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 accidents in Beverly Hills 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.
Lack of Visibility
Many pedestrian–vehicle accidents occur before dawn and after dusk, where factors like fog, smog, or rain can significantly decrease drivers’ visibility. 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 in 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.
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.
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 one walks out in front of them.
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 hurriedly crossing the street to get somewhere dry, resulting in a collision.
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 small spaces. In case of emergency, everyone will likely run the same direction, heightening the danger of being shoved or trampled.
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.
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.
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.