[09-01-2023] Humboldt County, CA – 2 Cal Poly Students Hospitalized After Pedestrian Vs. Car Collision in Arcata

Cal Poly Humboldt student Madelyn V., a religious studies and sociology major, and another student were hospitalized after getting hit by a car in Arcata on Friday, September 1, 2023.

According to the Cal Poly Humboldt Police Department, the incident occurred at the intersection of Rossow Street and Harpst Street.

CPHPD officers reported a collision on campus between a car and two pedestrians. Madelyn and another student were rushed to a nearby hospital. The unidentified student was discharged on the same day they checked in, while Madelyn took more serious hits from both the car and the ground, said Zach V., Madelyn V.’s cousin.

Madelyn is still in the hospital with a fractured pelvis, C1 vertebrae, and ribs. She also sustained a six-centimeter gash in her head, causing four separate brain bleeds, threatening her life. Her brain has been operated on twice recently to relieve pressure and swelling, and there is fluid accumulating there. She is currently in the ICU.

“We are hopeful that our student makes a full recovery, and we are keeping her family and loved ones in our thoughts. We know this has been difficult for them, and the University has been providing a variety of support,” – Aileen Y., a spokesperson for Cal Poly Humboldt.

The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Dedicated Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Arcata, CA

There is no distinction between pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, or passengers under California law. If a negligent driver injures you or kills a loved one, you are entitled to compensation.

Our seasoned legal team will provide sound legal advice during your free consultation. They will take into account all relevant factors that may impact the settlement offer, and the details of your case will be thoroughly discussed.

You can rely on our most trusted Arcata pedestrian accident lawyers at Arash Law, under Arash Khorsandi, Esq.’s direction, to help you with the insurance claim or effectively represent you in court proceedings.

Our firm has recovered over $500 Million for California clients and is widely acknowledged for its success and reputation as one of California’s leading 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.

What to Do After A Pedestrian Accident

It is challenging to make clear-headed decisions following a car accident. Your words and actions at the accident scene can significantly affect your lawsuit. To maximize the value of your injury claim, consider these recommendations:

• Call the police after the accident, and make sure the officer creates an accident report.
• Document your injuries, the accident scene, property damage, weather conditions, road conditions, and the vehicle that struck you.
• Take a picture of the driver at fault’s license, insurance card, and license plate.
• Obtain all eyewitnesses’ names, contact information, or anyone who has seen anything.
• Visit a doctor or other healthcare professional immediately and inform them of all affected parts of your body.
• Keep a journal detailing your injuries and recovery. Describe how you feel, the treatment you receive, and the costs you pay.
• Consult a lawyer before accepting a settlement offer from an insurance adjuster.
• Stay off social media. Please don’t post about your accident or its circumstances.
• Contact a trustworthy pedestrian accident lawyer in California as soon as possible to discuss your case.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Because pedestrians don’t have any protection, they’re more likely to get hurt or killed in accidents. U.S. pedestrian fatalities and vehicle-related damages have increased alarmingly in recent years.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, pedestrian fatalities increased by 27% between 2007 and 2016, while other traffic-related deaths decreased by 14%.

Over the course of 2017, 5,977 pedestrians died in the United States, averaging 88 deaths per day. There were also approximately 137,000 non-fatal pedestrian injuries treated in hospitals.

A recent study revealed that California carries the highest risk for pedestrian injuries and fatalities compared to other states. Approximately 55,000 pedestrian accidents and 6,516 pedestrian deaths were reported by the California Department of Transportation in 2020.