Walking is excellent for your health and is sometimes the most convenient way to get to your destination. However, when you interact with other road users, including drivers and cyclists, you are at risk of being in an accident.

Pedestrian fatalities on American roads continue to increase every day even as other traffic-related deaths reduce.

Pedestrian accidents lead to severe injuries and fatalities for the victims, with survivors battling life-changing conditions, financial obligations, and missed career opportunities due to injuries.

Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney works with victims of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles, helping them recover damages for their injuries and cover the financial costs arising from the accident.

An Overview of Pedestrian Accident Statistics in California

Everyone is a pedestrian. Whether or not you own a car, you will need to walk to access some facilities. For example, getting from the parking lot to your office building or going to the local café for coffee with your friends.

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable group on our roads. They lack the protection of automobiles or protective devices such as helmets. If a vehicle at a slow speed hits a pedestrian, the vehicle's occupants will be unharmed. In contrast, the pedestrian could sustain life-threatening injuries or die from the impact.

Statistics from the NHTSA show that pedestrian fatalities increase, while those among passengers and drivers increase. These fatalities for pedestrians continue to rise even though the number of pedestrians has not changed significantly over the years.

California is one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians ranking 16th in the US. Pedestrian deaths in California rose by 38.4% between 2009 and 2017 compared to the nation’s 34.5% rise within the same period.

More than 7,000 pedestrians were killed in California between 2008 and 2017, placing the Pedestr

Walking is excellent for your health and is sometimes the most convenient way to get to your destination. However, when you interact with other road users, including drivers and cyclists, you are at risk of being in an accident.

Pedestrian fatalities on American roads continue to increase every day even as other traffic-related deaths reduce.

Pedestrian accidents lead to severe injuries and fatalities for the victims, with survivors battling life-changing conditions, financial obligations, and missed career opportunities due to injuries.

Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney works with victims of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles, helping them recover damages for their injuries and cover the financial costs arising from the accident.

An Overview of Pedestrian Accident Statistics in California

Everyone is a pedestrian. Whether or not you own a car, you will need to walk to access some facilities. For example, getting from the parking lot to your office building or going to the local café for coffee with your friends.

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable group on our roads. They lack the protection of automobiles or protective devices such as helmets. If a vehicle at a slow speed hits a pedestrian, the vehicle's occupants will be unharmed. In contrast, the pedestrian could sustain life-threatening injuries or die from the impact.

Statistics from the NHTSA show that pedestrian fatalities increase, while those among passengers and drivers increase. These fatalities for pedestrians continue to rise even though the number of pedestrians has not changed significantly over the years.

California is one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians ranking 16th in the US. Pedestrian deaths in California rose by 38.4% between 2009 and 2017 compared to the nation’s 34.5% rise within the same period.

More than 7,000 pedestrians were killed in California between 2008 and 2017, placing the Pedestrian Danger Index for California at 68.2 compared to the national average of 55.3.

According to the NHTSA, an average of one pedestrian died in a traffic accident in 2017 every 88 minutes or 16 people every day. More than 6,200 pedestrians died in 2018, making it the highest number of pedestrian fatalities since 1990 and marking a 3% increase in pedestrian fatalities.

Other key statistics from 2017 include:

  • 5,977 pedestrians died in traffic crashes in 2017, a 1.7% decrease from the previous year where 6,080 pedestrians died

Pedestrian fatalities accounted for 16% of the total traffic crashes ian Danger Index for California at 68.2 compared to the national average of 55.3.

According to the NHTSA, an average of one pedestrian died in a traffic accident in 2017 every 88 minutes or 16 people every day. More than 6,200 pedestrians died in 2018, making it the highest number of pedestrian fatalities since 1990 and marking a 3% increase in pedestrian fatalities.

Other key statistics from 2017 include:

  • 5,977 pedestrians died in traffic crashes in 2017, a 1.7% decrease from the previous year where 6,080 pedestrians died
  • Pedestrian fatalities accounted for 16% of the total traffic crashes
  • Most of the pedestrian fatalities in 2017 occurred at night, with 26% of the pedestrian fatalities happening between 6 and 8:59 pm (75% of pedestrian accidents occur in the dark, 21% in daylight, 2% at dusk, and 2% at dawn)
  • About 19% of the children aged 14 and younger who died in traffic crashes were pedestrians
  • About 70% of all pedestrian killed in traffic crashes in 2017 were male
  • In 47% of all traffic crashes, either the driver or pedestrian was legally drunk
  • 91% of all pedestrians in 2017 were killed in single-vehicle crashes
  • About 19% of pedestrian fatalities in 2017 were killed by hit and run drivers
  • 80% of pedestrians fatalities were in urban areas compared to 20% in rural areas
  • 73% of pedestrian fatalities were not at intersections, 18% were at intersections, and 9% occurred at different locations such as sideways, non-traffic areas, parking zones, and shoulders.

