Woman Struck by Berkeley Laboratory Shuttle Bus in Downtown Crosswalk
DOWNTOWN BERKELEY - A 54-year-old woman walking westbound down Center Street was seriously injured Monday afternoon when she was struck and run over by a Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory shuttle bus in a crosswalk. The accident occurred around 4:30 p.m. at the intersection of Center Street and Shattuck Avenue. A female friend who was walking with the woman that was run over suffered minor injuries from pounding on the side of the bus to get the driver's attention. The driver stopped at the scene. The victim, who was trapped under the bus for about 45 minutes, had to be extricated by firefighters. She suffered major injuries, including serious fractures to her lower extremities that will require surgeries, was taken to a local trauma center.
Anyone who witnessed the incident and did not talk to authorities is encouraged to contact authorities at (510) 981-5900.
The major injury pedestrian accident occurred during Zachary Cruz Pedestrian Safety Month in Berkeley. Two years ago, a 5-year-old boy was struck and killed by a truck near the UC Berkeley campus. March of each year is publicized to remind drivers to drive safely and be aware of their surroundings.
Cause of the Bus vs. Pedestrian Accident
According to police, the women were in the crosswalk when the bus struck one of them. The bus had been travelling westbound on Center Street and was making a right / northbound turn onto northbound Shattuck Avenue. The women were crossing Shattuck Avenue in the north crosswalk. The cause of the accident is under investigation by the Berkeley Police Department. However, if news accounts of the incident were accurate, it appears possible that the bus driver may have been responsible for the collision.
Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Liability
Serious injuries such as the injuries the woman sustained in this accident may result in a lengthy recovery and possibly permanent disability. If the bus driver was responsible for the crash, the University may be liable for the woman's serious injuries, including her present and future medical expenses and rehabilitative care, lost earnings, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other damages. While this Alameda County incident remains under investigation, the family members of the woman injured would be well-advised to contact an experienced and knowledgeable pedestrian accident injury lawyer. An attorney who has proven experience representing victims of pedestrian vs. bus accidents will be in the best position to help the victim recover maximum compensation for her injuries in a personal injury claim.
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