[09-20-2023] Monterey County, CA – 12-Year-Old Airlifted After Vehicle vs. Pedestrian Crash in Gonzales

A 12-year-old pedestrian was injured after being hit by a vehicle in Gonzales on Wednesday afternoon, September 20, 2023.

The Gonzales Police Department reported that the victim was struck while walking eastbound on the Fifth Street Bridge around 3:16 p.m.

The victim was transported by helicopter to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities reported that the victim was conscious and responsive.

Officers found that the SUV driver didn’t see the victim before striking it while turning left onto the southbound U.S. Highway 101 ramp.

Further details regarding the incident are not readily available while authorities continue their investigations.

Award-Winning Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Monterey County

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident brought on by another driver’s negligence, it is helpful and encouraged that you consult with a personal injury lawyer.

Our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers provide free initial consultations during which we will analyze the details of the incident, describe the legal processes involved, and consider major concerns that may impact the potential compensation you may be eligible for.

You may get assistance with your insurance claim and legal representation from our award-winning Monterey pedestrian accident lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq. Our firm has recovered more than $500 Million for California clients. Due to our success and reliability track record, we have been awarded one of California’s successful personal injury law firms.

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.

8 Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

No one can predict a pedestrian accident, but you can prepare for one. Having a pedestrian accident checklist in your glove box can help you stay calm and organized after a car crash. It can tell you what to do and what not to do, and how best to protect your rights.

When in doubt, give us a call. Keep our phone number, (888) 488-1391, in your phone or written down in case the worst occurs. You aren’t alone after a serious collision. Whether you are the injured victim or the family of a deceased loved one, here’s what to do after a pedestrian accident:

1. Get Assistance Immediately: If you are in a collision, your initial concern should be to seek medical attention and contact the authorities.
2. Gather Potential Evidence: Gather all the information you need at the location. Take photographs, write down the names of everyone involved, get license plate numbers, and review the police reports.
3. Talk to a Lawyer: Work with a qualified pedestrian accident lawyer to assist you in getting a fair settlement and navigating the legal system.
4. Never Admit or Accept Fault: Avoid saying or admitting anything about the accident that could compromise your case. This may make it more challenging for you to get compensation.
5. Don’t Make Unnecessary Statements: Refrain from making false claims regarding the incident without first discussing it with an attorney. These comments may be used against you in court.
6. Don’t Settle: Don’t make an agreement with the person who injured you. You may be offered a lower compensation. Understand the severity of damage caused before considering any settlement proposals from a legal team.
7. Never Sign Without Consultation: To guarantee that your rights are fully exercised, sign papers with the assistance of an attorney or after speaking with one.
8. Discuss your case with one of our reputable California pedestrian accident lawyers.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, bigger cars are more likely to be involved in accidents while turning, and those struck by large vehicles suffer more severe injuries.

Pickup trucks were 269.6% more likely than passenger automobiles to be involved in fatal left-turn collisions. Accidents in minivans and big vans increased by 172%, while pickups and SUVs increased by 93.6%. Also, the likelihood of trucks and SUVs causing injury in right-turn collisions has increased dramatically, with fatal accident probabilities rising by 88.6% and 63.4%, respectively.

Hit-and-run incidents accounted for 24.3% of pedestrian deaths in 2020. Pedestrian deaths increased by 46.2% between 2011 and 2020, while other traffic-related fatalities rose to  14.4%. Despite a 13.2% drop in driving between 2019 and 2020, fatalities among pedestrians increased by 3.9%.