Pedestrian statistics by age show that younger and older pedestrians are likely to be killed in pedestrian accidents. The statistics for pedestrian fatalities in 2017 by age are as follows:

  • 19% of children under 14 killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians
  • People aged between 50 and 59 had the highest pedestrian fatality rates, with more than 1,000 being killed in traffic crashes. Pedestrian fatalities for this group accounted for 21% of pedestrian deaths.
  • Children between 0 and 9 years had the lowest pedestrian fatality statistics, with about 120 deaths in 2017.
  • 20% of all pedestrian fatalities were aged 65 and older (based on statistics of pedestrians whose ages were known)
  • 47 years is the average age of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes, an increase by two years within the past ten years

The statistics by gender and age for pedestrians killed in 2017 include:

  • 4,177 (70%) of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes were male
  • Male pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 population is twice that of females at 2.60 compared to 1.07 for females
  • People aged between 55 and 59 and between 75 and 79 have the highest fatality rates per 100,000 population at 2.81 and 2.71, respectively

Alcohol involvement was recorded in 47% of the accidents resulting in pedestrian fatalities in 2017. Both the driver and the pedestrian were tested for alcohol, and the statistics were as follows:

  • In 53% of the crashes, neither the pedestrians nor the driver had alcohol in their system
  • In 2% of the cases, the driver had a BAC of between .01 and .07%, and the pedestrian had no alcohol
  • In 9% of the cases where the pedestrian had no alcohol in their system, the driver had a BAC of .08 or higher.
  • 179 (3%) pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes where they had a BAC of .01 to.07, and the driver had no alcohol, and 50 pedestrians with a BAC between .01 and .07 were killed by drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
  • 32% of pedestrian crashes involved pedestrians with a BAC of .08 or higher

About 5,300 pedestrians killed in 2017 were in single-vehicle crashes, 527 were in multiple vehicle crashes, and every one in five pedestrians was killed in a hit and run accident.

Most of the pedestrians in single-vehicle crashes were struck by the front of the vehicle. Light trucks and passenger cars had higher statistics for frontal crashes, while large trucks had more right-side and rear crashes.

Los Angeles recorded the highest pedestrian fatalities in the US in 2016. In 2017, 45% of the fatalities in Los Angeles were pedestrians.

Out of these statistics, 60% were male, 20% were below 18 years, and 14% were aged 65 or older. Vehicles at a minimum of 20 mph hit more than 50% of the victims. 

Pedestrians hit at different speeds had different injury and fatality outcomes as follows:

  • 9% of pedestrians hit at less than 20 mph sustained severe or critical injuries, 1% had disabilities that lasted longer than a year, and 2% were killed.
  • 26% of pedestrians hit by cars moving at more than 20 mph had severe to critical injuries, 2% developed a disability lasting more than one year, and 8% died.

Pedestrian Accidents Risk Factors

In 2017, more than 137,000 pedestrians received emergency treatment for non-fatal injuries related to motor vehicle crashes. Pedestrians have a 1.5X higher risk of being killed in a traffic crash per trip compared to passenger vehicle occupants.

Although pedestrians are a more vulnerable group on the roads, some factors also contribute to an increased risk of being the victim of a pedestrian accident. According to the CDC, here are some of the factors that increase your risk of being in a pedestrian accident:

  • Being a drunk driver or pedestrian
  • Adults older than 65 and children aged 15 or younger
  • Vehicles driving at higher speeds have a greater risk of hitting and killing or severely injuring a pedestrian.
  • Most pedestrian accidents occur at night and in urban areas.
  • Male pedestrians have a higher likelihood of being injured or killed in traffic accidents.

Apart from risk factors that increase the chances of being in a pedestrian accident, there are major factors that lead to pedestrian accidents. Most of these causes are a result of human error and negligence and are avoidable.

  • Distracted driving is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents because drivers never see the pedestrian or see them too late. Some of the common distractions for drivers include texting, talking on the phone, observing activities outside the car, and grooming.
  • These distractions could also occur among pedestrians with the same disastrous outcomes.
  • Speeding increases the risk of causing pedestrian accidents since it will take more time for the driver to stop if a pedestrian darts into the road. Pedestrian accidents due to speeding have more severe injuries and higher fatalities compared to crashes that occur at slower speeds.
  • Drunk driving is against the road rules and is a hazard for all road users, including the drunk driver. Alcohol and drugs affect your response time, reasoning, and driving skills, increasing the risk that you will cause an accident.
  • Drunk or intoxicated walking also contributes to pedestrian accidents since the intoxicating substance affects the pedestrian’s judgment. They could jaywalk into the streets in the way of vehicles.
  • Failure to yield to pedestrians when they have the right of way
  • Weather conditions such as fog, ice, and storms affect the visibility of roads and increase the risk of accidents

Reducing the Risk of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians and motorists have a role to play in ensuring that roads are safe for pedestrians. Some of the safety tips for pedestrians include:

