A middle-aged man was injured in a morning San Jose pedestrian accident on Monterey Road recently. According to Mercury News, police shut down part of southbound Monterey Toad to investigate the non-fatal accident. The injured pedestrian was transported to Regional Medical Center with unknown injuries. The driver remained at the scene after the accident. Police do not believe alcohol or drugs were involved in the crash, although the cause of the accident is still under investigation.
Pedestrians have no protection against the impact of a motor vehicle, which is why pedestrians, even if they survive, often suffer severe injuries in collisions with cars. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 59,000 pedestrians were injured and another 4,092 were killed in pedestrian accidents nationwide in 2009. In California, 563 pedestrians were killed in motor-vehicle accidents in 2009. Although overall pedestrian fatalities fell 9.2 percent from the 620 fatalities in 2008, pedestrian still pose a deadly threat to walkers in California, especially those age 65 and older. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), pedestrian fatalities for people age 65 and older increased 14.6 percent from 2008 to 2009.
It is the responsibility of pedestrians in San Jose to practice proper safety when walking. Always looking both ways, never running into the road, and only crossing at crosswalks are a few of the important rules pedestrians should follow to stay safe. Practicing proper safety does not always protect pedestrians however. Drivers are also required to drive lawfully and safely, but they do not always do so.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in San Jose that was caused by the carelessness or negligence of a driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses. The skilled San Jose pedestrian accident lawyers at Van Der Walde & Associates, LLP, can help you understand your legal rights and determine the validity of your claim. Contact one of our experienced attorneys today at 877-862-6288 so that we may answer any questions you may have.
