Los Angelenos are known for loving their automobiles, as traffic on the 101 during rush hour can attest, but some days local residents feel like getting out on foot. Unfortunately, pedestrians in and around Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley are at more risk of getting killed by a car than anywhere else in the U.S., except for New York City. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, know that you have legal rights.
So why do California pedestrians face such a high risk of being hit by a car or other automobile when running, jogging, or taking a leisurely stroll? Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol and other state agencies have identified several trends in technology and lifestyle that have introduced new risks to pedestrians. These risks include:
- Texting and driving – Despite a state ban on drivers using hand-held cellphones to talk and text, a government survey this spring found more Californians using smartphones while driving than last year.
- More drivers on the road – More drivers means more auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian
accidents. - More motorcycles on the road – In the last few years, the popularity of motorcycles has increased, leading to more accidents and deaths.
- Drugged driving – Officials say drugged-driving crashes are on the upswing. Read more about the dangers of drunk and drugged driving here.
Sadly, many of these pedestrian accidents result in serious injuries and even death. Indeed, crashes involving pedestrians make up a big part of the fatal accident problem in California. In a most recent survey, 41% of individuals killed in car accidents in L.A. were pedestrians. This number almost triples the national rate, which is just 14%. While many pedestrian victims do survive being struck by a car, truck or motorcycle, they are severely injured. You or your loved one may suffer permanent and/or long-term injuries that affect one’s ability to live life as they had before. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident that was the result of driver negligence, speak to an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible.
Those injured in a pedestrian accidents have legal rights. Contact Woodland Hills attorney Barry P. Goldberg today for a complimentary, no obligation consultation about your potential case.
