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Pedestrian Fatalities on the Rise in Merced County

For the past two years, the number of fatalities from auto accidents have come down. That trend is also true for the last couple of decades with the exception of a few years including 2016 and 2017. A pedestrian accident is dangerous and many times deadly as a person is unprotected and vulnerable while walking near the roads and highways.

Pedestrian Killed by Motorist in Merced County

A pedestrian walking along Highway 59 was struck and killed by a passing motorist Tuesday night. According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident happened around 10:30 p.m. near Highway 152 when a motorist ran off the highway and struck the person who was walking on the shoulder.

The car went on to hit a power pole before coming to a rest. At this point, the CHP doesn’t know why the car left the road. An investigation is ongoing.

Pedestrians Walking Along Highway

On most non-divided highways roads, walking or biking alongside the road on the shoulder is legal. However, it is risky. Today, most cars on highways are going 60 plus miles per hour which is deadly to an unprotected pedestrian.

The American Automobile Association recommends that if you walk along the road, you should travel against ith traffic and wear reflective clothing. The reason for walking against traffic is so that the pedestrian can see oncoming cars and maybe engaged in defensive measures if a car leaves the road. If there are sidewalks, most safety experts say that it is preferred to walk in the direction of traffic.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian versus vehicle accidents have a high fatality rate because the pedestrian is so vulnerable. Those that live often have severe injuries that often time require significant medical treatment and a long recovery time.

Because the pedestrian is unprotected, a collision with a car has a good chance of causing serious injuries. Some of those that are common to pedestrian and car collisions are:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries
  • Facial Injuries
  • Mild and Severe Concussions
  • Broken Legs/Arms
  • Chest Compressions
  • Fractured/Displaced Ribs
  • Organ Damage
  • Deep Bruises
  • Internal Injuries/Bleeding
  • Airbag injuries

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer.

After an accident involving a serious injury in the Central Valley, contact attorney Martin Gasparian for a free consultation and case evaluation. Mr. Gasparian takes a hands-on approach to every case. He believes that every client should work directly with their lawyer, get honest advice and personalized attention to detail their case deserves.

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