Santa Ana, CA – Pedestrian Melina Sierra Martinez Killed in Fatal Accident on W 1st St
Santa Ana, CA (January 22, 2022) – On Tuesday morning, January 17, an accident was reported in Santa Ana involving a vehicle and a pedestrian that tragically resulted in the pedestrian’s death.
According to reports from the police, the accident occurred around 6 a.m. when a pedestrian was struck in the 2800 block of W 1st Street near Fairview Street in Santa Ana. The make and model of the vehicle involved have not been released at this time. The pedestrian was forcefully thrown to the ground by the force of the impact.
Paramedics were immediately called and arrived on the scene within minutes and located the female pedestrian who was unresponsive in the roadway. Paramedics assessed the pedestrian’s injuries and provided medical care. The pedestrian sustained severe injuries. Despite the paramedic’s life-saving efforts, the pedestrian’s injuries were too severe, and she passed away at the accident scene. The Santa Ana Police Department later identified the victim as 30-year-old Melina Sierra Martinez.
Police are still investigating the circumstances leading up to the crash. Officers closed the intersection as the victim was treated, and police conducted their investigation. The driver of the vehicle was not injured in the accident and remained at the scene. Reports indicate the driver has been cooperative with the authorities conducting the investigation.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased victim at this time. Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this tragedy.
Fatal Pedestrian Accidents in California
Pedestrian accidents are becoming more common in the state of California. Approximately 900 pedestrians were killed in vehicle accidents in 2018, which increased by 25 percent since 2014. According to California’s Office of Traffic Safety, pedestrian deaths account for a quarter of all California traffic fatalities, which is a staggering percentage. California reports more pedestrian accidents than any other state in the country. People are more often outdoors in California than in other states due to the beauty of the state and the availability of outdoor activities, and of course, the moderate weather. Unfortunately, drivers are often not as careful as they should be as well and are not looking out for pedestrians. When pedestrians are hit by a vehicle, they are very likely to sustain serious injury or death since they have no way to protect themselves from suddenly being hit by a vehicle.
Because of the frequency of pedestrian accidents, California has passed pedestrian favorable laws to try to reduce the number of pedestrian accidents in the state. Drivers in California must now yield to pedestrians at all crosswalks or intersections, or anywhere else a pedestrian may be encountered. Failing to do so and yield the right of way to a pedestrian will likely cause the driver to be held liable for any accident that results.
If someone you love was killed in a pedestrian accident, a wrongful death suit may be filed, seeking compensation for damages that have been incurred. While no monetary value can replace your loved one’s life, a wrongful death suit can bring closure and ease the stress of financial burdens caused by your loved one’s death.
If you have lost somebody you love in a pedestrian car accident, speak with a legal advocate that you can trust. Please do not hesitate to contact a Santa Ana wrongful death attorney by calling (888) 539-3154 to see how we can help you.
Note: This post was created through the use of secondary sources such as state and local news sources, police accident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious injury accidents that take place in Orange County. The facts surrounding this accident have not been independently verified, therefore, if any information is incorrect, please contact Russell & Lazarus APC, Personal Injury Lawyer, so we can update the post with the most accurate information available. We will remove this post upon request.
Disclaimer: This is not a solicitation for business. None of the information in this post is intended to be medical or legal advice. The photo used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene.