Pedestrians face many dangers on a daily basis. The last thing they need is for the city to make things worse for them.
The Los Angeles City Council has agreed to pay $5 million to settle a lawsuit brought by the parents of a man killed who was struck while crossing the street near Dockweiler Beach in Playa del Rey.
The incident happened to Michael Lockridge, a 21-year-old, on an April night in 2016 as he and his girlfriend crossed Vista del Mar to get to their vehicle. Lockridge was struck by two vehicles and died at the scene.
Soon after the incident, his parents filed a lawsuit against Los Angeles, alleging the city knew that the area was a problem for pedestrians but had not fixed it. They claim that city officials created a “pedestrian trap” along that stretch of road by failing to install street lighting or crosswalks. In fact, Lockridge was killed a mile from the nearest crosswalk.
This incident highlights just one of the many dangers that pedestrians face around LA each day. Do you know what to do if you or a loved one are injured in an accident?
When you need a pedestrian accident lawyer, turn to the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg.
The Dangers
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, pedestrian accidents have increased in California by 27 percent from 2007 to 2016. For the latest reporting year, there were 867 pedestrian fatalities and 14,215 pedestrian injuries from traffic collisions.
The problem is that almost every pedestrian accident results in an injury or fatality because pedestrians do not have any protection from the force of a vehicle slamming into their bodies. Injuries are often severe and require extensive medical interventions for survival. Survivors of pedestrian accidents can face long periods of rehabilitation and even permanent disability.
Why do these accidents happen?
Like the story above, sometimes the city is the reason. They failed to provide safe passage across the street for Michael Lockridge and so many others. City and county governments have a duty to do their best to protect pedestrians.
Other times, pedestrian accidents are the result of negligent driver behavior. This can include:
- Impaired drivers who operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Distracted drivers who are using their cell phones.
- Aggressive drivers who speed or have road rage.
- Drivers who ignore pedestrian right-of-ways.
Do you know what to do if a pedestrian accident affects your life?
What You Can Do Now
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident due to someone else’s negligence, seek legal assistance immediately. The best way to guarantee that you will be treated fairly, and receive the compensation you deserve, is to secure a strong legal team. At the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg, we will be by your side, fighting to ensure you are represented. If you need a pedestrian accident attorney in Los Angeles, you can contact us by clicking here or calling 310-997-0904 for a free consultation.
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