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Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Los Angeles -a city synonymous with glamour and fame- holds a more somber title: the nation’s leader in pedestrian deaths. If you were involved in a pedestrian accident call a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer to help you navigate the process. Our attorneys work 24/7 to assist the growing number of victims every day.
There were 7,388 pedestrian fatalities in 2021. Pedestrian fatalities went up by 13% since 2020, whereas collision fatalities increased by 17%. According to LAPD records, there were 128 deaths in Los Angeles in 2021. This number increased to 159 in 2022 and it peaked in 2023 with 176 fatalities—a 10.69% rise from the year before.
However, victims of pedestrian accidents have options. If your pedestrian accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. This is why having competent legal representation is crucial. Experienced pedestrian accident attorneys will safeguard your rights and help you get the compensation you need and deserve.
Call us at (818) 877-4878 for a free case consultation.
Common Reasons For Pedestrian Accidents In Los Angeles
As the above statistics indicate the number of pedestrian accidents is staggering. In order to avoid those accidents, it is important to understand what are some of the main causes of most pedestrian accidents.
- Driver fails to yield a right of way to a pedestrian at a crosswalk or intersection.
- Driver runs a red light.
- Driver is speeding and hits a pedestrian.
- Driver hits a pedestrian while parking a vehicle
- Driver is distracted and fails to see a pedestrian thereby hitting him/her.
- Driver is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol and hits a pedestrian.
If we all take into consideration these major causes of many pedestrian accidents, we can reduce these staggering and growing numbers of severe injuries sustained and deaths caused by them.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Of the 76,000 pedestrian accidents that occurred in 2019, 6,205, or 8% resulted in deaths as NHTSA reports. On average a pedestrian was injured every 7 minutes and killed every 85 minutes.
The most frequently injured body regions were the lower extremities (50% of victims), the head/face/neck (38%), and the upper extremities (27%). Pelvic injuries were much more common for women.
In the United States, the most common traffic accidents due to pedestrians are usually:
Soft-tissue injuries are the most common type of injuries for pedestrians. They include cuts, scrapes, bruises, sprains, and strains.
Fractures: People on the sidewalk can break bones or fractures, especially in the arms, legs, or hips, when they fall or get hit by a car.
Head Injuries: Pedestrians can get head injuries like concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), especially if they are hit by a car or fall and hit their head on the ground.
Spinal cord injuries: Serious crashes can cause spinal cord injuries that can make it impossible to move or make it hard to move for a long time.
Internal organ injuries: Organs like the liver, heart, or kidneys can get hurt inside pedestrians, especially in high-impact accidents.
Amputations: Pedestrians may lose limbs in serious crashes, which can have effects that last a lifetime.
If you see or are in a walking accident, it can be very upsetting and leave you with mental problems like PTSD, anxiety, or sadness.
It’s important to remember that accidents can be very different based on things like the speed of the car, where the hit happened, the pedestrian’s age and health, and whether safety gear like helmets or seat belts were worn. Call Bojat Law Group now for a free case evaluation.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Fatalities
Pedestrian fatalities are primarily caused by failure to yield right of way, improper crossing, and visibility issues such as dark clothing and poor lighting. Substance use and risky behaviors like darting into traffic also contribute significantly. Addressing these factors through better infrastructure, enforcement, and public education is crucial to reducing pedestrian deaths.
Who Is Liable for Pedestrian Accidents?
If a pedestrian is hurt in California, the person who caused the accident and the specifics of the accident determine who is responsible. It’s broken down below:
Drivers can be held responsible for accidents that happen when they don’t use reasonable care and hurt a pedestrian. Speeding, running red lights, failing to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, and driving while intoxicated or distracted are a few examples of this.
Pedestrians: People who walk on the street also need to take reasonable care for their own safety. People who are walking may be partly or fully responsible for their injuries if their actions cause the accident, like crossing the street without looking, crossing against a red light, or darting into traffic.
Contractors: If the driver who caused the accident was doing their job at the time (for example, driving a company car for work), their boss could also be held responsible. This is called “vicarious liability.”
City: If a pedestrian accident happens because of a dangerous condition on the road, like a crosswalk that isn’t being maintained or a traffic light that doesn’t work, the government agency that is supposed to maintain the road may be held responsible.
