The Dangers of Pedestrian Accidents on California Roadways

In California, we see pedestrian accidents happen way more often than we’d like to. In fact, the number of pedestrians who lose their lives to vehicles every year is at an all-time high, with over 6,000 losing their lives in one year across the entire United States. Pedestrians are more likely to die in an accident due to the negligence of a driver than if they were a driver or passenger in an actual vehicle.

There are many reasons for the various pedestrian accidents that take place on our roadways. According to research, nearly half of all fatal pedestrian accidents involve a driver who was under the influence at the time. Many also take place when the pedestrian is walking in the dark, as they are more likely to take place at nighttime when the pedestrian is not so easily seen.

Drivers are more likely to come into contact with a pedestrian when they are speeding, failing to yield to a pedestrian, driving intoxicated, driving distracted, failing to obey traffic signals, or driving too fast for road conditions like inclement weather. Pedestrians are sometimes at fault in these accidents, too. Sometimes a pedestrian might accidentally ignore a traffic signal, jaywalk, walk while intoxicated, or wear dark clothing at night while they are walking alongside a roadway. It is important to remember that these accidents are caused by both sides, and you must be prepared for when it does happen.

Following Your Accident: Seeking Medical Attention

After a pedestrian accident, one of the first things that a pedestrian should do is seek immediate medical attention. You might be in shock following one of these accidents, which is why you should never hold off on medical treatment. Even if you don’t go to the hospital on the night of your accident, you should still see your private doctor as soon as possible so that you can retain your rights when it comes to your claim.

Medical treatment isn’t just to ensure that your health is safe but also to help your claim in the future. The insurance company will always work to deny your claim at any cost, and this is especially true if they find out that you have not received medical treatment of any kind. They might try to claim that your injuries were not serious enough.

Determining Liability

If you were injured in an accident due to the negligence of another driver, you will have to prove this. Perhaps a crosswalk was put in a certain area to offer you protection but a driver failed to abide by the rules of the road and drove through without stopping, causing your accident. In these cases, a driver could be held liable for your injuries in full. On the other hand, if a negligent driver caused the death of another party, the family of the loved one might be able to sue through what is known as a wrongful death claim. Either way, you might find that you or your family are entitled to benefits such as medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, lost income, and more.

You might find that determining liability in your accident is a difficult thing to do or might wonder how you can move forward during this traumatic time. You have options when it comes to your case and we want you to know that we are here for you at the Los Angeles Injury Group. Call us for more information on how we can help in your time of need at 310-954-7248.