(Sacramento, CA) A man suffered critical injuries after being struck in a Northgate Boulevard accident in the Northgate area of Sacramento.
When officers arrived, they found a collision between a man and a vehicle. Paramedics dispatched to the Northgate Boulevard accident site and transported the victim to a hospital. The man suffered life-threatening injuries, putting him in critical condition. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. Police determined alcohol or drugs did not play a factor leading to the crash.
Legal Opinion on the Northgate Boulevard Accident
California law places a heavy responsibility on drivers to protect pedestrians. Especially in the case of the Northgate Boulevard accident, California Vehicle Code 21950 applies. This law requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing the street in marked or unmarked crosswalks. The law also requires drivers to reduce speed and exercise due care when pedestrians are nearby.
If the pedestrian walked outside the crosswalk, VEH 21954 applies. It requires pedestrians crossing outside of crosswalks to yield to vehicles. It still obligates drivers to use due care and avoid hitting them if reasonably possible. Additionally, VEH 22350, the Basic Speed Law, requires drivers to drive at a safe speed for conditions. Failing to adjust for visibility, traffic, or pedestrian activity may still constitute negligence.
What the Victim and His Family Can Do
The injured man has the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the driver if police prove the driver’s negligence. This type of claim can cover hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. Given the severity of his injuries, long-term care costs may also be recoverable.
An attorney can help by securing the police report of the Northgate Boulevard accident. They can also interview witnesses and check for surveillance or traffic cameras in the area. Although the driver remained at the scene and cooperated, civil liability may still apply if they failed to act with reasonable caution. Quick legal action can give the victim and his family the strongest chance of justice and financial recovery.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.