One person was killed after a pedestrian vs. semi-truck crash in Berkeley early Thursday morning, August 1, 2024.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the deadly collision occurred just after 3:40 a.m. on westbound Interstate 80 between University Avenue and Ashby Avenue.
CHP officers said they received a call from a semi-truck driver who said they may have struck someone while traveling along I-80. Preliminary reports suggested that the victim may have been another motorist who had pulled over the side of the roadway to flag others down for help.
The struck pedestrian, whose name, age, and gender were not released, died following the incident. There is no word yet if the semi-truck driver was injured.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation. It is not immediately known if drugs, alcohol, or speeding contributed to the collision.
The two right-most lanes of westbound I-80 were blocked while authorities investigated and cleared the scene. Other motorists trying to pass through the area were warned of heavy traffic delays.
CHP will provide further information as soon as it becomes available.
Potential witnesses are encouraged to contact the authorities immediately.
Seek Help From Our Respected Pedestrian Accident Lawyers In Berkeley, CA
Pedestrians have an entitlement to safety equal to individuals who are driving cars, riding motorcycles, etc. Suppose you or your loved one was injured or sustained damages due to a pedestrian accident. In that case, you might be eligible for financial compensation. Seek help from our Berkeley injury law firm, and we’d be more than willing to provide.
Get legal guidance from our respected Berkeley pedestrian accident lawyers. Our legal team, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., can help you submit a claim and receive the highest compensation for your injuries or those of a deceased family member. Our clients have received a total of over $750 million in compensation.
Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our injury attorneys.
Actions To Take After A Pedestrian Accident In Berkeley, CA
When you are injured in a vehicle crash, it can be difficult to think clearly. However, what you say and do at the scene might impact the result of your claim against the entity responsible for the accident. These suggestions might assist you in preventing any actions that could potentially diminish the worth of your personal injury claim:
- Contact the authorities immediately when the accident happens and make sure an officer generates an accident report.
- Capture images of your wounds, the location, damage to property, the weather, the condition of the road, and the vehicle that collided with you.
- Capture images of the responsible driver’s license, insurance card, and license plate.
- Obtain the names and contact details of all individuals who witnessed the incident or might have observed any relevant information.
- Seek medical attention promptly and inform a healthcare provider about all affected areas of your body.
- Keep a notebook to record your injuries and recovery process, including your emotions, the medical care you receive, and the expenses you incur.
- Refrain from communicating with the insurance adjuster or agreeing to a settlement proposal until you consult a knowledgeable attorney. Furthermore, avoid admitting fault. This is one of the common mistakes people tend to make following any vehicular accident.
- Avoid using social media and refrain from sharing any information about your accident or its details.
- Contact our pedestrian accident attorneys in California promptly to discuss your situation. Our team answers the questions and concerns of many victims.
If you’re having trouble securing the accident report from the authorities or an insurer keeps calling you about the accident, our California pedestrian accident lawyers can assist you in communicating with them.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
The number of pedestrian injuries and fatalities remains high in the country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,388 pedestrians were killed, and an estimated 60,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide in 2021. This is a staggering 13% increase from the alarming percentages recorded last year.
That said, this concerning rate of pedestrian accidents isn’t because the government has failed to resolve it. The California Department of Transportation is building more roundabouts, and the Office of Traffic Safety is funding pedestrian assessments in cities with high collision rates. Furthermore, education about pedestrian safety has seen a 40% increase in funding over the past three years.
When motorists fail to yield to pedestrians or brake too abruptly, tragic results can be seen in the form of pedestrian deaths and injuries. The best course of action if you intend to pursue legal action is to consult experienced legal counsel.
According to the Transportation Injury Mapping System, Berkeley tallied 89 pedestrian-related deaths or injuries in 2023.