Fresno, which sits in the heart of California’s Central Valley, is home to a diverse population and a growing economy. However, like many urban areas, Fresno faces challenges when it comes to pedestrian safety.
Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere in Fresno, but certain locations and situations are more likely to result in these tragic incidents.
Pedestrian accidents can be life-changing. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you may be facing. If you’ve been injured, a pedestrian accident lawyer in Fresno can help you navigate this difficult time.
Intersections and Crosswalks
One of the most common locations for pedestrian accidents in Fresno is at intersections and crosswalks. These areas are designed to allow pedestrians to safely cross the street, but they can also be dangerous when drivers fail to yield the right of way or are distracted.
Some accident-prone intersections in Fresno may include:
- Shaw Avenue and Blackstone Avenue
- Herndon Avenue and First Street
- Cedar Avenue and Shields Avenue
- Fresno Street and Ventura Avenue
- Ashlan Avenue and Clovis Avenue
School Zones
Another area where pedestrian accidents can occur in Fresno is in school zones. Children are more likely to be involved in pedestrian accidents due to their smaller size and unpredictable behavior. Drivers may also be distracted during school drop-off and pick-up times, increasing the risk of accidents.
Some of the school zones that could pose dangers to Fresno pedestrians include:
- Bullard High School
- Fresno High School
- McLane High School
- Hoover High School
- Edison High School
Downtown Fresno
Downtown Fresno has restaurants, shops, and businesses attracting visitors and locals alike. However, the high volume of pedestrian and vehicle traffic in this area can also make it a hotspot for accidents.
Some of the most dangerous areas for pedestrians in downtown Fresno include:
- Fulton Street
- Mariposa Street
- Tulare Street
- Fresno Street
- H Street
Factors Contributing to Pedestrian Accidents
In addition to the specific locations where pedestrian accidents occur, there are also several factors that can contribute to these incidents.
Some of the most common factors include:
Distracted Driving
In today’s fast-paced world,distracted driving has become a major concern for pedestrian safety. With the proliferation of smartphones and other electronic devices, drivers are increasingly tempted to take their eyes off the road to send a text message, check their email, or even browse social media.
This momentary distraction can have devastating consequences, as it only takes a split second for a driver to miss seeing a pedestrian stepping into the street.
Studies have shown that distracted driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving, with some estimates suggesting that it may even be more prevalent.
Shockingly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in one recent year alone.
To combat distracted driving and protect pedestrians, many states have implemented laws banning the use of handheld devices while driving. However, each individual driver must make a commitment to avoiding distractions and prioritizing safety.
Speeding
Speeding is another major contributor to pedestrian accidents, and it’s easy to understand why. When drivers exceed the posted speed limit or drive too fast for conditions, they have less time to react to unexpected hazards, such as a pedestrian stepping into the road.
Even a small increase in speed can have a significant impact on the severity of a pedestrian accident, as the force of impact increases exponentially with speed.
Per numbers from the NHTSA, speeding is involved in 26% of all traffic deaths, and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of speeding.
When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle traveling at high speeds, the likelihood of serious injury or death is much higher than in accidents involving slower-moving vehicles.
To prevent speeding-related pedestrian accidents, it’s important for drivers to always obey posted speed limits and adjust their speed based on weather and road conditions.
Intoxication
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a major risk factor for pedestrian accidents, and the consequences can be devastating.
Intoxication impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to operate a vehicle safely, making it much more likely that they will fail to see or respond to a pedestrian on the road.
According to NHTSA, alcohol-impaired driving is a factor in 28% of all traffic fatalities, and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of drunk driving. In fact, alcohol involvement is higher among pedestrians killed in traffic crashes than among drivers or passengers in vehicles.
To prevent intoxication-related pedestrian accidents, drivers must always avoid getting behind the wheel when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you plan to drink, designate a sober driver or use a ride-sharing service to get home safely.
Failure to Yield
Failure to yield the right of way to pedestrians is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents, and it’s a problem that persists despite clear traffic laws and regulations. When drivers do not yield to pedestrians at intersections, they put lives at risk and contribute to a culture of disregard for pedestrian safety.
To prevent failure-to-yield accidents, drivers must always stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections, even if the pedestrian has not yet entered the roadway.
Poor Visibility
Poor visibility is a significant risk factor for pedestrian accidents, particularly at night or in adverse weather conditions. In reduced visibility, drivers may have difficulty seeing pedestrians on the road, even if they use designated crosswalks or wearing bright clothing.
