Experienced Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Find out why we have some of the best Los Angeles pedestrian injury lawyers
Experienced Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, seek legal representation from our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers to navigate the legal process and ensure fair compensation. Call us at (310) 401-3220 to schedule a free consultation.
Our Verdicts and Settlements
Settlement
A delivery driver was driving above the speed limit and did not appear to be paying attention when they hit our client while they were legally crossing a marked crosswalk in the downtown area.
June 2024
What Are Some Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in LA?
Los Angeles, also known as the City of Angels, has a diverse population and busy streets. However, the city also has a concerning number of pedestrian accidents, leading to severe injuries and fatalities. In 2023, there were 174 pedestrian fatalities reported in LA. [1]
When a motor vehicle collides with a person who is walking, running, jogging, or standing near a road, it can result in serious injuries. These incidents often result from negligence on the motorist’s part. [2]
Pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries with long-lasting effects. These injuries may include internal organ damage, broken bones, and lacerations.
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are often a leading cause of untimely deaths and can lead to wrongful death lawsuits.
Pedestrian accidents occur when a pedestrian is involved in a collision with a vehicle or any other object. There are several common causes of pedestrian accidents, which can be grouped into various categories:
Driver Error
- Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is drivers being distracted by various activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car infotainment systems.
- Failing to Yield: Drivers may fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks, intersections, or when making turns.
- Speeding: Drivers who exceed the speed limit have less time to spot and react to pedestrians, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Speed has historically been and continues to be the single largest factor for all collisions since 2011 in LA. [3]
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug impairment can significantly impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and perception, leading to pedestrian accidents. After 2021, a significant increase in DUI fatalities due to the use of drugs (legal and illegal) and alcohol while driving has been reported to the LAPD. Many of these incidents result in hit-and-runs, and hit-and-run fatalities in Los Angeles have increased by 96% since 2020! [3]
Environmental Factors
- Poor Lighting: Insufficient street lighting or poorly lit areas can reduce visibility for both drivers and pedestrians, increasing the chances of accidents.
- Lack of Sidewalks or Pedestrian Infrastructure: Areas without proper sidewalks or pedestrian infrastructure force pedestrians to walk on roads, increasing their exposure to vehicular traffic and the risk of accidents.
Weather Conditions
Rain, snow, fog, or icy conditions can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, making it harder for drivers to spot pedestrians and react in time to prevent an accident.
Inadequate Signage or Markings
The absence of signage or crosswalk markings can lead to confusion and increased risks for both drivers and pedestrians.
Construction Zones
Construction zones pose unique risks to pedestrians due to altered traffic patterns, narrowed roadways, temporary barriers, and construction equipment. Pedestrians may enter hazardous areas and encounter distracted or inexperienced drivers navigating the construction zone.
Los Angeles Pedestrian Laws
In LA, drivers are expected to comply with the state’s pedestrian laws, as outlined in California Vehicle Code Section 21950. [4]
- At a crosswalk, motor vehicles must yield to pedestrians crossing, whether the crosswalk is marked with white lines or unmarked at an intersection. Drivers should slow down or stop to prioritize pedestrian safety.
- California pedestrian laws dictate that individuals must follow traffic control signals at intersections.
Common Los Angeles Pedestrian Injuries
Pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Here are some common types of injuries caused by pedestrian accidents in LA:
- Broken Bones: Individuals can sustain fractures in the limbs, pelvis, and spine due to the impact of a vehicle. These injuries may necessitate surgery and extended periods of healing.
- Head Injuries: Pedestrians are vulnerable to head injuries when hit by vehicles, leading to concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries. TBIs may result in lasting cognitive, physical, and emotional complications, often necessitating significant medical care and rehab.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: These accidents can result in serious injuries to the back, including the spinal cord, potentially causing paralysis, loss of sensation, or decreased mobility. These injuries can have lasting effects on a person’s overall well-being.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Pedestrians who have been in accidents may experience soft tissue injuries such as bruises, sprains, strains, and deep lacerations. Though these injuries may not be fatal, they can be painful and require medical treatment.
- Internal Injuries: The force from a pedestrian accident can lead to internal injuries, such as internal bleeding or punctured organs, which may not always show symptoms right away but need prompt medical care.
- Psychological Trauma: Pedestrian accidents can lead to long-term mental health consequences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders in survivors due to the traumatic event.
Table of Contents
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Experienced Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
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Our Verdicts and Settlements
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What Are Some Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in LA?
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Los Angeles Pedestrian Laws
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Common Los Angeles Pedestrian Injuries
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Who Could be Liable for a Pedestrian Accident in LA?
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Types of Compensation Available for Pedestrian Accidents in LA
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Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accidents in California
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What Our Clients Say – Client Reviews
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Hiring Our Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Who Could be Liable for a Pedestrian Accident in LA?
