Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

More than 10 million people live in Los Angeles County, more than any other county in the United States. With such a large population, pedestrian accidents are unfortunately a relatively frequent occurrence. Traffic congestion is a serious issue in southern California, and many residents travel on foot to work and school on a daily basis. Pedestrian accidents include collisions with cars, tractor-trailer trucks, package delivery trucks, buses, trains and other vehicles. Pedestrians struck by cars are subject to permanently life-changing injuries or death. Accidents include pedestrian accidents caused by drunk drivers, distracted drivers, speeding, falling asleep at the wheel, defectively designed intersections and dangerous road conditions.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Nationwide, a pedestrian is injured in an accident every 8 minutes, and a pedestrian is killed in an accident every 111 minutes. This means that more than 5,000 people are killed and about 64,000 people are injured in accidents each year. Without the protection of the four walls of a motor vehicle, pedestrians can suffer very serious injuries, including spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and numerous broken bones. Pedestrians include walkers, joggers, runners, or anyone walking on foot or in a wheelchair. Pedestrians account for 11% of motor vehicle fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Pedestrian Accidents and Injury Victims' Rights

Injured victims of accidents may have legal rights to compensation for their injuries. If the driver of a vehicle is responsible for causing an accident, the driver may be financially responsible for the victim's injuries, including medical care costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. Depending on the unique circumstances of the pedestrian accident, numerous parties may be responsible.