On a busy morning on Wilshire Boulevard, you are crossing the green light at MacArthur Park when the BMW driver distracted by a telephone conversation, nearly crashes you. Such incidents are a daily occurrence in Los Angeles, where traffic jams and scattered drivers create a dangerous combination for pedestrians. From busy city center to picturesque Venice Beach our sidewalks with pedestrians had become places of high risk; especially in morning and evening rush hours, when many are in a rush either to get to work or home.
When we take into account data made available in the latest records by the California Highway Traffic Safety Administration we see there were more than 3,000 pedestrian accidents documented in LA alone for the year 2023, with over 130 fatalities. This indeed makes Los Angeles one of the deadliest cities in the entire nation for pedestrians.
First Steps After the Pedestrian Accident
First and foremost is your health. Even if you think the injuries are minor, adrenaline can mask more serious health problems. Seek immediate medical attention – not only for your health but also for the documentation of injuries that is vital for any legal proceedings.
If possible, gather as much information as possible from the scene of the accident. Photograph your injuries, the damage to the vehicle, and the surroundings. Ask for contact information from the Witnesses, and be sure to take the driver’s information, including his insurance number.
A police report is also a key document to ask for.
Legal Implications and Your Rights
As the specialized pedestrian injury accident attorney in Los Angeles, our team is specially trained to handle cases like this.
California law protects the rights of pedestrians and imposes strict liability on drivers. According to statistics, in over 60% of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles, the driver was primarily responsible. It is important to note, however, that California applies the “comparative negligence” rule, which means that even if you are partially responsible for the accident, you can still claim damages.
Types of Compensation You Can Claim
Medical expenses are often the biggest financial burden after an accident. The average cost of treatment after a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles is between $55,000 and $175,000, depending on the severity of the injury.
In addition, you can claim compensation for:
- Lost earnings and reduced ability to work
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Transportation and care costs
Most Dangerous Spots for Pedestrians In Los Angeles
Our practice has identified several particularly dangerous locations for pedestrians in Los Angeles:
- Crossroads of Olympic and Alvarado
- Vermont Avenue between Beverly and 3rd Street
- Highland Avenue in the Hollywood district
- Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park
- Downtown LA around 7th Street
The Importance of Timely Action
In California there is a two-year deadline from the day of the accident to file a claim. However, if a government vehicle was involved in the accident, the time limit is only six months. So it is vital that you consult a lawyer who will protect your rights as soon as possible.
Prevention of Future Accidents
Los Angeles is actively working to improve pedestrian safety through its Vision Zero program, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2025. The city is implementing new security measures such as:
- Expansion of pedestrian areas
- Installation of additional LED lighting at crossings
- Installation of traffic slowers
- Extending the time for pedestrians to cross traffic lights
How to Choose a Right Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
An experienced attorney specializing in pedestrian accidents can greatly increase your chances of fair compensation. According to statistics, pedestrian accident victims who are represented by lawyers receive, on average, 3.5 times more compensation than those who conduct the proceedings themselves.
Your lawyer will assist you in communicating with insurance companies, gathering evidence, negotiating a settlement, and, if necessary, representing you in court. It is important to choose a lawyer with proven experience in Los Angeles pedestrian accident cases.
