[04-07-2023] Monterey County, CA – 7-Year-Old Girl Fatally Struck by Vehicle on Highway 101 near Prunedale

A 7-year-old girl with autism was killed after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross a highway in Monterey County on Friday night, April 7, 2023.

The California Highway Patrol reported that the fatal pedestrian crash occurred at about 10:50 p.m. on southbound Highway 101, south of Highway 156.

The juvenile was identified as Eliana G. of Salinas by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. She lived with his father along with two siblings after their mother died six months ago due to lupus and Hepatitis C infection.

She was reportedly attempting to cross the highway toward the center median from the west road edge when a southbound 2018 Nissan driven by a Salinas man in his 30s traveling at 65 mph in the number one lane failed to avoid her.

She was declared dead at the site. The highway was shut down for about two hours for the investigation. Drugs and alcohol were not seen to have played a role.

Fatal Pedestrian Accident Statistics

The Governors Highway Safety Association reported that car accident fatalities decreased by 14% between 2007 and 2016. However, during this time period, there was a 27% increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities.

Walking along public streets and motorways in the United States today and in the future is extremely dangerous, as evidenced by these data.

There were 5,977 pedestrian deaths in the United States in 2016. By the end of that year, roughly 88 people were dying per minute. In 2017, about 137,000 pedestrians were injured in incidents with motor vehicles.

In 2012, pedestrian accidents in California caused over 14,000 injuries and 893 fatalities. According to the numbers, this is the leading cause of hospitalization for California’s pedestrian population.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

Call the police right away if you or a loved one a’re in a pedestrian accident. Don’t make assumptions if the police or your insurer asks for details; tell them exactly what happened. Some innocent victims may feel the need to apologize anyhow. Insurers may refuse to pay out on a claim if the victim acts in such a way. Therefore, you should not act in such a manner.

The relevant authorities are obligated to provide you with a complete copy of the report upon request. There is a quick online form for your convenience on this page as well. We can’t begin looking into your claim without such information. During your no-cost initial session, we guarantee you’ll have our full attention and expert advice.

Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Monterey County

California law provides pedestrians with the same rights and safeguards in the event of an accident as drivers, passengers, and cyclists. If you or a loved one were wounded in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you might be eligible to make a claim for damages against the negligent driver.

During this no-obligation consultation, one of our attorneys will evaluate your case, walk you through the next steps, and discuss any factors that may affect the settlement offer.

Our trusted Monterey County pedestrian accident lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have extensive experience and accolades advocating for accident victims. Our clients have been awarded compensation totaling $750 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.