[01-14-2023] Humboldt County, CA – Male Pedestrian Hospitalized After Being Hit by Vehicle in Fortuna

A male pedestrian was hospitalized in an unknown condition after being hit by a car in Fortuna, Humboldt County, on Saturday evening, January 14, 2023.

According to local authorities, the fatal crash occurred after 11:15 p.m. along northbound Highway 101, just north of the 12th Street onramp from Fortuna.

The driver was taking his wife to ER at Redwood Memorial Hospital in Durango when a man reportedly dressed all in black came out of nowhere in the rain. He tried to brake but the vehicle began to slide and struck the pedestrian, who they initially thought to be a bicyclist, before veering off course and crashing into the barrier.

The car was damaged on the driver’s side, but both occupants managed to exit the vehicle and called for help. Another motorist stopped and located the pedestrian down an embankment.

Paramedics arrived to check the unconscious man, who reportedly had no pulse. They started doing CPR before an ambulance transported him. His current condition remains unknown.

The driver passed a drunk test from law enforcement and later claimed the pedestrian was on foot since there was no bicycle around.

A further investigation by the authorities continues.

Fatal Pedestrian Accident Statistics

The total number of people killed in traffic-related accidents fell by 14% between 2007 and 2016, according to data provided by the Governors Highway Safety Association. Unfortunately, however, there was a 27% increase in pedestrian fatalities throughout this time period.

According to the statistics presented above, pedestrians in the United States are at an all-time high risk of being involved in a car accident that might leave them permanently disabled or dead.

In 2012, automobile accidents were responsible for 809 deaths and 14,000 injuries. In comparison to the rest of the United States, California appears to have a higher incidence of both fatal and nonfatal pedestrian accidents.

According to government statistics, almost 6,000 persons lost their lives in car accidents in 2016. Nearly eighty-eight people died on average every minute by the conclusion of that year. About 137,000 Americans were taken to hospitals after suffering potentially fatal injuries.

Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Humboldt County

In the event of an auto accident, pedestrians in California have the same legal protections and rights as drivers, cyclists, and passengers.

Just try to put yourself in the shoes of someone who has lost a loved one due to someone else’s carelessness. If you end up in such a predicament, there is a legal process in place to assure monetary settlement. You may rely on our experienced lawyers to represent your interests in the case of a personal injury or wrongful death claim filed with your insurance company.

Our trusted pedestrian accident lawyers in Humboldt County have extensive experience and accolades advocating for accident victims. Our clients have been awarded compensation totaling $500 million.

Call (888) 488-1391 now or click the “Do I Have a Case?” on our website to set up a free consultation with one of our attorneys.