[12-26-2023] Sonoma County, CA – Pedestrian Seriously Injured After Being Struck by Vehicle in Santa Rosa

A pedestrian was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle in Santa Rosa late Tuesday night, December 26, 2023.

According to the Santa Rosa Police Department, the collision occurred at around 11:10 p.m. at the intersection of Sebastopol Road and Dutton Avenue.

A silver BMW sedan struck the pedestrian, who became unconscious while lying on the ground. The victim was found in the northbound lane of the avenue, and the BMW was off the road with major damage to its front end.

The victim suffered critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene.

It was unclear whether the pedestrian was in the crosswalk. At the time of the collision, the BMW appeared to have the right of way with a green light.

The investigation revealed that there was no evidence that the driver had been under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and the speed of the car is unlikely to have been a contributing factor.

Neither the driver’s nor the pedestrian’s names have been released. The pedestrian remains in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.

Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County

It is possible for a person to seek compensation if he or she has suffered damages as a result of the negligence of another driver. If you are hurt in a pedestrian accident, it is best that you speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer if you would like legal advice regarding your case.

For a free case evaluation, contact one of our pedestrian accident lawyers. We will give you an overview of the case, discuss the settlement, and advise you on how to file an insurance claim.

Our top Santa Rosa pedestrian accident lawyers at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., are prepared to assist you with your insurance claim or effectively represent you in court, if necessary. We have recovered more than $750 Million for California clients and have earned a reputation as one of the best law firms in the state.

If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

9 Steps to Take Immediately After A Pedestrian Accident in California

It is tough to think clearly after being hit by a vehicle, let alone if you were injured. But what you say and do at the crash scene can significantly affect the outcome of a subsequent claim you file against the at-fault party. These tips may help you avoid doing something that could reduce the value of your personal injury claim:

1. Call the police as soon as the accident occurs and ensure an officer creates an accident report.
2. Take photos of your injuries, the accident scene, property damage, the weather conditions, the road conditions, and the vehicle that hit you.
3. Take pictures of the at-fault driver’s license, insurance card, and license plate.
4. Get the names and contact information of all eyewitnesses or anyone who may have seen anything.
5. See a doctor or other healthcare professional immediately, and tell them about every affected part of your body.
6. Keep a journal about your injuries and the recovery process, detailing how you feel, the treatment you receive, and what costs you pay.
7. Do not speak to the insurance adjuster or accept a settlement offer until you talk to an experienced lawyer.
8. Stay off social media and avoid posting about being in an accident or the circumstances of your accident.
9. Talk to our pedestrian accident lawyers in California. We can determine whether your case has merit, help you talk to insurance companies, and assist you in filing a personal injury claim if necessary.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 7,388 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle crashes, while about 60,000 pedestrians were injured in 2021.

Deaths from pedestrians increased by 46.2% between 2011 and 2020, while deaths from other traffic increased by 14.4%. The number of pedestrian deaths between 2019 and 2020 has increased by 3.9%, in spite of the fact that there have been 13.2% fewer vehicles on the roads during that same period.

Approximately 2% of crash fatalities were caused by bicyclists, and about 17% were caused by pedestrians. Hit-and-run accidents caused 24% of pedestrian fatalities.