[04-08-2022] Sonoma County, CA – One Person Killed in Fatal Pedestrian Crash in Petaluma

One unidentified person was killed, closing U.S. Highway 101 in Petaluma for more than two hours due to a fatal pedestrian accident Friday afternoon, April 8, 2022.

A collision was reported at 11:51 a.m. on southbound US 101 just north of East Washington Street.

According to the California Highway Patrol, all southbound lanes were blocked at 12:09 p.m., and a Sig-alert was issued.

The Petaluma Boulevard North and Old Redwood Highway onramps to southbound US 101 were also closed.

According to Petaluma police, the closures caused heavy traffic congestion and backups, as well as a disruption in traffic flow on the city’s surface streets.

Until further notice, drivers are advised to avoid southbound US 101 between Old Redwood Highway and Washington Street.

Any motorists who have been diverted or who require access to Southbound Highway 101 can do so at Washington Street, Lakeville Highway, and Petaluma Blvd South, according to Petaluma police.

The CHP reported that all lanes were reopened shortly after 2:00 p.m.

Fatal Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Pedestrians can be seriously injured or even killed if they are hit by a car. There is no safety net for passengers in automobiles or motorcycles in the event of a collision.

There has been an increase in the number of people who have been killed or injured while out walking in the United States. As a result, pedestrian deaths have risen sharply over the past three decades.

Between 2007 and 2016, the number of people killed in motor vehicle accidents dropped by 14%, but the number of people killed while crossing the street rose by 27%.

Last year, 5,977 Americans lost their lives in traffic accidents while walking. According to current estimates, one person dies every 88 minutes. In 2017, 137,000 emergency room visits were a result of nonfatal pedestrian injuries.

According to recent research, California has a higher than average risk of pedestrian fatalities and injuries. According to the California Department of Transportation, more than 14,000 people were injured or killed in pedestrian accidents in California in 2013.

As a general rule, most pedestrian accidents result from driver negligence and pedestrians who do not yield the right-of-way. An experienced lawyer is essential in situations like this.

If you’re ever in a pedestrian accident, you should immediately contact the police and ask that a report be made. It’s a good idea to take photos of everything from your injuries to your property damage to the weather. Take a photo of the at-fault driver’s license, insurance card, and license plate. Obtain the names and phone numbers of anyone who may have witnessed the incident.

Sonoma County Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Drivers must slow down regardless of whether a pedestrian is crossing the street in a designated crosswalk. Priority must be given to pedestrians at controlled intersections. Accident investigators are looking into whether or not the driver of the vehicle that struck the pedestrian broke any traffic laws.

To recover damages from the person or organization responsible for their loss, the deceased person’s family can file a wrongful death claim. A jury may award compensation for lost wages, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering.

At Arash Law, we strive to protect our clients’ interests in every stage of litigation. Our Sonoma County pedestrian accident lawyers at Arash Law have extensive experience when it comes to settlement negotiations and courtroom battles.

We can save lives by enforcing penalties on dangerous drivers. Car accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall accidents, or any other type of motor vehicle accidents can be handled by Arash Law.