Types of Injuries Suffered by Pedestrians in Fresno Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity from minor bruises to fatal conditions.
When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the force of impact can lead to a complex array of physical and emotional challenges.
Head and Brain Injuries
One of the most severe types of injuries that pedestrians may suffer in accidents is head and brain trauma.
When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the force of the impact can cause the head to violently strike the ground, the vehicle, or other objects, leading to concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
These injuries can range from mild to severe, with symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and cognitive impairments. In some cases, a brain injury may cause long-lasting or even permanent damage, requiring ongoing medical treatment and support.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Another potentially devastating injury in pedestrian accidents is spinal cord damage.
The spinal cord is responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body. When the spinal cord is damaged, it can lead to a loss of sensation, mobility, and function below the site of the injury.
Depending on the location and severity of the damage, a pedestrian may experience partial or complete paralysis, requiring extensive rehabilitation and lifestyle adjustments. In some cases, spinal cord injuries may lead to secondary complications, such as respiratory issues or pressure ulcers.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Pedestrians involved in accidents are also at risk of suffering broken bones and fractures due to the force of impact with the vehicle or the ground. Common fractures in pedestrian accidents include those of the legs, pelvis, arms, and ribs.
These injuries can be incredibly painful and may require surgical intervention, immobilization, and an extended recovery period. In some cases, the bone may break through the skin, increasing the risk of infection and other complications.
The healing process for broken bones can result in a permanent loss of function or mobility.
Soft Tissue Injuries
While soft tissue injuries may not always be as visible as fractures or head trauma, they can still have a significant impact on a pedestrian’s life following an accident. Soft tissue injuries refer to damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments and can include sprains, strains, and contusions.
These injuries can cause significant swelling and limited range of motion, making it hard for the injured pedestrian to live daily life or return to work. In some cases, soft tissue injuries may also lead to chronic pain or instability, requiring ongoing physical therapy and pain management.
Disfigurement and Scarring
Pedestrian accidents can also result in disfigurement and scarring, which can have both physical and emotional consequences. Lacerations, road rash, and burns can leave permanent marks on the body, serving as a constant reminder of the traumatic event. In some cases, visible scarring may damage an individual’s self-image and confidence.
Reconstructive surgery may need to minimize the appearance of scars, but the emotional impact of disfigurement can be long-lasting.
In addition to seeking medical care, pedestrians injured in accidents should also consider contacting an experienced personal injury attorney.
A skilled lawyer can help to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case for recovering damages. They can also handle communications with insurance companies and other parties, ensuring that the injured pedestrian’s rights are protected throughout the legal process.
By understanding the types of injuries commonly suffered in pedestrian accidents and taking prompt action to seek medical and legal support, injured individuals can begin the process of recovery and work towards securing the compensation they need to move forward.
While the road to healing may take a long time, with the right support and resources, you may overcome the challenges posed by even the most severe pedestrian accident injuries.
Types of Damages for Pedestrians Injured in Fresno
If you’re a pedestrian who has been hurt in an accident in Fresno, you might be able to get money to help pay for the ways the accident has affected your life. This money is called damages.
First, there are medical expenses. This means any bills you have from going to the doctor, staying in the hospital, getting surgery, or buying medicine because of your accident injuries. You could get money to cover these costs, so you don’t have to pay them out of your own pocket.
Next, there are lost wages. If your injuries keep you from going to work and earning money like you usually would, you might be able to get some money to make up for the paychecks you’re missing out on while you get better.
You could also get money for pain and suffering. This refers to any physical pain or emotional stress you experience because of the accident and your injuries. It’s not always easy to put a price tag on these things, but a lawyer can help figure out what’s fair.
In some cases, you might get punitive damages to punish the driver who hit you if they did something really dangerous or against the law, like driving drunk or speeding way over the limit. Punitive damages can send a message that Fresno won’t tolerate reckless behavior on its streets.
The amount of damages you could get will depend on the specific facts of your pedestrian accident case, like how badly the accident hurt you or disrupted your life.
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can look at all the details and fight to get you the full amount of damages you deserve. An attorney can also handle the back-and-forth with the insurance company so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal.
If a pedestrian accident hurt you in Fresno, don’t wait to get help. Reach out to a qualified attorney today to learn more about your rights and options for getting the damages you need to move forward.
Contact a Fresno Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Fresno, don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact a skilled personal injury lawyer in Fresno today to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.
With the right legal representation, you can hold negligent drivers accountable and get the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Don’t let a pedestrian accident derail your life – take action now and get the justice you deserve.
