Pedestrian Hit By Car

In the first half of 2021, there were 470 pedestrian fatalities in California. It is the third consecutive increase within the same period since 2019. There were 460 fatalities in 2019 and 463 in 2020. Unfortunately, it reflects a nationwide pedestrian accident trend. In the first six months of 2021, there were over 3,400 pedestrian deaths. There were 507 fewer deaths for the same period in 2020. The increase was across 40 states. 

California, Texas, and Florida combined have 27% of the US population. All three had 37% of the nation’s pedestrian fatalities during the first half of 2021. The first step to protecting yourself is knowing the main causes of these accidents. Here are the main causes of pedestrian accidents and how to avoid them. 

Pedestrian Accidents – What Everyone Should Know

A “pedestrian” is considered to be anyone who is walking, as opposed to driving in a vehicle. It can also include any person who is in a wheelchair or traveling in a non-motorized “vehicle,” like a skateboard or non-motorized scooter.  A pedestrian accident is any collision involving a pedestrian and a vehicle. It often results in severe injuries and even fatalities.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) considers anyone needing transportation to a medical facility from the collision as severely injured. Unfortunately, human error is often involved in these collisions. But there may be several different causes.

Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

In a list of the worst drivers by state, California ranked number 5. It was 13th among states with the highest arrests per 1,000 drivers for driving under the influence (DUI).

It’s not a good statistic for either drivers or pedestrians. It may also be a contributing factor to some of the pedestrian accident causes below: 

Driving Too Fast

Driving too fast can involve speeding. But it doesn’t necessarily have to mean the driver is going above the speed limit. However, they should drive at a speed that allows them to stop safely, especially in high-traffic areas, like neighborhoods or parking lots.

Those driving at a reasonable speed are more likely to have better control of their vehicle in the event someone or something unexpectedly crosses the road. This is essential while driving on bad roads or in poor weather conditions.

Distracted Driving

Many drivers often get easily distracted. This may involve distractions within the vehicle or activities occurring outside. During this time, another vehicle or person can stop suddenly in front of a car. Because it’s unexpected, there may not be enough time to react in time and stop.

This is the case with anything that causes a driver to look away from the road. Common driving distractions include texting, talking on the phone (both handheld and on speaker phone), eating, selecting music to play, or talking to passengers who are also in the car. 

Driving Under the Influence

California’s DUI arrests rank high when compared to other states. Driving under the influence greatly impairs a driver’s judgment, as well as sensory functions, like reaction time and sight. 

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol renders a driver unable to operate a vehicle safely, causing blurred vision, uncontrollable eye movements, and vision impairment. These negative effects are worsened when it’s dark outside and more difficult to see pedestrians. 

Disregarding Traffic Signs or Signals

Disregarding traffic signs or signals can occur as a result of any of the situations above. The driver may be going too fast to stop, distracted, or impaired. It’s a serious issue as other users of the road adhere to these signals.

A pedestrian will cross the road when the signal indicates they can. A driver will continue through an intersection if they have a green light. When the other person disregards these signals, a pedestrian accident is often inevitable.

Unmarked Crosswalks

Some drivers disregard traffic signs and signals that are visible. What happens when they’re not? This is often the case with unmarked crosswalks. Unlike zebra crossings, these aren’t always noticeable due to lack of road maintenance and faded signage, or there may not be a sign at all. Even though a pedestrian may have the right to cross, a driver may not know this.

Left Turns

Some drivers may lose focus of pedestrians when turning left. They may only concentrate on the green traffic light signaling them to proceed and other vehicles in the opposing line of traffic. While pedestrians always have the right of way, this particular situation puts the responsibility on the person crossing the street. Both parties should always make sure it’s safe to proceed in either direction; however, this does not always happen. 

What Pedestrians Can Do to Safeguard Themselves

Anyone getting behind the wheel of a car owes a duty of care to adhere to the rules governing road use. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, which is why those traveling on foot must be vigilant and remain aware of their surroundings. As a pedestrian, there are things you can do to try to keep yourself safe and prevent a pedestrian accident. These include:

• Wearing reflective clothing at night to increase your visibility
• Not walking while impaired or lacking coordination due to alcohol or drugs
• Using crosswalks whenever possible
• Being more cautious at unmarked or faded crosswalks
• Reducing distractions such as listening to music
• Walking on the sidewalk or designated pathways and not on the road
• If possible, walk facing the same direction of traffic 

Unfortunately, you may do all of these and still get injured. If an accident occurs, you can file a personal injury claim against the driver with the help of a pedestrian accident lawyer. An experienced attorney will review your medical records and determine if you have a case.

If You Have Been Hit By a Car

The statistics clearly show the continued increase in accidents involving pedestrians. If you were hit by a car as a pedestrian, hiring a pedestrian accident attorney is a great way to safeguard yourself and recover compensation for damages.

The Law Offices of Daniel Kim can help. Our personal injury law firm deals exclusively with automotive accidents, including those involving pedestrians. Contact us today for a free consultation, and we can address any questions you have regarding your case.