Pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles are becoming an increasing cause for concern. Despite millions of people staying home during 2020, the number of pedestrian accidents across the state dramatically increased. But why? Let’s explore some of the more common causes of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles.
LASD Supports Pedestrian Safety Month
September is Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office has taken steps to support and improve pedestrian safety in LA. According to the Governor High School Safety Administration (GHSA), pedestrian accident fatalities increased by more than twenty percent in 2020.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office is going to have additional officers deployed around high-traffic pedestrian areas throughout the city. They will be imposing additional California Vehicle Act Violations (CVC) that include illegal turns, speeding violations, and failure to yield to the right of way.
If you are seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, get a legal representative who can help guide you through this difficult time in your life— starting with figuring out who is at fault for your injuries.
Fault For Pedestrian Accidents In Los Angeles
The most important part of any pedestrian accident claim is establishing fault. The liable party will be responsible for compensating you for your economic and non-economic damages.
But you might be surprised at some of the individuals and entities who could be culpable for your injuries.
Driver Negligence
The most common cause of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles is negligent driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 50,000 car accidents involving reckless driving across the U.S. in 2019 alone. Reckless driving can take many forms, but some of the more common ones include:
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Failure to stop
- Failure to use a turn signal
- Failure to yield
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Drugged driving
- Drowsy driving
Any of these types of driver negligence could put pedestrians at risk for catastrophic injury. If you suspect the driver of the vehicle who hit you was driving recklessly, you may have grounds for a civil claim against them. Contact our office to find out.
Unsafe Roadways
In some cases, pedestrian accidents are not the fault of the driver who hit you. When roads are unsafe, it can create conditions that put pedestrians at further risk of injury. If busy intersections are lacking a crosswalk, street signs have not been repaired, or the roads are otherwise unsafe, the government agencies responsible for road maintenance and safety could be found culpable.
Vehicle Defects
Another common cause of pedestrian accidents is vehicle malfunctions or parts defects. When a part of the vehicle that hit you malfunctions in some way, it may not be the driver’s fault that they hit you. They may have been unable to stop or turn the vehicle, for example.
If a parts defect caused your accident, the designers, manufacturers, and distributors of those parts could be held accountable for your damages.
Contact A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer In Los Angeles Today
If you suffered devastating injuries in a pedestrian accident and you are not sure where to turn for help, get in touch with a dedicated Los Angeles car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg.
You can schedule your no-risk, no-cost case evaluation when you complete our quick contact form or give our office a call at 310-997-0904.
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