Menifee, CA (August 5, 2023) A pedestrian was struck and killed by a pickup today in Menifee, according to the Menifee Police Department. The victim was walking down the middle of the street around 4:20 a.m. when he was struck by a pickup.
Lt. Denise Keith said the victim was in the center of southbound lanes on Menifee Road, for unknown reasons, when a Dodge Ram came down the road. The speed of the pickup is unknown at this time, but the driver did not see the pedestrian walking down the middle of the road. The Dodge Ram hit the victim, who wasn’t wearing reflective gear and was nearly impossible to see in the darkness.
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Lt. Keith described the incident using the word “plowed,” indicating the pickup hit the pedestrian hard, at a high speed. The driver wasn’t injured and stopped before calling 911 for help. Riverside County Fire Department Paramedics reached the location of the accident quickly, but found the pedestrian was already dead. They pronounced him dead at the scene and an autopsy is pending.
Authorities said it doesn’t appear that alcohol or drugs were a factor in this collision. Keith said it is unclear as to why the pedestrian was walking down the middle of a “dark stretch of road.” The driver of the Dodge Ram was cooperative and an investigation is ongoing.
Liability In Menifee Pedestrian Accidents
Thousands of pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every year in pedestrian accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “An estimated 137,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal crash-related injuries in 2017. Per trip, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash.” There are a number of factors that could lead to a pedestrian collision including:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Driver distraction
- Inclement weather
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. The family of any victim that died in a pedestrian collision may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Menifee Pedestrian Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the pedestrian who was killed in this collision. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a car accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need assistance after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.