Yuma, AZ – UPDATE: Gerald Tams Killed in Pedestrian Accident at 500 W 8th St
Yuma, AZ (February 1, 2021) – Officers with the Yuma Police Department identified the 77-year-old man who was killed on Wednesday in a fatal pedestrian accident.
YPD officers say that Gerald Tams was walking his dog when he was struck by a Chevy Cobalt driven by a 30-year-old man. Police received reports of the accident just after 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the 500 block of West 8th Street. Tams was crossing 8th Street, heading northbound, as the vehicle was traveling westbound on 8th Street.
Paramedics transported Tams to the hospital, and he was later flown to a Phoenix hospital but died a few hours later.
Police said alcohol did not appear to be a factor but the investigation into the crash is still ongoing.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Gerald Tams.
Fatal Pedestrian Accidents in Arizona
Per reports from authorities with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Arizona consistently claims a higher pedestrian death rate compared to the rest of the United States. In fact, nearly 300 pedestrians were killed in Arizona in 2017 alone, translating to a dramatic rate of 1.61 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people. With these numbers, Arizona’s pedestrian-fatality rate is more than double the national average, which is only 0.8 per 100,000.
It’s clear that fatal pedestrian accidents are an unfortunately common fact of life in Arizona. When it comes to fatal accidents and pedestrian incidents across the state, victims and families are particularly vulnerable in the aftermath. After a pedestrian accident, victims and families are often left with financial difficulties, long-term physical issues, and emotional trauma. When victims succumb to their injuries, grieving families are left to pick up the pieces. Family members may be forced to deal with expensive medical and funeral expenses in the aftermath of their loved one’s death.
If you have suffered in a pedestrian accident as a result of another driver’s negligence or lost a loved one as a result of a pedestrian accident, contact a Phoenix personal injury attorney to safeguard your legal rights.
We will gladly review the facts of your case and tailor our advice to match the specific needs of your case. Every consultation is free and there is no obligation to retain us. So at worst, you get free advice after you’ve suffered due to an accident that occurred through no fault of your own.
Our attorneys at ELG do not cut corners, and we won’t use intake specialists or a non-attorney to talk or meet with you. We guarantee your consultation will be with one of our experienced injury attorneys that only handle accident matters, so you can feel confident and rest assured that we will answer all your questions.
Our Arizona pedestrian accident attorneys at ELG are dedicated to helping you get the justice you deserve after these unfortunate incidents. Our experienced, highly-skilled injury lawyers in Phoenix have spent years fighting for both victims and their families. Contact us to set up your free consultation at (623) 877-3600. We’re here to help you in your time of need.
Note: As a result of the secondary sources that were used to complete this post, the information included within has not been independently verified by our own staff and may include misinformation. If you read something that, to your knowledge, is incorrect, please contact us as soon as possible and we will correct the inaccuracy.
Disclaimer: As members of the local Phoenix and broader Arizona community, we hope everyone in our community is safe and protected. We cover the events included in this blog as a way to offer support to the victims in similar circumstances and to provide relief during these difficult times. However, this information should not be misconstrued as legal advice, and you should speak with a trained legal professional for more information regarding your situation.
