Pedestrian Accidents Are Out of Control in California
Residents of California should not feel a sense of impending doom while they go for walks. Whether you are taking a quick trip to a nearby corner store or you are going for a long stroll along a picturesque street, you deserve to feel safe as a pedestrian. Unfortunately, pedestrians are often struck by negligent motorists in California. These accidents can cause critical or fatal injuries for innocent people just trying to enjoy the natural splendor of the Golden State. Within just the past few weeks and months, it seems as though countless pedestrians have been struck in California. But what can you do if you find yourself in this situation? Can you sue and receive a settlement for your medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and other damages?
Pedestrian Succumbs to His Injuries After San Jose Crash
On October 6, 2022, it was reported that a victim succumbed to his injuries after fighting for his life for months in the hospital. This pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle in late July just outside of San Jose. The accident occurred when a driver lost control and struck a parked vehicle. The parked vehicle then flew into the sidewalk, striking a tree and the victim. While the pedestrian lay on the sidewalk with critical injuries, the driver who caused the crash fled the scene on foot and was never found. The police had difficulty locating the suspect. This represents the 27th pedestrian fatality of 2022 for San Jose.
Hit-and-Run Leaves Pedestrian Dead in Torrance
On October 27, 2022, it was reported that a hit-and-run crash left a pedestrian dead in Torrance. The crash involved a speeding pickup truck that hit another truck before veering into a fence and smashing into the side of a home. Before the driver of the first truck came to a halt, he hit a pedestrian that was walking along the sidewalk. After striking and killing the innocent pedestrian, the driver got out of his vehicle and fled on foot. The victim was 78 years old and was pronounced dead at the scene. Neighbors who witnessed this horrific crash called for the driver to turn himself in and accept the consequences of his actions. At the time of this writing, the driver has not turned himself in yet.
Another Pedestrian Killed in Woodland Hills
On October 25, 2022, it was reported that another pedestrian lost their life after an accident in Woodland Hills. The accident occurred at about 4:15 AM, and the driver thankfully remained at the scene of the crash. The circumstances of this specific fatality are not exactly clear, although the time of the accident suggests that this individual may have been difficult to see in the dark. The authorities did not reveal whether drugs or alcohol were factors. In the future, California may decriminalize jaywalking, which could make drivers liable for accidents even if pedestrians attempt to cross outside of crosswalks and marked intersections.
Two More Pedestrian Fatalities Reported in San Francisco’s Sunset Neighborhood
On October 28th, 2022, it was reported that two pedestrians lost their lives in San Francisco’s Sunset neighborhood – bringing the total number of pedestrian fatalities in 2022 to 16. One of the deceased individuals was described as a senior citizen who fought for her life in the hospital for a few days before succumbing to her injuries. These accidents sparked concerns about the growing number of pedestrian crashes in San Francisco, as the death count is already higher than that of 2021 despite the fact that we are less than 10 months into 2022.
One advocate for pedestrian safety pointed out that the pandemic has led to more aggressive driving and speeding in San Francisco. Calls have been made to modernize the city’s streets and promote greater pedestrian safety. One potential source of relief is Measure L, which would introduce measures like roundabouts, chicanes, median islands, speed bumps, and pinch points – especially in school zones and park areas.
Grandmother Killed in San Francisco Pedestrian Accident
On October 26, 2022, it was reported that a grandmother lost her life in a San Francisco pedestrian accident. Two seniors were struck by a speeding vehicle while in a crosswalk in the Sunset District. One of the senior women died at the scene; as of this writing, the other woman is still fighting for her life in the hospital. The police quickly determined that the driver had taken a mixture of prescription drugs and cannabis prior to getting behind the wheel. He was also traveling at a speed of over 60 miles per hour in a 25-mile-per-hour zone. At the scene of the accident, the driver told police officers that his brakes had failed. This did not stop him from being arrested for vehicular manslaughter.
Four San Jose Pedestrians Struck in Less than 24 Hours
On October 14th, 2022, it was reported that four San Jose pedestrians had been struck by vehicles in less than 24 hours. The most recent occurred in a parking lot, leaving an individual with critical injuries. Just hours prior, an older woman was struck and killed by a vehicle while crossing the road. However, she was not using a crosswalk at the time. Just hours before that, an older man was hospitalized after suffering critical injuries in a hit-and-run pedestrian crash. Just 20 minutes prior, a cyclist was hit by a vehicle close by – but fortunately suffered only minor injuries.
Who Can Help Me Sue After a Pedestrian Accident in California?
After suffering injuries in a pedestrian accident in California, you may feel completely traumatized. Taking legal action might be the last thing on your mind, and you may be totally preoccupied with your injuries and your medical treatment. While this is understandable, getting in touch with a lawyer is crucial at this stage. Book a consultation with Mary Alexander & Associates, P.C. With our assistance, you can gather evidence, negotiate for a settlement, and take your case to trial if necessary. A settlement can provide you with compensation for everything you have been forced to endure. If you have lost a family member in a pedestrian accident, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf. The statute of limitations can prevent you from suing if you wait too long, so get in touch with us today to seek justice.
