Resources

Car vs pedestrian accidents can be serious and often result in serious injuries or fatalities for pedestrians. In Los Angeles, pedestrian accidents are a significant problem, with a higher rate of pedestrian fatalities compared to the national average.

There are several factors that contribute to the high rate of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles. One factor is the large number of pedestrians in the city, especially in busy areas such as downtown. Another factor is the heavy traffic and congestion in the city, which can increase the risk of accidents.

There are also several specific types of intersections and roadways in Los Angeles that have a higher risk of pedestrian accidents. For example, intersections with multiple lanes and high speeds can be more dangerous for pedestrians, as can roads with limited lighting or poor visibility. In addition, the use of E-scooters, E-bikes and other electronics have led to a rise in pedestrian injuries and fatalities. Such new modes of transportation have expanded the scope of accidents involving all of our roadways and walkways, including sidewalks, running trails and neighborhood streets.

Why Pedestrian Accidents Are So Dangerous

Unlike occupants of motor vehicles who are protected by airbags, seat belts, and the structural frame of their cars, pedestrians have no protection when struck by a vehicle. The sheer weight difference between a car and a person means that even a collision at relatively low speeds can cause catastrophic injuries. A vehicle traveling at just 30 miles per hour can generate enough force to cause life-threatening trauma to a pedestrian upon impact.

This vulnerability is why pedestrian accidents have some of the highest fatality rates among all traffic collisions. Survivors often face months or years of medical treatment, multiple surgeries, and extensive rehabilitation before they can return to any semblance of normal life.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Southern California

Understanding the common causes of pedestrian accidents can help both drivers and pedestrians stay safer on the road. In the greater Los Angeles and Orange County areas, the most frequent causes include:

Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents. Drivers who are texting, scrolling through social media, or adjusting their navigation system may fail to notice pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections.

Failure to yield at crosswalks is another major factor. California Vehicle Code Section 21950 requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks, yet many drivers ignore this obligation, especially when making turns.

Speeding in residential areas and school zones significantly increases the risk of pedestrian accidents. Higher speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and dramatically increase the severity of injuries when a collision occurs.

Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to see pedestrians, particularly at night. Many fatal pedestrian accidents occur during evening and nighttime hours when visibility is already reduced.

Poor infrastructure in certain neighborhoods, including a lack of sidewalks, inadequate crosswalk markings, and insufficient street lighting, also contributes to the high rate of pedestrian accidents throughout Southern California.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

The injuries sustained in car vs pedestrian accidents tend to be severe due to the unprotected nature of the pedestrian. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries from the initial impact or from striking the ground, spinal cord injuries that can result in partial or complete paralysis, multiple bone fractures in the legs, pelvis, and ribs, internal organ damage and internal bleeding, deep lacerations and road rash, and knee and joint injuries that may require surgical repair.

Many pedestrian accident victims also develop post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression following their accident. The psychological impact of being struck by a vehicle can be just as debilitating as the physical injuries.

Your Legal Rights After a Pedestrian Accident

If you have been struck by a vehicle while walking in Los Angeles or Orange County, California law protects your right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver. Under California’s negligence laws, a driver who fails to exercise reasonable care and strikes a pedestrian can be held liable for all resulting damages.

Even if you were partially at fault for the accident — for example, if you were jaywalking — California’s comparative negligence system allows you to still recover damages. Your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you would not be barred from recovery entirely.

Important steps to take after a pedestrian accident include calling 911 immediately, seeking medical treatment as soon as possible, documenting your injuries and the accident scene with photographs, obtaining contact information from witnesses, and requesting a copy of the police report.

Compensation Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims

Victims of pedestrian accidents may be entitled to significant compensation, including coverage for all medical bills and future medical care, lost income during recovery and reduced future earning capacity, pain and suffering damages, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and in cases of fatal pedestrian accidents, the victim’s family may pursue a wrongful death claim.

The value of a pedestrian accident claim depends on the severity of injuries, the extent of ongoing medical needs, the impact on the victim’s ability to work and enjoy daily activities, and the strength of evidence proving the driver’s negligence.

How Sky Law Group Can Help

At Sky Law Group, we have extensive experience representing pedestrian accident victims throughout Southern California. Our team understands the unique challenges these cases present and works diligently to build the strongest possible claim on your behalf. We investigate the accident thoroughly, work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to maximize your recovery.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles or Orange County, contact our experienced personal injury attorneys today at (844) 475-9529 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We handle all pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.