(562) 698-6446
(562) 698-6446
At Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP, our Whittier personal injury attorneys know that when a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle in California or anywhere in the nation, the survivors often suffer from catastrophic injuries that require long-term medical care and extended time away from work. In some cases, the injury victims suffer permanent injuries — like traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, or limb loss — that negatively impact their ability to return to work, participate in daily activities, or enjoy the quality of life they could before the accident.
Unfortunately, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), our Los Angeles County pedestrian accident attorneys also know that an estimated 7,508 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes throughout the U.S. last year — the highest number of pedestrian deaths since 1981.
An estimated 1,100 of the total pedestrian accident fatalities occurred in California.
Here, we discuss some of the most common causes of these traumatic crashes and how pedestrians can help each other stay safe throughout California.
What are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in California?
At some point throughout the day, most people are pedestrians. Whether they are walking from their cars into their workplaces, grocery stores, or to lunch with friends, navigating our California walkways can be dangerous — even when pedestrians follow the rules of the road.
Unfortunately, the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in California are the same reasons traffic collisions occur throughout the state and may include:
- Distracted Driving.
- Fatigued Driving.
- Impaired Driving.
- Inexperienced Drivers who lack the experience to share the road with pedestrians safely.
- Speeding.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident in California, contact our Whittier personal injury attorneys to learn more about your legal rights and options to pursue the driver for your full financial recovery.
What are the Best Practices for Pedestrians to Stay Safe in California?
One of the best practices for pedestrians to avoid being hit, injured, or killed by a vehicle in California is to be alert the entire time they are on foot. Whether they are walking their dogs in neighborhoods or crossing the street for coffee, paying attention to their surroundings can help prevent potential accidents before they happen.
In addition, other tips for preventing pedestrian accidents in California include, but are not limited to:
- Always use sidewalks. If you must walk in the street, walk facing traffic, and stay close to the edge of the road.
- Obey traffic signs and signals and look in all directions before crossing.
- Cross the road at intersections when crosswalks are not available.
- Do not surprise drivers by entering roadways between parked cars or behind areas where you are hard to see.
- Do not assume drivers see you and will stop for you. Driver inattention can lead to catastrophic accidents without notice.
- Remember drivers’ response times can be slower during adverse weather conditions.
- Wear white or light colors and reflective strips and carry a flashlight while walking at night.
- When wearing headphones or earbuds while walking or running, keep them at a low volume so you can hear the traffic noise.
Contact Our Whittier Personal Injury Attorneys at Hanning & Sacchetto Today
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident caused by negligence in California, contact our Whittier personal injury attorneys today by calling (562) 698-6446 to schedule a free consultation. We can help you understand your legal rights and options to pursue the best outcome for your unique personal injury case.
