More than 100 pedestrians were struck and killed by motorists in Los Angeles in 2019. In addition, many more pedestrians were injured in accidents across the city. With distracted driving, speeding, and reckless driving on the rise, it’s risky to be a pedestrian in LA. For those who are injured, there is legal recourse. For example, if you or a loved one were injured in a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles, you may be entitled to compensation.
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When Should I Call a Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, call a lawyer immediately. It doesn’t matter how minor your injuries, it’s important to consult with a pedestrian accident lawyer. You may be eligible for compensation to cover your:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Other damages
A lawyer will listen to the details of your case, explain your options and help guide you through the process if you pursue legal action against the negligent driver.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents have many causes, but some of the most common ones include:
Distracted Driving
Despite laws against distracted driving, more than 3,000 people die every year in distracted driving car accidents. When drivers aren’t paying attention to the road, it puts pedestrians at risk.
Examples of distracted driving include:
- Texting or talking on the phone
- Eating or drinking
- Putting on makeup
- Adjusting the GPS or radio
Anything that takes the driver’s attention away from the road is considered distracted driving.
Distracted driving can be challenging to prove, so it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible, including eyewitness accounts or dash cam footage.
Failing to Stop or Yield
When drivers fail to stop or yield, pedestrians can be severely injured. Ignoring a stop sign, running a red light, or failing to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian at a crosswalk is not only illegal, but it’s also dangerous.
There are many reasons why drivers may neglect to stop or yield:
- They are distracted by their phones, the radio, GPS or something else.
- They are driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, both of which can impair your judgment and slow your reaction time.
- They are speeding and could not slow down in time.
Drivers have a responsibility to others on the road, including pedestrians. Therefore, they must be alert, sober, and obeying traffic laws.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is speeding and driving recklessly. Both of these behaviors put pedestrians at risk.
Reckless driving can include driving aggressively or being impatient. Speeding and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs may also be considered reckless.
Types of Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries simply because the person has no protection against the vehicle’s impact.
Some of the most common injuries caused by pedestrian accidents include:
Broken Bones
Pedestrian accidents frequently cause broken bones, including the:
- Wrists
- Arms
- Shoulders
- Hands
- Back
- Legs
Compound fractures, which occur when the bone punctures through the skin, are also common in pedestrian accidents. Broken bones can be incredibly painful and even lead to long-term issues.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A forceful blow to the head can cause a traumatic brain injury or TBI. TBIs can be life-changing and in some cases, can lead to permanent disability. They require immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of a TBI can include dizziness, loss of consciousness, vomiting, nausea, headaches, difficulty speaking, sensitivity to light and difficulty concentrating.
Internal Injuries
Pedestrians can also suffer internal injuries and bleeding, which aren’t visible from the outside. For this reason, it is crucial to seek medical attention after any pedestrian accident to ensure that there are no internal injuries.
In many cases, internal injuries require surgery and extensive hospital stays. Some organs may never regain their function. If not treated in time, these types of injuries can sometimes lead to death.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Many pedestrians suffer spinal cord injuries in accidents, and these are among the most severe of injuries. Spinal cord injuries often require long-term care and can lead to paralysis or even death.
Many pedestrian injuries are severe and require long-term, costly medical care. If a negligent driver caused your injuries, they can be held liable for the cost of your care and other damages.
Finding the Best Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for You
If you were involved in a pedestrian accident, call a lawyer today. To achieve the best outcome for your case, you need a lawyer with:
- Experience and expertise in pedestrian accidents
- A track record of success
- Compassion for you and your situation
- The skill and will to fight your case in court if necessary
Pedestrian accidents are complex. You need the help of an experienced lawyer to guide you through the claims process.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
