Elderly Woman Struck by Vehicle in Los Altos Accident
Pedestrian Accident, Los Altos, CA
Vehicle Hits 78-Year-Old Woman at the Intersection of Fourth and State Streets
Los Altos, CA – A 78-year-old female pedestrian was critically injured when struck by a vehicle at an intersection in Los Altos.
The Incident
On July 31, 2024, at approximately 12:25 p.m., a 78-year-old female pedestrian was critically injured in Los Altos at the intersection of Fourth and State Streets. The incident occurred when a vehicle, making a low-speed left turn from Fourth Street, struck the woman as she was crossing State Street using the crosswalk.
Witnesses described the impact as severe, noting that the collision sent the woman “flying in the air.” Emergency services responded promptly, and the woman was taken to a nearby hospital by ambulance, where she was treated for a major leg injury and memory loss.
Despite the severity of her injuries, she is expected to return home within a week. The section of State Street between Fourth and Main Streets was closed for about an hour following the accident. The driver involved has been fully cooperative with the ongoing investigation.
Legal ImplicationsÂ
Pedestrian safety remains a significant concern, particularly for older adults, who are statistically more vulnerable in traffic incidents. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that pedestrians aged 65 and older account for 23% of pedestrian fatalities while representing only 18% of the population.
This demographic’s increased risk is attributed to factors like slower reaction times and reduced mobility. The crash in Los Altos underscores the importance of legal action, not only to address the individual’s immediate needs but also to push for broader safety measures that can mitigate such incidents in the future. In many similar cases, contributing factors like driver distraction, pedestrian error, and failure to yield are often identified, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
FAQs
- What legal actions can I take if a loved one is injured in a pedestrian accident? You can file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related damages. An experienced attorney can guide you through this process.
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- What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident? Ensure the injured party receives medical attention, document the scene, gather witness information, and report the incident to the authorities. Contacting a lawyer early can be crucial.
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- How do pedestrian laws protect seniors? Pedestrian laws provide specific protections, such as the right of way in crosswalks, designed to enhance the safety of vulnerable populations like seniors.
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- Can street design impact pedestrian safety? Yes, improvements in street lighting, signage, and crosswalks can significantly reduce pedestrian collisions by up to 40%, according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
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- What are common causes of pedestrian accidents? Driver distraction, pedestrian error, and failure to yield are among the most common causes of these accidents, per the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
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Don’t navigate the aftermath of a pedestrian accident alone. Let the Scranton Law Firm stand by your side. With over 50 years of experience as personal injury lawyers, we’ve helped thousands recover from their losses. If you or a loved one are affected by a Los Altos pedestrian accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Secure your rights and seek the justice you deserve. Call us now for a free consultation – The Scranton Law Firm, your trusted ally in these challenging times. Call 800-707-0707 now.Â