Family of victim killed in city truck pedestrian accident to sue Sheboygan

On behalf of Wisconsin truck accident attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Pedestrian Accidents on Saturday, June 7, 2014.

Family members of a Wisconsin high school student who was struck by a city truck in 2011 are seeking financial compensation from the city of Sheboygan in connection with the fatal incident. Official reports show a claim has been filed, though the official suit is still pending. The victim, an 18-year-old student, was crossing the street in front of his school when he was struck by a truck driven by a Department of Public Works employee.

Family members argue that the fatal pedestrian accident could have been prevented if the city had installed a special school zone sign in front of the facility. That would have effectively lowered the speed limit, which could have prevented the incident. Further, the city was apparently negligent when it mounted a leaf collection system to the truck in such a fashion that it caused the driver’s vision to be impaired. In addition, the driver is facing allegations of negligence, with the suit claiming that that person did not give a proper lookout while the truck was in motion.

The very operation of the city’s four leaf trucks has been questioned, according to news reports. Investigating officers determined that vacuum equipment that had been installed on the trucks cause a serious view obstruction for motorists in violation of state law. A third party also conducted an investigation in the case and reached the same conclusion. The leaf collection systems were slated for replacement before the pedestrian accident. They were replaced after the accident with units that were towed behind the trucks instead of being mounted to the front of the vehicle.

Municipalities have a responsibility to keep their pedestrians safe through a variety of mechanisms. These can include traffic control, but it is also important for city workers to have access to safe equipment, especially if they are driving on city streets. Municipalities that fail to meet these standards should be held responsible in civil court.

Source: Green Bay Press Gazette, “Family of dead teen files claim against Sheboygan” Josh Lintereur, Jun. 02, 2014 [NOTE: source no longer exists]

If you think you have a personal injury case against a municipality, contact a truck accident lawyer in Milwaukee such as Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. for a free consultation.

February 27, 2014 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Milwaukee Pedestrian Killed When Crossing the Street

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Pedestrian Accidents on Thursday, February 27, 2014.

A fatal pedestrian accident in Milwaukee highlights the dangers pedestrians’ face, even when walking in crosswalks. A woman was crossing the street on her way to work with her sister when she was hit by a truck. The woman was fatally injured, and her death is an example of the risks pedestrians face during the winter in Wisconsin.

The fatal accident has led to a debate over what exactly caused the accident and who was at fault. The police investigating the accident said the woman’s sister crossed the street when the signal was “Do Not Walk,” meaning that the traffic lights will soon be changing and it isn’t safe for pedestrians to cross the street. The victim followed her sister and was fatally struck by the vehicle. The police are basing their findings off the Medical Examiner’s report. The report states the truck was driving an estimated 25 miles per hour in a 30 m.p.h zone when it hit the pedestrian.

While the Medical Examiner’s report says the truck was not speeding, and the police are saying the victim crossed the street during a “Do Not Walk” signal, the victim’s sister says the pedestrian accident happened differently. The victim’s sister said they were in the crosswalk and didn’t see any cars coming. She claims the truck driver was driving faster than the posted speed limit and that the driver should have seen them in the crosswalk.

The police are still investigating the pedestrian accident and they said the driver of the truck is cooperating with the investigation into the fatal accident.

This case is a tragic example of the dangers pedestrians’ face, especially in the winter when weather conditions may reduce visibility and high snow banks can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians. Pedestrians and motorists need to be aware of traffic laws and ways to reduce an accident to keep everyone safe this winter.

Source: Fox 6 Now, “Sister of pedestrian struck and killed says she ‘lost her best friend’,” Derica Williams, Feb. 24, 2014

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Family of victim killed in city truck pedestrian accident to sue Sheboygan

Milwaukee Pedestrian Killed When Crossing the Street

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