Pedestrian Accidents in Southern California

Pedestrian accidents can be devastating. Unfortunately, they are all too common in the United States, with over 6,000 people killed in pedestrian collisions in 2019 alone.  When a pedestrian is injured in an accident, they may be entitled to compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, obtaining this compensation can be a difficult and complicated process. That is why it is important to have the right legal team on your side.

 

At Phillips & Associates, we understand the complexity of pedestrian accident cases and the unique challenges they present. We are dedicated to helping our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Our firm has extensive experience handling pedestrian accident cases, and we will work hard to get you the best possible outcome. When you hire Phillips & Associates to handle your pedestrian accident case, you can be sure that we will fight for you every step of the way. We will thoroughly investigate the accident, collect evidence, and build a strong case to prove your claim. We will also negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.

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Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Between 2011 and 2020,  there have been 1,133 pedestrian deaths in the city of Los Angeles alone.  This makes Los Angeles the second most deadly city in America when it comes to pedestrian deaths, being surpassed only by New York City.

Overall, pedestrian deaths account for approximately 14% of all car accident-related fatalities in the United States.  A the year study found that 73% of pedestrian-involved auto collisions occurred in urban areas.  Of course, it is in cities where traffic density is the greatest and people are the most likely to get distracted.  So the result is not surprising.  The same study found that  men accounted for 60% of pedestrian deaths versus women ,and that 49% of pedestrian death cases involved inebriation with drugs or alcohol.

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The Most Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the most populous cities in the United States and its streets are filled with pedestrians. Unfortunately, this also means that there are many intersections in the city that are particularly dangerous for pedestrians. According to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, the following are the most dangerous intersections for pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles:

1. Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue: This intersection is located in the heart of Los Angeles and is one of the most heavily trafficked intersections in the city. It is also one of the most dangerous for pedestrians. The intersection has seen a total of 56 pedestrian accidents in the past five years, with four fatalities.

2. Venice Boulevard and La Cienega Boulevard: This intersection is located in the Westside of Los Angeles and is known for its high volume of traffic. It has seen a total of 46 pedestrian accidents in the past five years, with three fatalities.

3. Sunset Boulevard and Western Avenue: This intersection is located in Hollywood and is known for its high volume of foot traffic. It has seen a total of 44 pedestrian accidents in the past five years, with two fatalities.

4. Sunset Boulevard and La Brea Avenue: This intersection is located in the heart of Hollywood and is known for its high volume of foot traffic. It has seen a total of 43 pedestrian accidents in the past five years, with two fatalities.

5. Hollywood Boulevard and La Brea Avenue: This intersection is located in the heart of Hollywood and is known for its high volume of foot traffic. It has seen a total of 41 pedestrian accidents in the past five years, with two fatalities.

 

These intersections are some of the most dangerous for pedestrians in Los Angeles. Pedestrians should always be aware of their surroundings and take extra precautions when crossing the street. Drivers should also be aware of their surroundings and drive with caution, especially in these locations.

What Laws Govern Pedestrian Accidents in California
California Vehicle Code 467 defines “pedestrian” as “any person who is afoot or who is using a means of conveyance propelled by human power other than a bicycle.” The Vehicle Code further expands upon this definition, providing that a pedestrian is also any person who is operating a wheelchair, invalid tricycle, motorized quadricycle, or on crutches, and, by reason of a physical disability, is otherwise unable to move as a pedestrian.

Recently, jaywalking has been decriminalized in the state of California. The legislative initiative, titled the “Freedom to Walk Act“ and codified within CA Vehicle Code section 21456, now makes it legal to cross streets outside of designated crosswalks, unless doing so creates “immediate risk of a collision.“
Drivers always have an obligation to operate their vehicles as a reasonably prudent person, to adhere to speed limits, respect cross walks, and refrain from driving while under the influence of alcohol.  Violating any of these general driving requirements can result in a pedestrian versus auto accident.

A driver who strikes a pedestrian can face a wide range of potential criminal charges, including vehicular homicide and reckless driving.  Reckless driving is distinct from ordinary negligence in that it requires establishing a “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property.” A condition o reckless driving is punishable by up to ninety days in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

The Complaint Process for Pedestrian Accidents in California
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian versus auto accident, it is important to understand that there is a right to recover financial compensation for the resulting damages.  More specifically, it is possible to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral fees in the case of death.  It is also possible to recovery general “pain and suffering” damages, which in pedestrian accidents are often significant due to the severity of the injuries sustained.   

A precondition to recover any compensation as an injured pedestrian is establishing that the driver who struck you was at fault for causing the collision.  However, it is not necessary to establish 100% fault.  Even if the pedestrian is partly to blame for the accident, they can still recover compensation against the driver, but the pedestrian’s compensation will be reduced by their own percent of negligence.

Recovering compensation for a pedestrian accident typically first starts with determining who the negligent party or parties are and what their applicable insurance coverage is.  Often times, a settlement demand letter will be sent before filing a lawsuit in an effort to settle the claim without litigation.  If that fails, or if a settlement demand is determined to be futile, premature, or ill-advised for other reasons, a lawsuit will be initiated.  Through the litigation process, more can be discovered about the circumstances of the accident and the nature of the damages suffered.  If the case does not settle, then a trial will be necessary to determine liability and damages.  

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Why Hire Phillips & Associates in Your Pedestrian Accident Case
Phillips & Associates is highly experienced with all phases of pedestrian versus auto accident claims and lawsuits.  We fight to obtain fair and full compensation for all of our clients injured in such collisions.  If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact our office for a free consultation today.