Indio Pedestrian Fatality is Latest in String of Pedestrian Accidents

Nov 18,2016

A pedestrian fatality in Indio Tuesday evening was the latest in a string of deadly pedestrian accidents in the Coachella Valley. Paramedics were dispatched to the scene just after 6 p.m. They attempted to resuscitate the male pedestrian, but he died from his injuries at the scene.

Indio police say the victim was struck by a white Cadillac while he crossed Avenue 44 west of West Circle Drive. The driver, a 61-year-old male, remained on the scene and cooperated with the investigation. Police are still looking into the cause of the crash.

According to the Indio Police Department, traffic-involved fatalities were at a 10-year low but have spiked in recent months. The department was awarded a $70,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety for an enforcement program. The department hopes to use the funds to help bring down the number of pedestrian fatalities and other traffic-related deaths and injuries. Initiatives will include DUI an increase in DUI checkpoints throughout the year and officers specifically assigned to citing jaywalkers and speeding motorists.

Pedestrians can help reduce their risk of being struck by practicing some basic safe walking habits. The traditional mantra that the pedestrian has the right of way can actually be detrimental to pedestrians. According to the Indio Police Department, the pedestrian does not always have the right of way.

“A vehicle traveling 40 or 50 mph can’t just come to a complete stop if a pedestrian decides to step out into the roadway with no warning when it is not safe to cross. Pedestrians need to wait until it is safe and legal to cross the street,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today at (760) 777-7777 for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.