Pedestrian accidents in Fresno are a significant concern for the community. With a growing population and an increasing number of vehicles on the road, the risk of accidents involving pedestrians is higher than ever. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries or fatalities due to the vulnerability of pedestrians when they are hit by a vehicle.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of pedestrian accidents in Fresno. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, Fresno ranks as one of the state’s highest counties for pedestrian fatalities. This alarming trend highlights the need for greater awareness and action to prevent pedestrian accidents.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident while on foot, call our accident attorneys at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400 for a free case evaluation.

Between 2005 and 2014, over 6,600 pedestrians died in collisions with motorists, which translates to nearly two pedestrians killed each day per 100,000 California residents.

Nationally, the numbers are just as troubling. As you can see, the number of deadly pedestrian collisions is rising. The number of pedestrian-related traffic fatalities skyrocketed by 11 percent in 2016, reaching nearly 6,000 deaths (5,997 pedestrian deaths, to be exact). In 2015, approximately 5,376 pedestrians were killed in accidents, while 4,910 were killed in collisions with motorists in 2014.is

According to a report by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), the massive increase in pedestrian accident deaths means 2016 was the deadliest year for pedestrians in twenty years. This report also highlighted that automobile accident deaths increased by six percent nationwide.

When Fresno police investigate an accident involving a pedestrian and a motorist, it is common to conclude that the motorist caused the collision. Many drivers are unfamiliar with the proper traffic regulations when approaching a crosswalk and yielding to a pedestrian. Other causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• The driver was speeding.
• The driver was texting and driving or engaging in another activity that caused them to be distracted.
• The driver did not yield to the pedestrian at a marked crosswalk.
• The driver ran a red light.
• The driver failed to stop at a stop sign.
• The driver was intoxicated.
• The driver was drowsy and fell asleep behind the wheel.

If you are physically able, specific actions and information you should collect will improve the viability of a personal injury claim against the negligent driver. Here are recommended steps to take:

• Contact the police and make sure an official accident report is filed.
• Get the full name and cell phone number of the driver that hit you.
• Get the license plate number of the vehicle that hit you.
• Get the full names and phone numbers of witnesses who saw the accident.
• Get medical treatment immediately at a local hospital, emergency room, etc.
• Do not give the other driver’s auto insurance company a recorded statement.
• Contact a Fresno pedestrian accident lawyer to schedule a free case review.

When a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle, whether a sedan, motorcycle, or pickup truck, the injuries suffered by the pedestrian can be catastrophic. This is not surprising when you consider that the pedestrian has no absolute protection from the full impact of the collision. This means they bear the full brunt of the impact and suffer serious bodily harm. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Broken bones
• Neck injury
• Torn rotator cuff
• Spinal cord injury (e.g., full or partial paralysis)
• Low back injury
• Amputated limb
• Lacerations to your face and body