In a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles, several parties may potentially be held liable, depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. Here are some potential parties that may be held liable in a pedestrian accident in LA:
- Driver: The driver of the vehicle in the accident may be deemed responsible if their actions, such as distracted driving, speeding, running a red light, DUI, or failure to yield, contributed to the accident.
- Public or Private Entity: If the accident was caused by a hazardous road condition or lack of maintenance, the entity in charge of the road’s upkeep or a private entity that neglected to address the issue could be held accountable. This includes factors such as insufficient signage, subpar road layout, inadequate lighting, or unrepaired potholes.
- Vehicle Manufacturer: In instances where a pedestrian accident is caused by a vehicle defect, such as faulty brakes, steering, or tires, the vehicle manufacturer or distributor may be held responsible for producing a defective product.
- Property Owner: In cases where an accident occurs on private property, such as in a parking lot or at a commercial establishment, the property owner may be found liable if their negligence or failure to maintain safe premises is determined to have contributed to the accident. Factors such as obstructed walkways or inadequate lighting may be considered when determining liability.
If you’ve been in a pedestrian accident, our pedestrian accident attorney can help determine who is responsible and pursue compensation for you.
Types of Compensation Available for Pedestrian Accidents in LA
The types of compensation available in Los Angeles pedestrian accident cases can vary based on the specific circumstances of the accident and the extent of the injuries. Here are some common types of compensation that may be available:
- Medical Expenses: Pedestrians involved in accidents may face substantial medical expenses, such as ambulance fees, hospitalization, surgeries, doctor’s visits, medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. Compensation can help alleviate these costs, both immediate and long-term.
- Lost Wages: Pedestrians who cannot work due to injuries may be eligible for compensation for lost wages, covering both past time missed from work and potential future loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Pedestrians who have suffered physical injuries, emotional distress, mental anguish, or diminished quality of life due to the accident may qualify for compensation to cover these intangible losses.
- Property Damage: If the pedestrian’s personal belongings, such as clothing or personal devices, were damaged in the accident, they may be entitled to compensation for the repair or replacement of the damaged items.
- Rehabilitation and Therapy: Pedestrians involved in accidents may need ongoing rehabilitation and therapy to aid their recovery and functionality. Compensation can help cover the expenses related to these services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counseling.
- Loss of Consortium: If the pedestrian’s injuries have impacted their relationship with their spouse, the injured pedestrian or their spouse may be eligible for compensation for the loss of companionship, support, or intimacy.
- Wrongful Death: In cases where a pedestrian fatality occurs as a result of the accident, surviving family members may be eligible to pursue wrongful death benefits, including compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
Consult with our personal injury attorney to understand the potential types of compensation applicable to your specific case. Our pedestrian injury lawyers can help assess the damages and pursue appropriate compensation through negotiation or legal action on your behalf.
Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accidents in California
In Los Angeles, California, the Statute of Limitations for personal injury cases, including pedestrian accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that an injured pedestrian or their representative must file a lawsuit seeking compensation within two years from the date of the accident. [5]
If the accident resulted in the death of the pedestrian, a different Statute of Limitations may apply for filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
What Our Clients Say – Client Reviews
Hiring Our Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
When it comes to hiring a Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney, Goldberg & Loren is the top choice for victims seeking justice and compensation for damages.
We have handled pedestrian accident cases for over 30 years, securing maximum compensation for our clients. Our team conducts thorough investigations, builds strong claims, and negotiates with insurance companies for maximum compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Los Angeles pedestrian accident, we can provide you with guidance and improve the likelihood that you will receive financial compensation. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.
Sources:
[1] Regardie, J. (2024, January 19). Another awful year on Los Angeles streets, with 337 traffic deaths. Crosstown. https://xtown.la/2024/01/19/los-angeles-automobile-related-deaths-rise-to-337-fatalities-last-year/
[2] Bieber, C. (2023, February 3). Pedestrian Accident Causes, Injuries & Legal Options. Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/auto-accident/pedestrian-accident/
[3] Kevitt, D. (2024, April 3). Traffic Violence in Los Angeles, Why LA Gets an “F” Grade for 2023 — Streets Are For Everyone. Streets Are for Everyone. https://www.streetsareforeveryone.org/blog/traffic-violence-in-la-for-2023
[4] Codes: Codes Tree – Vehicle Code – VEH. (n.d.). https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codesTOCSelected.xhtml
[5] Statute of Limitations – getting_started_selfhelp. (n.d.-c). https://www.courts.ca.gov/9618.htm
Goldberg & Loren Personal Injury Attorneys
11755 Wilshire Blvd Suite 1250
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 401-3220
We passionately advocate for clients injured in pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles. Our personal injury attorneys strive to secure the highest compensation possible.
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