An unidentified woman that was in a motorized wheelchair was killed after getting struck by a passing vehicle in Indio on Sunday afternoon, October 17.
The accident transpired at approximately 2:09 p.m. in the area of Avenue 51 and Monroe Street in Indio.
An older woman in a motorized wheelchair was struck by a passing vehicle under unclear circumstances. Authorities later arrived at the scene and found the victim on the dirt shoulder after the mishap.
The older woman was then rushed to an area hospital but was unfortunately later pronounced dead.
The driver that struck the woman remained at the scene and willingly cooperated with local authorities. The driver was uninjured in the crash. The identities of the involved parties have not been disclosed.
The Indio Police Department is further investigating the cause of the crash. They will attempt to determine whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the accident.
Fatal Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Pedestrian accidents are among the most deadly types of traffic accidents. This is primarily because pedestrians are highly exposed to traffic hazards. After all, they have no protection in the event of an accident. In the United States in 2017, 5,977 pedestrians were killed in traffic incidents. This translates to around one death every 88 minutes.
Furthermore, an estimated 137,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency rooms for nonfatal crash-related injuries in 2017. California is one of the most populated states in the United States. Many people find it convenient to live or work in California, which has resulted in an increase in the number of cars on the roads. As a result, numerous road users, such as pedestrians, have become exposed to vehicular accidents.
California has the most deadly pedestrian roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, California has a 25% higher death rate than the national average. In 2018, 893 pedestrians were murdered, and 14,000 were injured on state roadways in California alone. Negligent driving, speeding, and drivers failing to yield to pedestrians are common causes of pedestrian accidents.
Wrongful Death Attorney for Victims of Fatal Pedestrian Accidents in Riverside County
The victim’s family is likely to make rash decisions due to the intense sadness and grief they are experiencing right now. The best course of action is to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible if you’ve been in a fatal car accident.
After a pedestrian accident, knowing your rights might help relieve some of the stress. Wrongful death attorneys from Arash Law know that being injured or killed while crossing the street can be terrifying and heartbreaking, especially if you have to pay hefty medical fees and funeral expenses after losing a loved one.
With the help of an attorney, the victim’s family can file a wrongful death claim and seek compensation for the harm the accident caused. Our pedestrian accident attorneys at Arash Law will fight for the rights and interests of our clients. We can set up a free initial consultation with a wrongful death attorney for you by calling (888) 488-1391 right now if you need it.