Patricia Ann Erickson, 73, was killed in a Sacramento car accident while crossing the road at a busy intersection the night of November 24, 2010. According to KXTV, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred at Auburn Boulevard and Halifax Street in Citrus Heights. A car traveling on Auburn Boulevard struck Erickson. She was transported to a local hospital where she died from her injuries. Investigators are still looking into the cause of this fatal pedestrian accident.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Patricia Ann Erickson. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 23 people were injured in Citrus Heights pedestrian accidents. During that same year, there were 20 fatalities and 461 injuries reported as a result of Sacramento County pedestrian accidents.
What Caused This Tragic Pedestrian Accident?
Investigators are trying to determine what led to this fatal accident. Based on this news report, it is not clear whether Erickson was walking in a marked crosswalk or at an intersection. California law requires motorists to yield right-of-way to pedestrians who are walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks.
California Vehicle Code Section 21950 states: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection." The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk "shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian."
Liability Issues
If the driver in this case is determined to have been at fault, then he or she could be held liable for the victim's wrongful death. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased car accident victim could seek compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.
A skilled Sacramento personal injury lawyer should also determine if an unsafe or defective roadway condition led to the fatal car accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident, under California Government Code Section 911.2.
Lost a family member in a Sacramento County car accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal Citrus Heights pedestrian accident. Call 800-561-4887. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a BISNAR | CHASE Sacramento wrongful death lawyer, for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.
What are some of the greatest hazards faced by pedestrians on our roadways today?
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
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Ben said:
Pedestrians are screwed trying to get from point A to point B. No one on the road pays any attention to people trying to get across the street. With drunk drivers, people on the phone, and the streets being all screwed up, pedestrians don't have a chance.