Pedestrian Accidents

Every year, thousands of people are hurt or killed when hit by a car or truck. Between 2002 and 2013, more than 58,000 accidents involving pedestrians occurred in Los Angeles County alone.

The causes of such crashes include drunk driving, speeding, red-light running, distracted driving, and failing to yield — especially during right-hand turns. There is also a pattern, however, to where such crashes are common. Most pedestrian-related car crashes occur in high-density neighborhoods, such as downtown Los Angeles, Koreatown, Westlake, Hollywood, and East Hollywood. There are hundreds of intersections throughout Los Angeles County known to be dangerous for pedestrians.

Despite design changes made by the automobile industry during the past two decades — largely in response to the work done by lawyers — pedestrian-related accidents and injuries continue to be a serious problem in terms of loss of life, serious injuries, and lost productivity. Pedestrians in Los Angeles are involved in 10% of traffic accidents but represent more than 35% of crash-related deaths. In 2010, it was estimated that death from automobile-related crashes in the United States cost almost $1 trillion in loss of life and lost productivity .

People who are hit by a car or truck while walking suffer the most serious and life-altering vehicle-related injuries and need the most help in the aftermath of such a crash. Common injuries include trauma to the head, neck, and spine, broken and dislocated bones. Nerve damage and/or paralysis may occur. Medical treatment is needed. It may not be possible for a person injured in a pedestrian accident to work for an extended period of time. The lives of the injured person and all the people who depend on them at home and at work can be changed in the blink of an eye.