurer. What many people do not know about UM and UIM coverage is that it may extend to another member of a household so long as they were not listed as excluded members.
Keep in mind that the claims process may be challenging to navigate, even with your own insurer. The claims adjuster may dispute or deny the claim as a way of protecting the insurance carrier and its bottom line. That is why it is essential to hire an injury lawyer right away. At our law firm, we have handled personal injury cases, including those regarding pedestrian accidents, since 1982. We can help your family through this difficult situation by obtaining justice and recovering fair compensation on your behalf. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
Personal Injury Attorney in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto personal injury attorney. A pedestrian is subject to extreme vulnerability on the road when compared to the motor vehicle that crashes into them. Because of this, a pedestrian may experience serious injuries and damages. If you or someone you love has sustained injuries as a pedestrian in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you need an experienced accident attorney on your side. Our legal team proudly represents people in Stanislaus County and across California. To discuss your potential case and receive free, friendly advice, contact us today to arrange a meeting with a member of our team at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
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In recognition of our work and the results we have delivered to our clients, we have been awarded membership into the California sectors of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
At our law firm, we have over three decades of experience handling personal injury cases arising from pedestrian accidents. To see some of the favorable results we have obtained on behalf of past clients, please visit our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Photo Source: By “OpticalEssence” via Pixabay
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