Los Angeles is a car-heavy city that isn’t always friendly to pedestrians. Over 14,000 pedestrians were injured in LA from 2012 to 2016, with over 400 deaths. While the city has been implementing changes to infrastructure to make roads more pedestrian-friendly, progress is slow.
If you’ve been injured by a car, bus, or another vehicle while walking in Los Angeles, call a seasoned personal injury attorney at Sepulveda Sanchez Law today. A Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer could help you prepare a civil claim against the at-fault party.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?
Most pedestrian injuries happen when crossing the street at an intersection. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted drivers
- Speeding
- Making a turn without checking if there are pedestrians crossing
- Driving while under the influence
Distracted driving is a major problem that causes accidents every day. When a driver is too busy looking at their phone to pay attention to the road, it’s inevitable that something will eventually happen. Driving through intersections while distracted can mean the difference between braking in time or running someone over.
Turning cars are another major hazard for pedestrians. Drivers often don’t look before they turn at an intersection or into a gas station or other roadside establishment. If a pedestrian is crossing a driveway or intersection, they are in danger of being hit. Any pedestrian who has been struck by a motor vehicle should speak with an attorney about filing an accident claim.
Who Is at Fault in an Accident Claim Involving a Pedestrian?
In the majority of cases, the driver will be at fault in a pedestrian accident. Drivers have a duty of care to watch out for pedestrians and slow down or stop when they see one in their path. Even if a pedestrian is jaywalking, the driver may still be found at fault depending on the circumstances. A skilled lawyer could work with pedestrians to establish fault in their accident case.
The exception is if a pedestrian suddenly jumps out in front of a car with no warning and no clear right of way. Drivers have a larger duty of care to pedestrians since their cars are more likely to cause an accident. However, pedestrians also have a duty to cross streets responsibly and watch for danger.
Common Crosswalk Accident Injuries
Fatalities are unfortunately common when a vehicle hits a pedestrian. If your loved one was killed by a car while walking on the street or sidewalk, contact us about a wrongful death suit. In other cases, a pedestrian may not be killed, but they can still sustain serious injuries. These injuries can include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spine injury
- Extensive cuts, bruises, and contusions
After being injured by a car, you may need to spend a significant amount of time in the hospital. You may need to undergo multiple surgeries, and you may even need to relearn to walk. You might require at-home assistance, and you may find that your quality of life has dropped. Consequently, it is essential that you speak with an attorney skilled in handling pedestrian accident cases.
Consult with a Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Attorney Right Away
If you were struck by a motor vehicle while walking, call a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer from Sepulveda Sanchez Accident Lawyers. We will be with you every step of the way, fighting to make sure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We give each of our clients personal attention, and we treat you like a person, not a number.