California Injury Blog
Eric Vernon Hayman, 34, was killed in a Sacramento car accident after he was hit by a vehicle while crossing the road the night of August 16, 2010. According to a KXTV news report, the fatal pedestrian collision occurred when Hayman was walking in a crosswalk at the intersection of Elk Grove Boulevard and Waterman Road, in Elk Grove. A Honda Del Sol, traveling south on Waterman, struck him. Hayman was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. Officials say drugs or alcohol were not involved. No arrests were made or citations issued pending an official investigation.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Eric Vernon Hayman for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 14 injuries reported in Elk Grove as a result of pedestrian accidents. In Sacramento County, 20 people were killed and 461 were injured in pedestrian accidents during the same year.
Crosswalk Law
Under California law, motorists are required to yield to pedestrians who are walking in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. 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.”
Claim for Compensation
I trust officials are also looking into whether the driver of the Honda was distracted, speeding or driving recklessly at the time of the crash. If the driver is determined to have been at fault, then, he or she could be held liable for Hayman’s wrongful death. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim, seeking compensation to cover medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. The best Sacramento personal injury lawyers will be able to advise families of victims in such cases about how to pursue their legal rights.
Are the crosswalks in your neighborhood well lit and clearly painted? What are some of the most dangerous crosswalks in your city or neighborhood?
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys 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.