Founder and Managing Partner
Walking in Los Angeles can be extremely dangerous. According to an article in the Los Angeles Times last year, while over traffic deaths decreased slightly, the number of pedestrian deaths increased substantially. During 2017, 134 pedestrians died in accidents involving motor vehicles, which was the highest number of pedestrian deaths in 15 years. While LA is taking steps to make streets safer for pedestrians, pedestrians continue to sustain catastrophic injuries and fatal injuries on LA streets.
It is important to know certain steps you should take after a pedestrian accident, including calling a California pedestrian injury attorney for help.
Five Things You Need to Know About Pedestrian Accident Injuries
- Â Pedestrian Injuries Can Result from Causes Other Than Motor Vehicle Accidents
Pedestrian injuries may result from other dangers and risks. When a hazardous or dangerous condition causes a pedestrian injury, the property owner may be responsible for the damages sustained by the pedestrian. Government agencies responsible for sidewalks, walkways, and other areas could be liable for a pedestrian injury because of the negligence or wrongdoing of the government agency. Pedestrians should consult an experienced California pedestrian injury attorney to determine what type of injury claim they should file after a pedestrian accident.
- Â The Vehicle Type Can Increase the Risk of Death and Traumatic Injuries
A report by the GHSA states that pedestrian deaths are expected to be higher in 2018 than any other year in nearly three decades. California is projected to have the highest number of pedestrian fatalities for 2018. The report also revealed that pedestrian deaths in traffic accidents involving SUVs rose by 50 percent from 2013 through 2017, while pedestrian deaths in traffic accidents involving cars only rose by 30 percent during the same period. The data suggest that larger vehicles, including SUVs and trucks, can result in more fatalities and traumatic injuries for pedestrians compared to smaller vehicles.
- Â Pedestrian Injuries Occur at Locations Other Than Intersections
While many pedestrian injuries occur at intersections, pedestrians may also be injured while walking in neighborhoods, parks, sidewalks, and parking lots. Pedestrians should always be careful and attentive wherever they are walking. Drivers have a duty of care to watch for pedestrians, but pedestrians should not rely on drivers to be paying attention and watching out for pedestrians.
- Â Report a Pedestrian Injury to the Police if it Involves a Motor Vehicle
If you are injured in an accident involving a motor vehicle, call 911 to report the injury to the police. Wait at the accident scene for the police to arrive so that you can file an accident report. It is important to document the accident with the police so that you have evidence of the injury to file an injury claim with the driver’s insurance provider.
- Â Seek Legal Assistance with an Injury Claim from a California Pedestrian Injury Attorney
Pedestrian accident claims can be extremely complex. An insurance provider may deny liability for the claim. Many insurance companies attempt to place blame on the pedestrian for the accident to reduce the amount of compensation they must pay to pedestrians injured in an accident.
If you are injured in an accident while walking, you deserve compensation for your injuries and damages by the party responsible for the injury. A California pedestrian injury attorney can investigate the incident to determine liability and gather evidence to prove fault. Contact us today for a free consultation. While you focus on recovering from your injuries, our attorneys protect your legal right to a fair and just settlement for your injury claim.