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Walking down a California sidewalk should feel safe, but more and more pedestrians are getting hurt in accidents. Why? People are distracted by phones, music, or just not paying attention. These “distracted” pedestrian accidents are on the rise, and they can cause serious injuries, expensive medical bills, or even worse.
At Banafshe Law Firm, we help people in California who get hurt in accidents like these. We’ve won cases like $4.5 million for an auto accident, so we know how to fight for you. In this blog, our California pedestrian accident attorneys will explain why these accidents are happening more, what California laws say, and how to stay safe.
Phones Are a Major Problem
The biggest reason pedestrian accidents are increasing is smartphones. People walk while texting, scrolling social media, or listening to music with earbuds, not looking where they’re going. A survey found that 53 percent of cell phone users have had a close call while distracted walking. This “distracted walking” means you might not see a car coming or step into the street at the wrong time.
California law says pedestrians need to be careful, especially outside crosswalks, by watching for cars that are close (California Vehicle Code § 21954). If you’re staring at your phone, you’re not using the “due care” the law expects. That doesn’t mean it’s always your fault, but it makes accidents more likely.
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Drivers Are Distracted Too
It’s not just pedestrians. Drivers are distracted, too, and that’s making things worse. When drivers text, check GPS or even eat while driving, they don’t notice people walking. This is super dangerous at crosswalks, where drivers are supposed to stop for pedestrians (California Vehicle Code § 21950). If a driver’s looking at their phone, they might not see you, even if you’re in the right place.
A court case called Donovan v. P. Lorillard Co. showed that drivers have to be careful, even if a pedestrian makes a mistake (10 Cal. App. 2d 253). The driver, in that case, didn’t slow down and hit someone crossing the street. Distractions make these accidents happen more, and we help victims get justice at Banafshe Law Firm.
Busy Cities Like Los Angeles Make It Harder
California’s cities, like Los Angeles, are packed with cars and people. With so much traffic, it’s easy for accidents to happen. Busy streets, crowded sidewalks, and lots of intersections mean pedestrians and drivers have to be extra careful. But when people are distracted, they don’t notice dangers, like a car turning or a red light.
California law says pedestrians should use crosswalks between busy intersections to stay safe (California Vehicle Code § 21955). In crowded areas, distractions make it harder to follow this rule.
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Speeding Makes Injuries Worse
When drivers speed, they have less time to stop for pedestrians, and crashes hurt more. Speeding is a huge problem in California, especially when people are distracted and don’t realize how fast they’re going. If a distracted pedestrian steps into the street, a speeding driver might not stop in time.
The law says drivers must slow down or stop to keep pedestrians safe, especially in crosswalks (California Vehicle Code § 21950). A case called Devecchio v. Ricketts said drivers have to watch for people walking, even on roads without sidewalks (66 Cal. App. 334). Speeding plus distractions is a bad mix, and we help people hurt in these crashes get the money they need to heal.
"Our goal is to remove the stress of the case from you, so you can focus on treating your injuries and begin your road to recovery."
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Technology Is Changing Everything
Smartphones and earbuds are everywhere now, and they’re part of what’s called the “smartphone epidemic.” Both pedestrians and drivers use them all the time, making accidents more common. For example, a pedestrian listening to music might not hear a car horn, and a driver watching a video might not see a crosswalk. This double distraction is why accidents are spiking.
California is trying to fix this with new ideas, like better crosswalks and AI cameras to catch risky behavior. There are also campaigns telling people to put their phones down while walking or driving. Laws like one for workplace safety say companies must use signs or barriers to protect pedestrians near traffic (California Code of Regulations § 8604). These steps help, but distractions are still a challenge.
How to Stay Safe
You can help stop distracted accidents with these tips:
- Put Your Phone Away: Don’t text or scroll while walking near streets. Look up and listen for cars.
- Use Crosswalks: Cross where it’s safe, like at lights or marked lines (California Vehicle Code § 21955).
- Be Seen: Wear bright clothes at night so drivers notice you.
- Watch Drivers: Even in crosswalks, make sure cars stop before you cross.
If you’re driving, keep your phone off and focus on the road. California law says both pedestrians and drivers have to be careful (California Vehicle Code § 21954), so everyone plays a part.
What to Do If You’re Hurt in an Accident
If a distracted driver or pedestrian causes an accident, here’s what to do:
- Stay Safe: Move to the sidewalk if you can.
- Call 911: Get police and an ambulance if you’re hurt.
- Take Pictures: Snap photos of the scene, your injuries, and the vehicle.
- Get Witnesses: Ask people who saw it for their names and numbers.
- See a Doctor: Check for injuries, even if you feel okay.
- Call Us: Contact Banafshe Law Firm for a free consultation.
We’ll help you figure out who’s to blame, even if distractions make things complicated. A case like Victor v. Hedges showed that not every accident is the pedestrian’s fault, even if they’re not in a crosswalk (77 Cal. App. 4th 229). Our team knows how to use these laws to help you.
Let’s Stop Distracted Accidents in California
Distracted pedestrian accidents are growing because of phones, busy cities, and speeding drivers. But we can make streets safer by paying attention and following laws. If you’re hurt, Banafshe Law Firm is here 24/7. Call 855-917-0735 or contact us online today.
Here’s how we help:
- Free Talk: We listen to your story for free and plan what to do.
- We Come to You: We’ll meet you anywhere—home, hospital, or school.
- We Fight: Our lawyers, like P. Ryan Banafshe and Sung “Sean” Kim, deal with insurance companies and courts, so you don’t have to.
We don’t charge unless we win—that’s our No Fees Unless We Win Guarantee. We also pay upfront costs like hiring experts so you can focus on getting better. We speak Spanish—Hablamos Español—and help people all over California from our offices in Los Angeles (1875 Century Park East Suite 1500, Los Angeles, CA 90067) and Fresno (855 M Street Suite 950, Fresno, CA 93721).
"We use over 100 years of combined legal experience to help our clients get the maximum compensation available under the circumstances."
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