Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles

The cause of a pedestrian accident is essential when evaluating your potential rights to claim compensation for a related injury. A personal injury attorney can help you identify the cause of an accident and who may be liable for the resulting damages.

Below, we discuss common causes of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles and how our lawyers could file a claim for compensation on your behalf.

Failing To Yield to Pedestrians

A primary cause of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles is the failure of a driver to yield the right-of-way. Common areas where pedestrians may be at risk of being struck could include:

• Major intersections
• Crosswalks
•  Parking lots
•  Sidewalks

Additionally, a driver’s failure to yield to a pedestrian could stem from other violations of standard traffic rules. Examples of these violations could include speeding, failing to stop at stop signs, and not checking blind spots when turning or backing up.

Distracted Driving or Driving Under the Influence

Distracted driving is another common cause of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles. Cell phone use or other distractions in a vehicle prevents drivers from maintaining their focus on the road and their surroundings. Distracted driving is often a serious risk in areas with high foot traffic, such as parking lots or neighborhood roads. Drivers may feel more secure using a phone because they drive more slowly in these areas, but they are still capable of causing serious injury to unprotected pedestrians.

Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs also lowers a person’s ability to drive safely and avoid nearby pedestrians. Intoxicated drivers may not be able to stop in time when approaching a pedestrian. Pedestrian accidents involving a drunk driver could also happen in places you might not expect. Drunk drivers may lose control of their vehicle, causing accidents in places such as a sidewalk or another off-road area.

Pursuing Compensation for Injury in a Pedestrian Accident

A driver may be liable for the injury they cause in a Los Angeles pedestrian accident because of their negligence or wrongful acts under Code Section 17150. Our lawyers could help you gather evidence to establish a driver’s fault for an accident, including witness testimony and traffic camera footage.

The compensation available in a pedestrian accident case may depend on the severity of your injury and its impact on your life. Common damages could include pain and suffering, medical care costs, and lost earnings if an injury leaves you unable to work.

Contact a Los Angeles Lawyer To Discuss the Cause of Your Pedestrian Accident

The deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit due to any common causes of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles is two years from the date of occurrence. Under the statute of limitations, missing this deadline could limit your ability to recover compensation and result in dismissing your legal claim in court.

Contact our office today for a free case review with one of our pedestrian accident lawyers.