According to a report from Fox 40, one person was killed and another person was injured in a bad pedestrian crash in San Joaquin County. The catastrophic pedestrian crash is still under a more comprehensive investigation by law enforcement. It is a reminder of the continued risk posed by pedestrian collisions. Here, our Stockton auto accident attorneys explain what we know about the crash and highlight the dangers that pedestrians face in California.
Fatal Pedestrian Collision Reported Just Outside of Stockton
Unfortunately, a bad pedestrian crash was recently reported just outside of Stockton, in a less populated area of San Joaquin County. As confirmed in reporting from Fox 40, the tragic accident happened when a pickup truck—which was traveling westward on Mettler Road—struck two women. Sadly, one of the pedestrians was killed in the collision. The other pedestrian sustained injuries that were deemed relatively minor. The fatal pedestrian crash is still under investigation.
Hundreds of Pedestrians are Killed in Crashes Each Year in California
Pedestrian safety remains a very serious area of concern in California. Unfortunately, many hundreds of pedestrians are killed in motor vehicle collisions in the state each year. Thousands more suffer serious injuries in collisions. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reports that there were 1,108 confirmed pedestrian fatalities statewide in 2021 alone.
The Leading Causes of Pedestrian Collisions
Pedestrian accidents can happen for a wide array of different reasons. Every individual pedestrian collision that results in serious injuries should be carefully and comprehensively investigated to determine exactly what happened. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian crashes are:
- Distracted Driving: Driving driving is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents in Central California. Motorists who are not paying attention to the road—whether due to texting and driving or for any other reason—put pedestrians at serious risk. They may fail to see pedestrians at crosswalks or notice them too late to stop.
- Failure to Yield Right of Way: With some limited exceptions, pedestrians have the right of way in California unless signage/crossing signals state otherwise. Drivers who do not yield to pedestrians at crosswalks contribute significantly to pedestrian collisions.
- Speeding: Speeding is dangerous. Driving at high speeds reduces a driver’s ability to stop quickly or maneuver effectively. Speeding in residential areas, school zones, and densely populated urban settings is especially dangerous for pedestrians. Notably, the higher the speed of a pedestrian crash, the more likely it is to lead to serious injuries or death.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s reaction times, decision-making abilities, and overall vehicle control. Intoxicated drivers put everyone on the road at very serious risk—and these motorists are especially dangerous for pedestrians.
- Poor Infrastructure: In some cases, pedestrian accidents, at least in part, because of poorly designed instructure. Locations without clearly marked crosswalks can be hazardous for pedestrians. Drivers may not expect pedestrian traffic. Of course, that does not absolve drivers (or pedestrians) of their duty to act in a safe manner.
- Pedestrian Errors: It is important to emphasize that pedestrians should look out for their own health, safety, and well-being. Pedestrian errors can cause accidents. Some examples of pedestrian errors include jaywalking, ignoring traffic signals, or entering traffic without looking. In California, a pedestrian may be liable for all (or part) of his or her own crash.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Pedestrian Accident Claim in California?
Similar to other personal injury claims, pedestrian accident claims are highly time-sensitive. In California, the statute of limitations for filing a pedestrian accident lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. Must file a lawsuit within this timeframe to seek compensation for your injuries. Only very limited exceptions to the rules apply. Take a proactive approach: Consult with a top Stockton, CA pedestrian accident lawyer right away after a bad crash.
Note: In some cases, injured pedestrians have less time to take legal action. When the claim is being brought against a government entity, you may need to file a claim within six months of a crash.
Pedestrian Accident Victims Have the Right to Seek Justice and Compensation
California is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state. Pedestrians have the right to hold the at-fault party—most often a negligent driver—legally responsible for the damages that they suffered in a crash. Injured pedestrians may seek compensation for both economic losses and non-economic losses. Unfortunately, even when liability is well-established, the insurance companies that typically defend these cases can make it very hard for pedestrians and their families to get justice. Our firm fights for the maximum compensation for pedestrian accident victims. Along with other damages, our Stockton, CA pedestrian crash lawyers can help you seek compensation for:
- Ambulance transportation;
- Emergency room treatment;
- Hospital bills;
- Other medical damages;
- Physical therapy;
- Loss of wages;
- Loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental distress;
- Long-term disability;
- Loss of quality of life; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Why Trust Our Stockton Car Accident Attorneys for a Pedestrian Crash Case
Pedestrian accident claims are challenging—especially so if the victim was catastrophically injured or killed in the collision. Unfortunately, insurance companies cannot be trusted to look out for what is best for injured pedestrians and their families. At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, we are a boutique personal injury law firm that is proud to put people first. Our Stockton, CA auto accident attorneys have extensive experience fighting for the rights of injured pedestrians. With more than $25 million in settlements and verdicts secured for clients, our case results demonstrate what we can do.
Contact Our Stockton, CA Car Crash Lawyer for a Free Consultation
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Stockton personal injury lawyers have the skills and experience to take on all types of pedestrian collision claims. If you or a loved one was harmed in a serious pedestrian collision, please do not hesitate to contact us right away for a free, no strings attached case review. With an office in Stockton, we handle pedestrian accident claims throughout San Joaquin County, including in Tracy, Manteca, Lodi, Ripon, Lathrop, Garden Acres, and Country Club.