Setareh Law
March 30, 2026
In 2018, nearly 900 pedestrians were killed, and more than 14,000 were injured in California. This number remains high year over year because California pedestrians constitute a large percentage of people using roads and highways. Any pedestrian needs to know the most common causes of a Beverly Hills pedestrian accident so they can take steps to avoid potentially fatal consequences.
If a motorist caused your injuries, you might be entitled to financial compensation for your accident-related expenses. A Beverly Hills personal injury attorney can investigate your case and negotiate with insurance companies to receive a fair settlement.
Understanding Pedestrian Accidents
Definition and Statistics
Pedestrian accidents refer to incidents where a pedestrian is struck or injured by a vehicle, often resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian accidents account for a significant percentage of traffic-related fatalities in the United States. In Beverly Hills, pedestrian accidents are a growing concern, with many incidents occurring due to driver negligence, distracted driving, and poor road conditions.
Statistics reveal that pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur in urban areas like Beverly Hills, where pedestrian traffic is high. In 2020 alone, there were over 6,000 pedestrian fatalities in the United States, with countless more suffering non-fatal injuries. The majority of these incidents took place in urban settings, underscoring the urgent need for increased awareness and safety measures to protect pedestrians. By understanding high-risk areas, behaviors, and common causes, we can work towards creating safer environments for everyone.
Lack of Visibility and Distracted Driving
Many pedestrian–vehicle accidents occur before dawn and after dusk, where factors like fog, smog, or rain can significantly decrease drivers’ visibility. Pedestrian accident injuries can be severe, as pedestrians lack the protective features found in vehicles, leading to significant impact and possible catastrophic outcomes. Pedestrians who go on walks before or after work likely aren’t visible to drivers. If you must go out when it’s dark, consider wearing a reflective vest or brightly colored clothing to increase your visibility. Assume that drivers cannot see you and be doubly cautious when crossing the street, even when you would normally have the right of way.
Alcohol and Drug Use
Drivers who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol have a decreased ability to judge speed, depth, and distance. In addition, drunk or drugged drivers may swerve onto sidewalks, hitting pedestrians who weren’t even on the road. It may be difficult to avoid this scenario, but when walking, stay aware of your surroundings and don’t plug both ears with headphones or earbuds.
Moreover, obeying traffic signals is crucial for both drivers and pedestrians to ensure safety and prevent accidents.
Technology
Smartphones dominate our lives, and drivers and pedestrians are more distracted by their phones than ever before. Texting, listening to music, making phone calls, or surfing the internet can lead to an accident if the driver or pedestrian is not paying attention. While walking to work or for leisure, consider unplugging or at least keeping part of your attention on your surroundings. Pedestrian accidents can result in severe internal injuries, which often require extensive medical care and can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and financial stability.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents in Beverly Hills. When drivers are distracted, they are less likely to notice pedestrians, especially in areas with high foot traffic. Distracted driving can take many forms, including texting, talking on the phone, eating, or even grooming while behind the wheel. According to the NHTSA, distracted driving was responsible for over 3,000 fatalities in 2020, with many more injured in non-fatal accidents.
Pedestrian accident attorneys in Beverly Hills frequently encounter cases where distracted driving plays a significant role. In such instances, the driver may be held liable for the pedestrian’s injuries or fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident involving distracted driving, it is crucial to seek the assistance of an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. They can help navigate the legal process, ensuring you receive the fair compensation you deserve for your injuries and other accident-related expenses.
Cyclists on the Sidewalk
Bicyclists have to ride on the sidewalk in California, but they must also use proper care not to hit pedestrians. Even so, cyclists often become negligent and end up hitting someone walking.
For example, they may not ring their bike bell or shout out to warn pedestrians that they’re approaching. Cyclists may also be going too fast and not have enough time to stop if they don’t see a pedestrian or if one walks out in front of them.
In such cases, understanding the legal and financial considerations of a pedestrian accident claim, including medical expenses, emotional suffering, and the duration of claim settlements, is crucial.
Weather Conditions
California weather conditions can become extreme, causing impaired vision and loss of vehicle control. Broken branches may also hit pedestrians, resulting in a head injury. Weather conditions make the roads and sidewalks more difficult to navigate for everyone. For example, heavy rain can make it difficult for drivers to spot pedestrians who are hurriedly crossing the street to get somewhere dry, resulting in a collision. It is crucial to pursue maximum compensation for victims to cover various damages, including medical expenses and lost wages.
Street Festivals
California hosts numerous street festivals throughout the year. People from all over the state and the country come to celebrate. The primary cause of accidents is overcrowding in small spaces. In case of emergency, everyone will likely run in the same direction, heightening the danger of being shoved or trampled. Pedestrian accident victims in such scenarios often face complex legal challenges and long-term consequences, making effective legal representation crucial to secure fair compensation.
Pedestrian Negligence
City officials put crosswalks and walk signs in place to keep both drivers and pedestrians safe. However, pedestrians can put themselves in danger if they walk on the road, jaywalk, or cross the road before the walk signal changes. Such risky behaviors can lead to severe accidents, often resulting in traumatic brain injuries, which have long-lasting consequences on an individual’s quality of life and financial situation.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Beverly Hills
Pedestrians have little to no protection, so those in an accident can be severely injured. They may sustain a few broken bones, bruises, cuts, or a head injury. If your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills and other accident-related expenses. It is crucial to gather evidence at the accident scene immediately after a pedestrian accident, including taking photos, documenting injuries, and collecting witness information.
The pedestrian accident attorneys at Setareh Law will walk you through the entire claims process and communicate on your behalf to insurance companies. For a free consultation, call (310) 659-1826 or complete a contact form.