People walking and people driving should both know what their duties are and be careful on the road to help keep accidents from happening. If you’re a pedestrian in California and get hurt, talking to a good personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and how you can get paid.
How Much Time Do I Have To File a Pedestrian Injury Claim in Los Angeles?
Pedestrian accident claims in Los Angeles, like other personal injury cases, fall under a statute of limitations, usually around two years from the injury date. Yet, exceptions exist, especially regarding claims involving government entities, which might have shorter deadlines. Just like a skilled Uber accident lawyer Los Angeles fights for injured rideshare passengers, an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer stands up for those hit while walking across busy streets.
Who Has The Right Of Way At A Crosswalk a Pedestrian or a Driver?
In California, pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks, whether they are marked or unmarked. California Vehicle Code Section 21950 states that drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk. Additionally, drivers are required to exercise caution and reduce their speed when approaching a crosswalk where pedestrians are crossing or preparing to cross a marked crosswalk.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
A GHSA investigation indicates that in 2022, there were 7,508 pedestrian fatalities in road accidents—20 deaths a day—the greatest number of fatalities since 1981. These stats show a growing concern for pedestrian safety in urban areas.
Pedestrian Fatalities By State
According to the NHTSA 2021 study on the worst states for pedestrians, they obtained the following statistics:
New Mexico ranks first in terms of mortality rate with 4.82 fatalities per 100,000 residents, followed by Louisiana (3.98) and Florida (3.75).
South Carolina ranks 4th, while California ranks 9th with 2.82 fatalities, followed by Texas which ranks 10th.
Based on these facts, we may deduce that pedestrian deaths occur primarily in the southern regions of the country.
Gender and age statistics
According to data from the National Safety Council, men are 2.5 times more likely than women to be involved in pedestrian fatalities, and the most vulnerable age groups in terms of accidents involving pedestrians are those between the ages of 35 and 44 and 55 and 64. Children between the ages of five and nine are the least vulnerable age group.
Top 10 Deadliest US Cities for Pedestrians
Below you can see a list of the top 10 deadliest cities for pedestrians in 2021 per 100,000 residents with Pompano Beach, Florida ranking number one deadliest city in America reports NHTSA:
- Pompano Beach, FL: 8.9
- Victorville, CA: 8.75
- Baton Rouge, LA: 8.58
- Albuquerque, NM: 8.56
- Fort Lauderdale, FL: 8.19
- San Bernardino, CA: 7.72
- Memphis, TN: 7.57
- Pasadena, CA: 7.45
- Jackson, MS: 6.85
- Tucson, AZ: 6.77
Los Angeles Pedestrian Fatalities
Over the past ten years, a somber pattern has emerged as a distinctive feature of Los Angeles’ lively streets. The statistics are alarmingly rising, with 93 fatalities recorded in 2014 and a peak of 176 deaths projected in 2023. In only nine years, that represents an 89% increase.
This spike in pedestrian fatalities raises serious questions about traffic safety. City authorities and experts advise the public to take quick action. The main causes of such results are increased traffic, distracted driving among motorists, and inadequate pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
Improving street lighting, redesigning crosswalks and traffic controls, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws are among the measures now being considered. Nonetheless, the community’s collective commitment to safety is crucial to avoid this deadly trend. Only through intentional effort will Los Angeles be able to recover its reputation as a pedestrian-friendly city.
The Role of a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
A pedestrian accident lawyer offers people hoping to recover from their losses a ray of hope in these and other devastating roadway incidents. These legal assistants help victims navigate the complex web of personal injury legislation advocating for the full range of benefits and compensation that are accessible to them. Experienced attorneys compile credible data and confer with medical specialists to create a case that is both legally sound and compelling.
Proving liability is a crucial element of the strong case. It is proved by a thorough investigation, and the negotiation with the insurance provider, which pedestrian injury attorneys perform efficiently so that the victim receives appropriate compensation. Considering the complexity of most personal injury lawsuits, legal representation is often the only way for victims to avoid procedural errors and policy bureaucracy when filing a claim and ensuring fair compensation.
The journey from the moment of the accident to the final verdict is paved with challenges, especially when the victim has suffered injuries that manifest with a delay. Knowledgeable attorneys specialized in pedestrian accidents will help victims at each phase: from their first case evaluation to receiving proper medical treatment, to filing formal complaints and finally providing strong court representation when necessary.
