Pedestrian Accidents Become an Epidemic in Omaha

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users in the United States. With limited protection from impacts and an increase in traffic on many city roads, there is always a risk that a car will leave you with lasting injuries.

In 2010, 117 pedestrians died on Omaha roads, according to official statistics released by the City of Omaha. Officials estimate that these figures may be even higher as many accidents do not make it into these statistics.

If you are a car accident victim, you do not have to struggle through the pain and endless medical bills on your own. An experienced Omaha personal-injury lawyer may be able to recover some costs to assist you during this difficult time. At Rensch & Rensch Law, we have a proven track-record of results, particularly with pedestrian accidents. If you require assistance or simply want to enquire about your specific case, give us a call at 800-471-4100.

68-Year-Old Pedestrian Dies in Accident

CBS reports that a 68-year-old woman died when a van struck her while she was trying to cross a street. The woman, Roberta Harris, lived in the area, and she died of her injuries on the scene.

According to police, a 2003 Ford van was making a left turn out of a Walgreens parking lot when it hit Harris. Harris was in the road and had not used a crosswalk, according to officials.

58-year-old Robert Duke was driving the van that hit Harris. Police are still investigating the incident, but the driver does not face any charges at this stage.

String of Pedestrian Accidents

NECN reports that there has been a string of fatal pedestrian accidents in the region during recent weeks. Last week, for example, a 26-year-old woman died when a car hit her on East Ashland Street. She died of her injuries two days after the incident.

Police arrested a 53-year-old woman and charged her with drunk driving, leaving the scene of an accident and negligent operation of a motor vehicle in connection with the accident. The judge released her on $5,000 bail under instruction that she cannot consume alcohol and must allow for unannounced visits by a probation officer. She will be back in court on Dec. 8.

This accident is the latest in a number of fatal pedestrian accidents in the city. Four people have died in four separate accidents; two of them were young children.

Following the slew of accidents, the local mayor requested a road safety audit from the Department of Transport. He is also reportedly working with law enforcement to implement safety measures and assist in educating the community.

If you are a victim of a road accident in Nebraska, contact an Omaha personal-injury attorney today. At Rensch & Rensch Law, we are committed to assisting the injured, and we will work with you to recover damages for medical expenses and lost wages. Call us today at 800-471-4100.

 

For more information on what to do if you’re struck by a car click here.