According to Dallas Police, an ongoing investigation is taking place following a tragic incident where a woman lost her life after being struck by a squad car on Monday evening.
The incident occurred at approximately 7 p.m. on Elam Road in Pleasant Grove while an officer was responding to a service call. The officer did not have lights or sirens activated while traveling east on Elam. Reports indicate that the woman crossed the road in front of two turning cars and was subsequently hit by the squad car.
Despite immediate life-saving efforts by the officer, the woman did not survive. She succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.
A update released by police on Tuesday morning identified the victim as 20-year-old Aresly Jaramillo.
No other injuries were reported in the accident.
PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
This tragic accident underscores the dangers that pedestrians face every day in this country.
According to data from the Governors Highway Safety Association, the number of pedestrian fatalities in the United States has grown substantially faster than all other traffic deaths. An estimated 7,342 pedestrian fatalities occurred in 2021, an increase of 13 percent from the previous year.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, a Managing Partner with Bond Legal.
“An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision,” said Bond, an experienced pedestrian attorney.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. The family of Aresly Jaramillo may be entitled to a wrongful death claim.
“Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident,” said Formica.
Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family through this difficult time while protecting their rights.
“Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth,” Formica noted. “However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
