Stepping Into Danger: The Rise of Pedestrian Accidents in California

The number of pedestrian accidents in California keeps rising each year as walking has become a primary mode of transportation. Accidents can occur in either urban centers or suburban areas as pedestrians cross the street. Pedestrian accident injuries can range from minor to serious, but can leave long term physical and emotional impacts on victims. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help you recover fair compensation after your accident that includes your physical and emotional losses.

The Numbers Game: Statistics on Pedestrian Accidents in California

There were over 4,000 reported pedestrian accident fatalities in California in 2023. This is a 15% increase from 2022. Many of these accidents took place in densely populated areas in Los Angeles. Non-fatal injuries have also been on the rise, though minor accidents may not be reported regularly.

The elderly and young children are vulnerable to pedestrian accidents. Almost 30% of fatal accidents had victims over the age of 65, while children under the age of 14 make up 10% of accident victims. Over half of pedestrian accidents occur at night.

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you should begin consulting with a lawyer. Your lawyer will be able to review the circumstances of your accident and advise you of eligible damages.

Mapping the Danger Zones: Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?

Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere, but there are some areas where accidents occur at a higher rate. Urban centers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego have a higher rate of pedestrian accidents due to their high population densities and heavy traffic.

Over 70% of pedestrian accidents take place in crosswalks and intersections. Drivers often fail to yield the right of way to walkers, or may not see them. Streets with multiple lanes can pose additional risks, as walkers need to navigate more complex traffic patterns.

Inadequate street lighting and poor sidewalk conditions can also contribute to pedestrian accidents. Areas with construction can also change pedestrian walkways, increasing the chance for accidents. Even school zones and residential areas with lower traffic rates are not free from the risk of accidents.

Understanding which areas have a higher risk of pedestrian accidents can help city planners to implement change. Installing better lighting can help with crosswalk visibility for both pedestrians and drivers.

The Driving Force: What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in California?

There are several factors that can contribute to pedestrian accidents in California. Some of the most common factors include:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is any action or activity that takes your eyes off of the road. But the most common actions are:

• Texting or being on social media on a smartphone
• Eating or drinking
• Adjusting car controls
• Focusing on GPS navigation systems

When your eyes are off the road, the risk of accidents increase as your reaction time is compromised. You may miss seeing the pedestrian in the crosswalk, or traffic signals or signs that would have brought you to a safe stop.

Speeding

Drivers often ignore posted speed limits, which reduces reaction time. This increases the chances of a collision with other cars or pedestrians. School zones speed limits are frequently disregarded, which is a contributing factor to the percentage of young victims.

Impairment

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol increases the risk of an accident, as the driver will have an impaired reaction time and poor judgment to gauge distances and speed. Pedestrians who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol can also contribute to accidents, as they may enter unsafe intersections. Around 20% of pedestrian accidents are caused by impaired drivers, while 34% involve impaired pedestrians.

Poor Infrastructure

Many California cities have poor infrastructure for pedestrians. There is a lack of walkways, crosswalks, and proper signals. This can make it harder for pedestrians to share road space with motor vehicles.

Unsafe Pedestrian Behaviors

Jaywalking and other unsafe pedestrian behaviors also contribute to pedestrian accidents. Examples of this include pedestrians who do not wait for the sign to walk, or a crosser who is unaware of oncoming traffic.

With pedestrian accidents on the rise, it’s crucial for victims to know their rights after an injury. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident due to the actions of another, you have the right to recover financial compensation. A pedestrian accident lawyer can review your case and advise you of your legal options. He or she will also be able to go over the legal process and calculate your financial damages.