Pedestrian Accidents in L.A. are on the Rise
Last year, the well-known American actor Orson Bean was killed in a pedestrian crash in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Venice. That same day, another older gentleman was also killed in a pedestrian accident involving two vehicles. And in 2019 alone, it was reported that nearly half of all fatalities connected to car accidents involved pedestrians. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles continue to rise, and being involved in one can be painful, costly, and even life-threatening. If you’ve been the victim of a pedestrian accident in L.A., you should contact an experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney to review your case. Your attorney can advise whether you should pursue a personal injury claim and recover damages for your injuries.
Though Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti launched a plan in 2015 designed to curb the incidence of pedestrian and bicycle accidents in L.A., it is clear that the plan, known as Vision Zero, has not done enough to protect L.A. residents from serious accidents. It’s important, then, to take your own precautions to ensure that you protect yourself against a pedestrian accident.
How to Avoid a Pedestrian Accident in Los Angeles
With traffic continuing to increase due to an influx of new residents, getting around safely in L.A. can be challenging. As an urban city that lends itself well to driving, walking or biking to move around, you will want to ensure you are following important safety protocols to avoid an accident. First, it’s important to always look both ways before crossing, even though the general rule is that pedestrians have the right of way when crossing the street. You would be surprised how many drivers don’t know they have to yield for pedestrians and blow past stop lights or crosswalks without looking. Take the precaution yourself and ensure you avoid any accidents.
Following traffic rules is another crucial step to avoid getting hurt in a pedestrian accident. Always stay in the designated boundaries of pedestrian crosswalks, avoid jaywalking – known as crossing the street outside the designated crosswalk, and avoid crossing the street unless the pedestrian signal has flashed on. Also, avoid making any unpredictable movements when you’re crossing the street – for example, don’t dart out into the street and avoid taking your time crossing. These simple but often overlooked traffic safety rules will go a long way in protecting you from a serious accident.
Contact a Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Attorney After an Accident
With pedestrian accidents on the rise, you may be concerned that this terrible trauma could happen to you or a loved one. If you are facing the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, you should not hesitate to contact an experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer at our firm. We would be happy to work with you on seeking damages for your injuries. Contact our offices today.