Pedestrian killed after being hit by multiple cars

A 57-year-old man was killed in Lakewood in a tragic accident on Jan. 13. He was walking along the southbound side of Wadsworth Boulevard at the West Florida Avenue intersection when he was hit by more than one vehicle. He died at the scene.

At least some of the vehicles involved in the accident stayed

on the scene. However, police haven’t been able to determine which car first struck the man.

Past studies into fatal pedestrian accidents in Lakewood indicate that the majority happen at night, as this one did. Other factors that can lead to a pedestrian death include:

• The use of alcohol or drugs (by the driver and/or pedestrian)
• Distractions caused by passengers in vehicles
• Distractions caused by some other behavior (texting while driving and so forth)
• A driver’s unfamiliarity with the area
• Drivers who doze off behind the wheel

Several intersections along Wadsworth Boulevard have been noted to be especially precarious to anybody on foot in the past — although the intersection where the recent accident occurred was not one of them.

If you’re a pedestrian in Lakewood, you need to take extra steps to ensure your safety — especially in the winter. The nights are longer and drivers often suffer from poor visibility due to weather conditions, salt and ash on their windshields, snow mounds that block their view of corners and more. With that in mind:

• Always be alert when you are walking. Don’t lose yourself in your phone or even in thought.
• Assume drivers can’t see you unless you make eye contact.
• Wear reflective clothing, or apply reflective tape to your shoes, jacket, backpack or other clothing items.
• Always cross at crosswalks and with the crossing signals.
• Avoid stepping off the sidewalk and into the road at any other point.

If you’re involved in an accident with a car while walking or a loved one is killed, you may have legal options that will help you pay for your expenses. Find out more by consulting with an attorney to discuss your rights.