  • Wearing reflective clothing or carrying a flashlight when walking at night to increase your visibility
  • Crossing streets at designated crosswalks or intersections and look in all directions for vehicles before you cross
  • Walking on sidewalks or paths designated for pedestrians (when such options are unavailable, use the shoulder and walk facing oncoming traffic. Maintain as much distance as possible between yourself and oncoming traffic)
  • Avoid electronic devices such as phones or wearing earbuds as they can be distracting
  • Moderate your alcohol intake if you intend to walk since alcohol affects your attentiveness and coordination (preferably, call a cab to drive you to your destination
  • Obey traffic rules, signs, and signals
  • Do not assume drivers see you when on the road

Drivers also have the responsibility to ensure roads are safe for pedestrians. Here are some tips drivers can implement to keep roads safe for pedestrians:

  • Taking responsibility for the safety of pedestrians by watching out for them while driving
  • Avoid distractions such as texting, eating, changing radio stations as you drive, or turning around to talk to passengers in the vehicle. Distractions that last a few seconds are enough to cause catastrophic crashes.
  • Drivers should look out for pedestrians, especially in heavy traffic areas, school zones, and near parks.
  • Look out for children when driving, as kids are less likely to follow traffic rules or make informed decisions when using the road. Places to watch out for include school zones, playgrounds, and residential streets, and near parks.
  • You should never pass a stopped school bus to avoid the risk of hitting school-going kids (note that you could receive criminal charges for passing a school bus that is dropping or picking up kids)
  • Look for pedestrians before turning and make contact with pedestrians (always yield to pedestrians)
  • Follow traffic signs and signals.
  • Do not drink and drive.
  • Follow the recommended speed limits, especially in places with pedestrians.
  • Adjust your driving based on the weather conditions and drive defensively
  • Watch out for pedestrians when driving at night.
  • Always look before you back up, look out for children since they are hard to see
  • Look before opening your car door to avoid hitting pedestrians with your car door.
  • Be careful when passing stopped vehicles as they could be dropping off passengers.
  • Never assume that a pedestrian sees you. Make eye contact with the pedestrian to confirm that the pedestrian is seeing you (even if you are yielding the right of way)
  • Adhere to school drop-off regulations

What to do If Injured in a Pedestrian Accident

Following all the pedestrian safety tips does not guarantee that you will never have a pedestrian accident, but it does reduce the risk of being in one. The behavior of other road users, weather conditions, and the state of crosswalks and sidewalks will affect your risk of being in an accident. Here are some of the steps you can take if you are involved in a pedestrian accident:

  • Check whether you are injured, whether you are in a vehicle, or are a pedestrian. If you hit someone with your car, stop, check for injuries, and ask for help (911).
  • Help other people who might need help (it could be as simple as keeping an injured person immobile to prevent worsening an injury)
  • Record evidence from the scene. Take time-stamped photographs and videos that you can use in the future if you choose to pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
  • If you are a driver who hits a pedestrian, call the police to report the accident and exchange your information with the victim (leaving the scene of the accident without leaving you information could lead to hit and run criminal charges)
  • Get medical attention, even if you feel okay. Notify the doctor that you were in an accident. Get checked for internal injuries, especially if the car struck your abdominal region, but you have no apparent signs of injury.
  • Follow the doctor's instructions on medication and what to do after treatment.
  • Contact a personal injury attorney if you intend to file a personal injury suit against the at-fault party. You should provide your attorney with details of the accident, including notes, photos, and videos, where possible to help them prepare a case on your behalf.
  • Maintain records of the diagnosis, medication, and treatment you receive for the injuries related to the accident if you had a previous injury, document how the accident-related injury affects your previous injury. In addition, you should keep organized receipts of all the costs associated with the accident.
  • Be careful when dealing with the insurance company – they are concerned mostly about their business and will work to minimize liability on their end. Have your attorney handle all communication with the insurance company. Remember not to settle upon the first offer the insurance company makes unless it sufficiently covers your damages.
  • Do not admit fault either at the scene or to the insurance company. You can only know what happened from your end and have no way of knowing immediately that the driver or another party in the accident was at fault. For example, you could have crossed the road while distracted without realizing that the driver who hit you was running a red light.

The actions you can take after an accident will depend on your condition immediately after. For example, if you have severe injuries, getting immediate treatment should be the priority.

Find a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Near Me

Nobody chooses to be injured or killed in a pedestrian accident. Some of the victims are innocent pedestrians who obeyed the law and were careful about their safety. Regardless, it is still important to obey the road rules to reduce the risk of being another statistic.

If you or a loved one ends up being a pedestrian accident victim, you can contact the Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney for an evaluation of your case. We will help you prepare a case and collect the evidence we need for your case.

Because we work on contingency in most cases, you only pay if we obtain a favorable outcome either through settlement or in court. Our attorneys have worked with many victims of pedestrian accidents and helped them recover damages for their injuries or losses.

Contact us at 424-231-2013 for a consultation.

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