Salinas, CA – Police are investigating the city’s seventh fatal crash of the year, after a pedestrian was struck and killed at the intersection of Monterey Street and East Market Street on Monday night, October 21, 2024, according to KSBW.
The Salinas Police Department reports that, around 8:30 PM, an adult male attempted to run across East Market Street outside of a marked crosswalk, despite eastbound traffic having a green light. Witnesses and video footage confirmed that traffic was moving through the intersection when a Toyota SUV struck the man.
The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the SUV, who was not impaired, stayed at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.
This crash adds to a growing number of pedestrian fatalities in Salinas as National Pedestrian Safety Month draws to a close. In 2023, 11 pedestrians were killed in accidents in Salinas, the same number as in 2022. Nationwide, more than 7,500 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic accidents in 2022, with many of these incidents deemed preventable.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a specific “Duty of Care” towards pedestrians, who are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents. This responsibility includes being vigilant for pedestrians near the roadway and, if a fatal collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident, filing a Wrongful Death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
If the at-fault driver avoids legal consequences, compensation might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine the best options in such cases.
Partial Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
California Law does not consider pedestrians to have the right-of-way under all circumstances, such as if they attempt to cross outside of a crosswalk. However, motorists are never relieved of the expectation to provide pedestrians with a Duty of Care toward their safety.
It may therefore be determined that a motorist is held only partially liable in a pedestrian accident. If that is the case, they would be financially responsible for the victim’s recovery costs in proportion to their degree of liability.