Evaluating Your Pedestrian Accident Case
Evaluating a pedestrian accident injury appears to be like assembling a puzzle: each piece brings us closer to the complete picture of negligence and, most likely, compensation. Damages in pedestrian accident claims can range from catastrophic losses to disease, death, and all in between. Four of the most critical pieces of evidence are listed below:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Eyewitness testimonies
- Accident reconstructions
This evidence is crucial for proving negligence and establishing liability.
What Happens When Pedestrian is Partially At Fault in a Pedestrian Accident?
When a pedestrian is partially at fault for an accident, the principle of comparative negligence applies since California is an at-fault state. It means that a person who is partially at fault can still file a claim and recover damages, but the compensation is calculated based on their percentage of fault. These cases are typically more challenging and the outcome is less certain.
Compensation for Injured Pedestrians
After a pedestrian accident, it is necessary to focus all efforts on ensuring fair compensation. Injured pedestrians are compensated through monetary reimbursement, which includes economic damages, such as accumulated medical debts and lost revenue, and non-economic damages, which evaluate intangible suffering, such as pain, mental depression, and diminished quality of life. However, determining reasonable monetary compensation for injured pedestrians is hard and sometimes ambiguous, especially when the pedestrian bears some degree of fault. This is why legal representation is necessary if you want to maximize your compensation. Call Bojat Law Group today at (818)877-4878 and let us minimize your struggle and maximize your reimbursement.
Who Will Pay for My Pedestrian Accident Injuries?
Compensation to an injured pedestrian can be pursued in many ways, from the at-fault party’s insurance to personal injury claims, even if the case involves an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. The severity of the injury, how it impacts daily activities and ability to work, how a person recovers, and the clarity of fault will all play a role in determining the final settlement amount.
Overcoming Insurance Company Tactics
The rough waters of insurance claims in the aftermath of an accident are even more frightening, considering that adjusters are trained to minimize financial exposure. Determining the extent of coverage and the maximum amount of compensation is a crucial initial step that sets the foundation for further negotiations. The expertise and experience of skilled pedestrian accident attorneys are essential in this situation. They gather evidence, formulate strategies, and ensure that insurers and adjusters act honestly to achieve a fair outcome that corresponds to the victim’s pain and suffering.
If pedestrian accident victims receive outright rejections or inadequate settlement offers, they may be confused about what a fair sum is for pedestrian accident claims. In such cases, the expertise of pedestrian accident attorneys, especially a free consultation with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney, is crucial, shifting the balance of justice in favor of those who have suffered.
Negotiations require:
- Legal expertise
- Persistence
- Endurance
- Strength
Speak With a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Los Angeles Today
Dealing with the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, while focusing on your recovery is a lot to handle. Your best chance of obtaining optimum results is through a pedestrian accident attorney. At Bojat Law Group, our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers can investigate your situation and help determine the party at fault, seek retribution, and navigate your claim process. Call us today at (818) 877-4878 and let our team of legal professionals guide you through all the complexities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do California's pedestrian laws protect me as a pedestrian?
California’s pedestrian laws protect you by providing the right-of-way to pedestrians on sidewalks and at intersections, using the pedestrian crossing, permitting safe jaywalking, and considering skaters and skateboarders as pedestrians. Always follow these laws to ensure your safety.
Can I still claim compensation if I was partially at fault for a pedestrian accident?
Yes, you can still claim compensation for a pedestrian accident even if you were partially at fault, but the amount may be reduced based on your degree of fault.
What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident?
After a pedestrian accident, it’s important to remain calm and move to safety if possible, then call emergency services, document the accident scene, gather witness information, seek immediate medical attention, and consult a pedestrian accident lawyer to understand your options.
How long does a pedestrian accident injury lawsuit typically take to resolve?
A pedestrian accident injury lawsuit typically takes around 12 to 18 months to resolve, varying based on case complexity and negotiations.
Can I Sue the city for poorly maintained roads?
The City of Los Angeles is responsible for road maintenance and repair, and victims may file a claim against the city if they were hurt as a result of hazardous road conditions. Filing a lawsuit against the municipal, state, or federal government is a serious task. You will require the services of a professional attorney with expertise in handling these types of cases.
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