With the sheer volume of cars flooding our streets and roadways daily, it’s easy to see how pedestrians can get hurt. Research has shown that in the first half of 2021, there were 2,957 pedestrian fatalities. This highlights how pedestrians are at risk of becoming injured or killed by carelessness or negligence when walking or crossing streets.
Pedestrian accidents are a serious concern in California. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, “no state has more pedestrian deaths on its roadways than California.”
Understanding how to reduce these risks is essential for both pedestrians and drivers and can also help inform how they drive and walk around the streets. It is important to note that pedestrian accidents can occur due to various factors, including:
1.Distracted driving
One of the most significant risk factors for pedestrian accidents is distracted drivers entering the street. These accidents often result in pedestrian death or other serious injuries. Drivers who have something else occupying their attention may not notice that a pedestrian is ahead of them. Distracted pedestrians who use their devices while walking also risk causing pedestrian accidents.
2. Drunk driving
You cannot drive safely under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Impaired drivers are a major cause of death on our roads, causing crashes that injure and kill people yearly in California.
Over the past few decades, it has been proven that people drinking and driving have much worse reactions to stop lights and signs compared to sober drivers. Today, almost 30% of vehicular accidents are caused by impaired drivers.
3. Reckless driving
Reckless driving occurs when a person drives at an excessive speed with disregard for the safety of others on the road. This can include driving too fast in residential areas, highways, or any place where other road users could be affected by their actions.
Drivers need to have the utmost care when they drive a car. Reckless speed makes driving more dangerous than it should be.
4. Poor weather conditions
Weather can affect pedestrian safety. Poor weather conditions can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians and vice versa. Pedestrians should take extra precautions when the weather is bad. Drivers also need to be extra cautious in these weather conditions because they will have less visibility.
Storms, fog, and rain can wreak havoc on cars and pedestrians on the road. Avoiding a pedestrian accident is slowing down and being vigilant, especially in bad weather conditions. Avoid driving through heavy downpours. Drivers who do not have enough visibility cause more road traffic accidents.
5.Pedestrians wear dark-colored clothing at night.
As the sun sets and darkness descends, pedestrian accidents increase. This is due to the lack of visibility, which makes it harder to see. It is easier for drivers to see pedestrians who wear light-colored clothes against the dark surroundings than pedestrians wearing dark-colored clothing at night.
Nighttime driving calls for extra care. Drivers should expect people to be on the streets, including pedestrians and cyclists, and make sure they have their headlights on to let other road users see them.
Get help after a pedestrian accident.
If you were involved in a crash, don’t try to move until someone trained and equipped to move patients arrives. If you decide not to follow the advice of medical practitioners, your injuries may increase, and you might be at risk for permanent damage. You should also contact law enforcement, who will assess the scene and question witnesses.
Many insurance companies deny accident victims coverage by attributing blame to the victims. It is vital to get proper legal representation if you find yourself accused of being at fault. This can help secure a fair settlement and make the unfortunate situation easier on you.
A pedestrian accident attorney will review the facts, get all evidence, consult your medical doctor, negotiate with the insurance companies, and locate witnesses and video of the accident to prove you are not at fault.
A pedestrian accident is a serious matter which calls for aggressive, skillful representation. Lionsgate Law Group, APC has helped clients recover millions of dollars in damages. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, call our office at 800-454-5299. Our experienced lawyers are here to help during this difficult time.