Were You Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?
If you were involved in a pedestrian accident, you may be dealing with serious injuries, costly medical bills, mental distress, and financial strain. An experienced Pasadena pedestrian accident lawyer can help you recover fair compensation for your injuries and losses. They can investigate the accident, determine liability, and communicate with the other party’s insurance company on your behalf.
How Do Most Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Los Angeles County?
For the first time in almost a decade, Los Angeles saw more deaths caused by auto accidents than homicides. The majority of these crashes were caused by drivers engaging in reckless driving and driving under the influence of intoxicating substances. Common causes of pedestrian accidents in LA County include the following:
Distracted Driving
Among the leading causes of pedestrian accidents in California is distracted driving. In 2021, distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,522 people. When motor vehicle drivers engage in non-driving behaviors behind the wheel such as texting, talking on the phone, or using the GPS, it puts other road users at great risk. Distracted drivers may fail to notice pedestrians crossing the street which can lead to a serious or even fatal accident.
Speeding
Speeding is another leading factor contributing to pedestrian accidents, accounting for 29% of traffic fatalities. Exceeding the posted speed limit reduces a driver’s ability to react promptly and increases the severity of accidents. In densely populated areas like Pasadena, where pedestrians frequently share the roads with vehicles, accidents involving speeding drivers are unfortunately common. in 2021, there were 111 victims injured and killed in speed-related traffic accidents.
Failure to Yield
Under the California Vehicle Code 21950, pedestrians have the right-of-way in a roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk, yet many accidents occur due to drivers failing to yield. Whether due to negligence, impatience, or disregard for traffic laws, drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians put their lives at risk. A negligent driver who fails to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk or intersection will likely bear responsibility for the collision.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a significant contributor to pedestrian accidents across Los Angeles County. Per LAPD’s year-end report, there has been a significant increase in DUI and hit-and-run fatalities. Hit-and-run fatalities increased by 96% since 2020. In 2023 alone, fatal hit-and-run crashes increased by 23%. Drunk driving crashes surged by 32% that year. Notably, traffic accidents where a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle increased by nearly 13%.
Impaired drivers exhibit reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and compromised coordination, making them more likely to collide with pedestrians. Despite that LAPD has incorporated several goals focusing on traffic safety into their 2023-2025 Strategic Plan, the issue of intoxicated driving persists, posing a constant threat to pedestrian safety.
Common Injuries Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Facial injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Amputations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bruises and contusions
Compensation Available for Pedestrian Accident Victims
When pursuing a pedestrian accident claim, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your injuries and losses. A skilled Pasadena pedestrian accident lawyer can help injured victims navigate the complexities of these claims and pursue maximum compensation.
- Medical Expenses: This includes reimbursement for past and future medical treatments necessitated by the accident, such as hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and therapy. Given the potentially severe nature of pedestrian accident injuries, medical expenses can quickly accumulate, making comprehensive coverage essential for victims.
- Lost Wages: Pedestrian accident injuries often result in missed workdays or prolonged absences from employment, leading to lost wages. Compensation for lost income aims to alleviate the financial strain experienced by victims who are unable to earn their usual wages due to accident-related injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: In addition to tangible economic losses, pedestrian accident victims may also experience significant pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish. While quantifying these damages can be challenging, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help assess the extent of the victim’s suffering and pursue fair compensation.
- Disability or Disfigurement: Disabilities such as paralysis, amputation, or traumatic brain injuries can significantly impact a victim’s quality of life, earning potential, and overall well-being. In cases where pedestrian accident injuries result in permanent disabilities or disfigurement, victims may be entitled to additional compensation.
How Our Pasadena Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help Your Case
Our Pasadena personal injury lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation, gather strong evidence, interview witnesses, and review relevant documents to build a compelling case on your behalf. This investigation may involve reconstructing the accident scene, obtaining surveillance footage, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts to establish liability.
Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming, especially when you’re recovering from serious injuries. Our experienced personal injury lawyers will manage all communication with insurance companies, and negotiate on your behalf to pursue fair compensation for your damages.
While many pedestrian accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations, some cases may require litigation to achieve a fair outcome. If a fair settlement cannot be reached outside of court, our Pasadena personal injury attorney will be prepared to take your personal injury case to trial and advocate for your rights before a judge and jury. We will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
