Fresno Pedestrian Killed in Highway 99 Accident
According to a report by ABC30 News, a pedestrian was killed last week on Highway 99 early on Friday morning. The reason for the man walking in the northbound lanes of Highway 99 in Southwest Fresno was not known at the time of the report. The California Highway Patrol identified the victim as a male in his 30’s.
The victim was in the second lane on the northbound side of Highway 99 between the Highway 41 interchange and Jensen Avenue. Traffic was blocked by Highway Patrol Officers as the accident scene was investigated and the cleanup crew completed its job. Traffic delays along Highway 99 in Southwest Fresno lasted about three hours after the pedestrian accident.
Pedestrian Accidents on the Freeway
We do not hear about pedestrian accidents on the freeway or highway very often. Most of the pedestrian accidents occur at crosswalks, intersections, and city or rural streets. However, pedestrians are killed on interstates and highways for a variety of reasons.
In many cases, the person has experienced car trouble or been involved in a car accident. The individual exits the vehicle to inspect the damage or try to figure out what caused the car to break down and is hit by another vehicle. It is generally safer to remain in your vehicle after an accident on the interstate until help arrives. If the vehicle could explode or another reason causes you to be in danger by remaining in the vehicle, you must use extreme caution when exiting the vehicle and walking to a safe location.
The same is true when your vehicle breaks down on the interstate or freeway. You need to move your vehicle to the side of the road and stay inside the vehicle until help arrives. If you must exit the vehicle, it is usually safer to exit from the passenger side. When you are exiting, try to move as far away from the vehicle as possible in case another vehicle strikes your vehicle.
Liability in a Pedestrian Accident
In many cases, the driver of the vehicle is liable for a pedestrian accident. Reasons why a driver might be held liable for damages in a pedestrian accident include:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Failing to yield the right of way at a pedestrian crossing
- Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Driving while fatigued or drowsy
- Distracted driving, including texting while driving and talking on a cell phone while driving
In a few cases, a pedestrian could be partially at fault for an accident. Insurance companies certainly like to blame the pedestrian because it reduces the amount of money the companies must pay to settle an accident claim.
If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, you need experienced legal counsel to protect your rights. It is in your best interest to consult a Fresno pedestrian accident attorney before you speak with an insurance adjuster or sign any documents for the insurance company.
Call a Fresno Pedestrian Accident Attorney Now
Torem & Associates offers free consultations and no-obligation case evaluations for injury victims and their families. It does not cost you anything to get the legal advice you need to protect your rights.
Contact our office by calling (559) 500-5000 or (888) 500-5000 or by using the contact form on our website to schedule a free appointment with a Fresno pedestrian accident attorney.
Our office in Fresno is located at 3649 W. Beechwood Ave., #104, Fresno, CA 93711.
Source: “Man killed after being hit by several cars on Highway 99 in Southwest Fresno.” ABC30 News. 16 February 2018.
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