Yreka, a quaint and charming town, boasts many attractions for locals and tourists alike. The town’s natural beauty creates a picturesque backdrop that enchants visitors. With amenities and attractions easily accessible on foot, it’s a town that invites people to explore its streets, parks, and local businesses. 

However, as with any bustling area, especially one frequented by tourists, pedestrian accidents are unfortunate in Yreka, just as they are throughout Northern California. The mix of pedestrians and increased traffic congestion due to tourism can lead to a higher risk of accidents. As the number of pedestrians and traffic volume rise, so does the potential for severe injuries resulting from accidents.

If you or a loved one has unfortunately experienced an injury due to a driver’s negligence or the fault of another entity, it’s essential to know that you have rights. You may be entitled to file a compensation claim to offset the financial losses you’ve incurred. Such losses can be from medical expenses, loss of earnings, pain, suffering, and other related damages.

To understand your legal options and evaluate the potential merits of your case, consider reaching out to our team of experienced injury attorneys. Contact us at (530) 392-9400 for a free case evaluation. 

The legal team at AutoAccident.com has helped Yreka residents since 1982 obtain fair compensation following a pedestrian injury accident. Our support is compassionate and professional because we understand that an injury affects the person it happened to and the entire family. We work hard to recover compensation for injured pedestrians, so they can concentrate on healing without financial stress added to their burden caused by another’s negligent actions.

Motorists cause many pedestrian accidents each year due to their negligence. The National Safety Council reported that in 2019 there were 7,668 pedestrian fatalities nationwide. When it strikes someone on foot, the speed of a vehicle is directly related to the risk of death. Some of the reasons these accidents happen are:

• Running a red light: This is a common cause of pedestrian injury accidents. A driver who runs a stop sign or red light can injure a pedestrian in the crosswalk or one who has stepped off the curb.
• Distracted driving: Texting, checking GPS, changing a radio station, and other activities can lead to a pedestrian accident. Even though only five seconds is required to send a text, the vehicle travels the length of a football field.
• Improper backing: A motorist who backs out of a parking space or driveway without looking for a pedestrian crossing behind them can cause a severe accident.
• Drunk drivers: Motorists intoxicated or impaired by drugs have reduced reflexes, problems staying in their lane, and often speed up and slow down. Vision is also affected, and the driver may have trouble spotting a pedestrian. When the weather is terrible or the sun has gone down, they are even more likely to be involved in an accident with a pedestrian.
• Speeding: The faster a motorist drives, the more likely it will result in a fatality if they strike a pedestrian. Any accident involving someone on foot, even if it is minor, can cause serious injuries.
• Fatigued driving: When a motorist is too tired to be driving, they react behind the wheel of the vehicle in much the same way as a drunk driver. Vision, reflexes, and judgment are affected, which can easily result in a pedestrian accident.
• Government negligence: If the government entity in charge of maintaining a roadway, intersection, or other area is lax in performing its duties, it can lead to an accident involving a pedestrian, bicyclist, motorcycle rider, or even a passenger vehicle. Some problems include mistimed or malfunctioning traffic or crossing lights, potholes, overgrown shrubs, and poor lighting. If an accident results from poor maintenance, the injured party can hold the government entity liable for injuries. Since the time limit for filing against a government entity is much shorter than for other personal injuries, getting help from an accident attorney is a good idea.

A pedestrian can stay safer while out and lower the risk of being injured in an accident in several ways. Some suggestions to increase pedestrian safety include:

• Stick to designated crosswalks whenever crossing the street. If a crosswalk is available to further away, taking those extra steps to reach it can make you safer.
• Try not to walk in the street. Sidewalks aren’t always available in some areas, so you may be forced to walk along the curb. If you do, face traffic, making it easier for a motorist to see you and for you to see them.
• Always watch oncoming traffic when crossing the street or walking through a parking lot. Don’t assume what a driver will do, and don’t try to run across the street to beat a vehicle before they reach you.
• Obey all traffic laws and avoid jaywalking. Motorists can’t always see pedestrians stepping out between vehicles parked along the curb and could go too fast to stop.
• Make yourself more visible by wearing bright colors during the day and light colors after dark. Reflective strips on a jacket and a flashlight increase your visibility after dark.
• Don’t think a driver will stop at crosswalks until they do it. Red-light runners and speeders often cause pedestrian accidents.
• If you’ve been drinking, don’t go out on foot. Inebriated pedestrians can be just as careless as motorists.
• Be cautious walking past driveways, alleys, entrances, and exits. If you aren’t in the driver’s field of vision, it can result in a severe accident.
• Always look left, right, and left again before crossing a street, even when lights and signals are present.