Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are on the rise in Southern California. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, the State of California experienced 940 fatalities in 2019. This figure, however, does not take into account the number of pedestrian accident victims who survived the ordeal.
Typically, pedestrian accident victims who survived the accident are left with mounting medical expenses, the inability to return to work while in recovery, and pain and suffering. For a majority of pedestrian accident survivors, the accident is only the beginning of a long journey of emotional trauma.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident, there may be an opportunity to recover damages. Speak to a knowledgeable attorney who will thoroughly investigate your case, answer all of your questions, and fight for your right to a fair compensation.
Common Causes of Accidents
People who walk down a busy California street are at a higher risk of being struck down by a vehicle because of the amount of traffic. Even when crossing at a light and on a marked crosswalk, it is difficult to predict how an oncoming vehicle will behave.
In California, nearly every pedestrian accident is caused as a result of a negligent driver. For instance, with the rise of tablet screens on cars, such as Tesla’s Dashboard Touchscreen, distracted driving accidents are increasing. Other causes of pedestrian accidents involve the following:
Vehicles Making a Right Turn – Even when using a crosswalk, the corner of an intersection is a dangerous place for pedestrians, especially when there is a car attempting to make a right turn. When waiting for the lighting to turn green, people crossing the street sometimes do not expect a car to make a turn. Similarly, a driver making a turn when the light is green may not be expecting a pedestrian to cross.
Unmarked Crosswalks – An intersection is a very common ground for pedestrian accidents. While crosswalks with well-working signals can greatly reduce the risk of an accident, not every intersection is equipped with one. Streets need to have clearly marked crosswalks, especially in areas where a car can park along the street. It may be difficult to spot a pedestrian when there are parked vehicles obstructing a driver’s view.
Driving While Impaired – Drivers who make the decision to drive while intoxicated are a danger to all those whom they share the road with. A driver who cannot focus on the road and his or her surroundings can easily strike a person. Regrettably, impaired drivers do not always notice they have hit a person, and many of these drivers are never caught.
Fight For Your Right to Compensation
If you have recently been struck by a vehicle while walking on a California street, you will need to take immediate action and seek the legal support of a skilled personal injury attorney. Pedestrian accident cases are complex, and often require a thorough investigation of the scene. Speak to a knowledgeable attorney who will fight for your right to a fair compensation.
The personal injury attorneys at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP are highly skilled in the field of pedestrian accident cases. The firm understands that pedestrian accidents often result in costly medical expenses and victims are often left without the inability to return to work. Consequently, the firm works diligently and aggressively to help victims obtain the maximum amount of compensation available. Consider contacting the attorneys at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP today for a free no-obligation consultation.
Stephen Levine, is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Defense — an honor achieved by only the top criminal law attorneys in California. Mr. Levine has over 40 years of experience in criminal defense and family law serving Southern California, and is a highly regarded Super Lawyer as well as AV Rated attorney.