Common risks for pedestrians in the Los Angeles area

Traffic in the Los Angeles area is known for being congested—and it is becoming more so every year. This often makes being a pedestrian in our city extremely dangerous, and we’re all pedestrians at one point or another. In fact, simply getting from the parking lot to our final destination puts us in the position of being a pedestrian. There are plenty of associated risks for pedestrians in the Los Angeles area.

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you need the professional legal counsel of a skilled pedestrian car accident lawyer near Los Angeles. Contact us today for a free case consultation!

Driving safely is about more than simply adhering to the posted speed limit. Every driver must factor in the road’s condition and must alter his or her driving accordingly. The fact is that inclement weather can reduce visibility considerably, which obviously necessitates lower speeds.

Slippery roads also require drivers to greatly reduce their speed and employ extreme safety precautions. When the road itself is in disrepair or there is road construction, drivers are responsible for making the necessary safety accommodations. Those who fail to do so engage in negligent driving that endangers pedestrians and others on the road.

Los Angeles is actively implementing various initiatives to enhance pedestrian safety in response to the increasing concerns over pedestrian accidents. The city has adopted the Vision Zero strategy, aiming to eliminate all traffic fatalities, including pedestrian deaths, by 2025. This comprehensive approach involves the redesign of hazardous streets and intersections to include more pedestrian-friendly features such as improved crosswalks, pedestrian countdown signals, and better lighting.

Furthermore, Los Angeles is expanding its network of traffic cameras and increasing enforcement against speeding and other traffic violations that jeopardize pedestrian safety. Educational campaigns targeting both drivers and pedestrians play a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of shared road responsibility. Programs like "Safe Routes to School" focus on educating children about road safety, and community workshops provide adults with similar information, emphasizing the roles everyone must play to ensure mutual safety on the roads.

When you get behind the wheel of your car, you take on the responsibility of driving safely. This includes safely accounting for any pedestrians in your midst. Some drivers—such as those who are impaired at the time of the pedestrian accident or those who leave the scene of the pedestrian accident—can face criminal charges for their actions.

Drivers who don’t reach this level of culpability typically face personal injury lawsuits (or insurance claims) for the damages incurred by pedestrians. Further, if the pedestrian in question dies, the driver can face a wrongful death charge, which is a civil—not a criminal—charge.

Because pedestrians are obviously far more vulnerable to serious injuries than motorists, pedestrians generally have the right-of-way and typically aren’t found at fault for pedestrian accidents. This, however, isn’t always the case. Both motorists and pedestrians are responsible for employing reasonably safe practices.

While an impaired motorist is obviously not living up to this responsibility, neither is a pedestrian who darts into traffic unexpectedly from an obscured point of entry. Generally, when a pedestrian is following the basic rules of safety, he or she is not at fault for any accidents that ensue.

Pedestrian accident victims in Los Angeles have several legal avenues to seek compensation and justice for the injuries and losses they suffer. Personal injury claims are the most common legal recourse, allowing victims to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. It is crucial for victims to consult with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer who can guide them through the often complex legal processes and help assert their rights.

Victims should be aware of California's comparative fault laws, which can affect the amount of compensation they receive if they are found partially at fault for the accident. Legal professionals specializing in pedestrian accidents can provide invaluable assistance in navigating these legal nuances. Additionally, if the accident results in a fatality, the victim’s family may pursue a wrongful death claim to obtain compensation for their profound loss.

Support doesn't end with legal assistance; various local organizations offer counseling and rehabilitation services to help victims cope with the trauma of accidents and aid in their recovery journey.