What are 4 Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles? From Speeding to Wrong Way Accidents, How You Can Keep Safety

Pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles that resulted in fatalities or injuries are the highest in the state.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 51 percent of all pedestrian accidents that resulted in death occur between the hours of 6PM and Midnight. 31 percent happened on Friday or Saturday, and the deadliest month is November. 

Over the last five years, pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles accounted for an average of 2,864.6 deaths or injuries in California, according to data from the Transportation Injury Mapping System. That’s 283 percent higher than number two on the list (San Francisco).

Many pedestrian accidents are a result of the victim being hit by a car. Pedestrians have the right-of-way in both marked and unmarked crosswalks, according to California Vehicle Code 21950. 

Drivers must provide an additional duty of care to protect those walking from pedestrian accidents. 

There are a number of ways pedestrian accidents by car can happen, including:

• Speeding: Drivers moving fast, especially in residential areas or busy downtown intersections, can end up hitting a pedestrian.
• Drunk drivers: Intoxicated drivers who get behind the wheel can easily lose focus, and wind up seriously injuring a pedestrian due to their recklessness.
• Distracted drivers: If a driver is paying closer attention to their phone or another activity, their focus will leave what’s ahead of them, putting pedestrians in their path. 
• Drivers going the wrong way: It’s not uncommon for drivers unfamiliar with an area to travel the wrong way down a one-way street, which could lead them to an accident with a pedestrian. 

There are a number of ways pedestrians can try to protect themselves from being hit:

• Follow traffic signals: Even though pedestrians can technically jaywalk if safe to do so under the new Freedom to Walk Act in California, it’s still important to pay close attention to all traffic signs.
• Stay on the sidewalk or in crosswalks: Don’t walk in the middle of the street or other undesignated areas. While a car still must yield to pedestrians, your risk of being hit will be decreased. 
• Try avoiding walking at night: If you must walk at night, don’t walk alone. Traveling in a group may help drivers see pedestrians in their path. 
• Free yourself from distractions: just like a driver can get distracted, pedestrians paying attention to phone calls or listening to music can become unaware of an oncoming vehicle. 

For injured parties involved in pedestrian accidents, there are a few steps you can take to help maintain safety following an incident:

First, call 911. Get the police on the scene as soon as possible. They can help investigate, gather information, and ensure everyone’s safety. 

The police will also file a report. Be sure to give them your most accurate and detailed account of the incident. Get the police report number before they leave. 

Next, seek medical attention. Any serious injuries will receive care from on-the-scene paramedics, and an ambulance will take you to the emergency room. 

Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional. You may have suffered internal injuries not visible to the eye. 

If you can, gather information about the accident. Collect the driver’s information including their contact info, driver’s license, insurance, and all specifications of the vehicle they were driving.

Furthermore, document every aspect of the accident including location, time of day, and any vehicles involved. Take photos and videos of the scene of the accident as well as any and all injuries you suffered.

Finally, you should speak to a lawyer as soon as you can after any pedestrian accidents. 

At C&B Law Group, our experienced accident attorneys will help you get the justice you deserve. 

Our team of lawyers are well-versed in helping victims of pedestrian accidents recover compensation following an injury. 

Common injuries as the result of pedestrian accidents include:

• Pinched nerves, broken vertebrae or other serious neck injuries
• Broken bones, or torn ligaments
• Concussions, skull fractures or other head injuries
• Fractures, sprains or strains
• Back injuries that lead to chronic pain
• Scars from cuts and lacerations
• Internal injuries that wound vital organs
• Losing limbs
• Wrongful death

If you are the victim of any one or more of these injuries, please reach out to the LA accident lawyers at C&B Law Group about your case.

Your initial consultation is free. Contact C&B Law Group today about your consultation.