Vernon Ross Seriously Injured In Ukiah Car Accident While Crossing South State Street in Motorized Wheelchair
UKIAH, CALIFORNIA (November 18, 2022) – A pedestrian in a motorized wheelchair identified as Vernon Ross was injured in a Ukiah car accident on South State Street.
Mendocino County officials are saying that the accident took place around 5:26 a.m. on Wednesday. Vernon Ross was crossing the road near Chavez Street in a motorized wheelchair when he was hit by a car.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Vernon Ross was taken to the Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital in an air ambulance with critical injuries.
A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Ukiah Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians in wheelchairs are uniquely vulnerable in car accidents. According to one study from Georgetown University, wheelchair users are more likely to be killed in traffic accidents than other pedestrians. Our roads and communities are simply not designed to optimize safety for those with limited mobility. There are a number of steps that drivers should take to avoid hitting pedestrians.
- Drivers should slow down in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
- Drivers should check their blind spots before making turns.
- Drivers should continuously scan the road ahead of them for hazards.
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care to avoid pedestrians. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21950, “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.” If a driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Victims of pedestrian accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
Any person that is injured due to the negligence of another driver may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Many accident victims may not realize the full extent of their injuries for several weeks or months after a collision. A pedestrian accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Ukiah Pedestrian Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our best wishes to Vernon Ross as he continues to recover. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. It is our sincere hope that city officials will consider safety improvements to this intersection to help prevent other tragedies like this.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured due to the negligence of another driver? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of pedestrian safety advocates 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 any type of support after a collision, we are here for you. You can contact us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
