Pedestrian Accident Safety – 5 Tips for Angelenos
Pedestrian accident safety may seem complicated in a city with so many drivers.
Afterall, how could pedestrian accident safety be a priority when Los Angeles accidents and injuries are 215 percent higher than the next highest city (San Francisco)?
Pedestrian accident safety may not be as regarded driver safety to since so many LA residents commute via car. This isn’t to say that LA isn’t walkable.
A 2023 study from Smart Growth America named Los Angeles the eighth most walkable city in the US.
While some probably disagree, the study is a reminder that there is still a plethora of LA locals or tourists who walk. You’ve probably even seen higher higher levels of foot traffic in areas like Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood Boulevard, or near Santa Monica pier.
Pedestrian accidents are usually the result of a a driver hitting someone on the street. Drivers might cause pedestrian accidents in a number of ways, such as:
- Speeding
- Ignoring traffic lights/signs
- Drowsy driving
- Drunk Driving
Walking in Los Angeles presents a number of dangers. However, there are steps Angelenos can take to help with pedestrian accident safety.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, tips for safely walking include:
Always walk on sidewalks. If there isn’t a sidewalk available, walk on the street in the same direction as traffic and as far from other cars as possible.
This can help someone maintain pedestrian accident safety and avoid being hit by a car or getting caught in the line of traffic.
Make sure you are visible to drivers. If you are out for a walk, you can help maintain pedestrian accident safety by wearing brightly colored clothing, especially at night to stay safe from pedestrian accidents.
Always assume that drivers cannot see you. Be extra cautious.
Always cross streets at a crosswalk or intersection. Be sure to only cross at the appropriate time.
Look both ways before crossing, and double check for cars coming from the left or right.
Don’t walk while drunk. Just like driving drunk poses hazards, walking while intoxicated can be dangerous, and can decrease your chances of following pedestrian accident safety procedures.
Drinking too much alcohol can impair a person’s cognitive functions and ability to react quickly to outside sources, such as a car headed in their direction before they cross the street.
Always follow the rules of the road. Cross the street when appropriate, and don’t ignore potential dangers.
If it seems unsafe, don’t risk being hit. This can help prevent you from getting injured
Common injuries the can result from 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
Pedestrians always have the right of way when crossing the street.
For example, if a pedestrian arrives at a stop sign at the same time as a car, the pedestrian can go first.
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. Some examples of compensation you may be able to recover include:
- Medical bills relating to your injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
In some cases, an attorney may seek punitive damages in addition to the other compensation.
At C&B Law Group, our team of Southern California personal injury attorneys can help victims whose injuries resulted from a pedestrian accident involving an automobile.
While there isn’t necessarily a set compensation amount for personal injuries, you can rest assure that the team at C&B Law Group is always fighting for our clients to receive the maximum compensation possible.
C&B Law Group has a 99 percent success rate at settling cases as well as numerous five-star reviews.
We’ve helped clients across Southern California recover compensation following injuries in a pedestrian accident, including:
- Lost wages due to an extended period of time off for work.
- Damages for medical expenses like hospital visits, physical therapy, surgery, etc.
- Both physical and mental pain and suffering.
Recovering after being hit by a car can be a long and grueling process. Even if you follow the steps to pedestrian accident safety, your life may never return to normal.
While we can’t promise a return to normalcy, the LA attorneys at C&B Law Group vow to always make your case a top priority. We will strive to keep you updated throughout the process of your claim, and our support staff is available to help with certain questions you may have regarding your case.
We’ve assisted clients across Southern California, including areas such as:
- Burbank
- Long Beach
- Glendale
- Van Nuys
- North Hollywood
- Canoga Park
- Downey
- South Gate
We’re willing to aid clients in Riverside and Orange counties, Bakersfield, Fresno, and more.
Pedestrian accident safety should be a top priority for drivers and pedestrians. If you were injured after being hit by a car while crossing the street, reach out to our personal injury attorneys today.
Call, email, or text today to learn more about a free consultation with our team.
