Fresno’s First Fatal Crash In 2017 Is A Right-of-Way Accident
According to a story by Troy Pope of KSEE on Your Central Valley, a woman was killed in a crash at West Avenue and Herndon Avenue in Fresno. The Fresno County Sherriff’s Office identified the victim as a 21-year old woman from Fresno. Two vehicles were involved in the collision according to reports. A man in his 20s, the driver of the other vehicle, faces a right-of-way violation from the collision.
Vehicle Deaths and Injuries in Fresno County
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), ranks 43 out of 58 counties in California for the number of fatal and injury related traffic accidents for 2014. Just over 4,500 people were killed or injured in traffic accidents that year in Fresno County. The number one reason for collisions that year was alcohol-related. However, pedestrian accidents also accounted for a large number of deaths and fatalities that year.
Traffic Violations in Fresno County
In most motor vehicle accidents, a driver is charged with some type of traffic violation. Common traffic violations our Fresno injury lawyers see in accident claims include:
- Failure to yield right-of-way
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Following too closely
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failing to stop for someone in a crosswalk
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run)
- Using a cell phone while driving
There are many other traffic violations that can lead to a collision. However, as an accident victim, you cannot rely on a traffic violation as confirmation that you will receive compensation for your damages. The police officer may issue a traffic violation to the other driver; however, you must prove that the other driver causedthe collision to recover compensation from that driver.
In other words, the driver may have been speeding at the time of the accident, but a traffic ticket is not proof the driver caused the collision. This may sound impossible; however, it is true. It is up to the accident victim to prove the other driver did something to cause the collision. Speeding is a traffic violation, but you can speed without causing a collision. The burden of proof remains with the accident victim.
Insurance companies understand the laws governing personal injury claims in California. They understand the law because they want to use the law whenever possible to avoid paying an accident claim. Therefore, you need a Fresno injury lawyer on your side to investigate the accident, identify evidence, and preserve evidence that can be used to prove the other driver caused the accident.
Hiring a Fresno Injury Lawyer
There are things you can do to reduce your risk of being injured in a traffic collision. Steps you can take to keep yourself and your family safe include:
- Know, understand, and follow all traffic laws
- Always wear seat belts and use approved child safety seats
- Be aware of your surroundings and other vehicles
- Do not use your cell phone or other electronics while driving
- Reduce or eliminate distractions
- Know the roads and your route
- Slow down
- Never drive while intoxicated or impaired by drugs
- Avoid driving when drowsy or fatigued
Unfortunately, your preparation and steps may not be enough to avoid a traffic accident. You cannot control what other drivers do when they are behind the wheel. If you are injured in a traffic accident, consult with one of our Fresno injury lawyers as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
You can contact Torem & Associates at (888) 500-5000 to schedule a free case evaluation. You may also chat with a representative online or use our convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
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