Toddler Seriously Injured After Being Struck By Vehicle While Trick-or-Treating in San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino, CA (November 3rd, 2020) – A young toddler was left seriously injured after being hit by a hit-and-run driver on the evening of Halloween night in San Bernardino. According to a spokesperson for the San Bernardino Police Department, the collision was reported to authorities at about 8:15 p.m.
Authorities responded to the scene, which occurred on 35th St. and North Sierra Way, locating the injured 3-year-old. The toddler was urgently transported to a hospital in what was said to be critical but stable condition. According to the spokesperson, the driver left the scene in what was described as a Toyota Camry. The fleeing driver also failed to render aid to the child at the time of the incident.
The child was not named by responding authorities, but he was later identified by a family member as Richard, or “Richie” Martinez. According to some reports, the young toddler stepped off the sidewalk while out on Halloween night with his family when he was struck by the vehicle. A GoFundMe has been set up for the victim by his family, where updates on his condition have been made.
The San Bernardino Police Department is asking anyone with information regarding the hit-and-run to contact the department. As of this report, the young toddler has been making significant progress and is able to breathe on his own without the support of breathing tubes.
Across the nation, pedestrian accidents are occurring at alarming rates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that in 2017, 137,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for their injuries. The agency also reports that in 2017, one in every five victims killed in traffic accidents were pedestrians under the age of 15. When it comes to pedestrian accidents among young children, there are certain risk factors that stand out from the rest.
The first risk factor involves driving while under the influence. The CDC reports that close to 50 percent of all traffic accidents that resulted in a pedestrian death involved alcohol on behalf of the driver or pedestrian. Alcohol consumption is a huge risk as it reduces the driver’s perception and reaction times. When driving near a small child, it can be extremely difficult for a motorist under the influence to recognize the child in time.
Another risk factor for young children is speeding. One of the most common ways children are struck by cars is when they dart out of the sidewalk onto a street. Danger arises when a motorist speeds while driving in residential neighborhoods. When a driver is speeding, stopping in time can be impossible. Regrettably, the CDC reports that pedestrians who are struck by a speeding vehicle are more likely to sustain fatal injuries.
A final significant risk factor for children is walking in the late evening hours between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Small children can sometimes be difficult to distinguish in the daytime, as a result of their short stature. In the evening, the low light can greatly diminish visibility for drivers who can fail to recognize a small child walking on the road. Additionally, according to some reports, most pedestrian accidents for children aged 16 and under occur in the evening hours and during weekends.
Pedestrian accidents are always unfortunate but they are particularly heartbreaking when they involve small children. Every motorist in the State of California has a legal duty to drive with reasonable care to ensure the safety of pedestrians on the road. Any driver that is found to be negligent in a car accident can be held legally responsible for the victim’s injuries.
If you or someone you love was injured by a motorist, it is very important to take immediate legal action against the responsible driver. When the liable driver cannot be located, there may be other avenues to secure financial compensation. Discuss your case with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who will investigate the case on your behalf, help you collect critical evidence, and advocate for your right to obtain a full compensation.
The Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King has more than a decade in dedicated legal experience championing on behalf of those who have been injured as a result of another’s negligence. The firm works tirelessly and aggressively to ensure victims obtain the compensation they truly deserve. After a pedestrian accident, it is important to take swift action and seek the legal guidance of a skilled personal injury attorney. Consider scheduling a no-cost consultation with the Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King today.
Categories : Local News, Pedestrian Accidents, San Bernardino
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