Los Angeles is a busy place for people and motorists who are always on the go. Sharing the roads and streets with many people and vehicles can result in an accident. Pedestrians, in particular, are the worst victims because they have no protective gear to shield them from injuries. The absence of any physical protection makes them susceptible to serious injuries from negligent drivers.
If you or your loved one is a pedestrian accident victim and suffers severe injuries, never think twice before calling Big Ben Lawyers’ LA pedestrian accident lawyers for legal help. You need to protect your rights and know what are your options following the accident.
It’s also crucial that you seek immediate medical treatment not only for your speedy recuperation but also for legal process reasons. Your medical records are one of the requirements when filing a claim for your injuries. It’s one of the several factors where the jury will base your recoverable compensation.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Los Angeles?
There are several reasons why pedestrian accidents occur in Los Angeles. These include:
Negligence
The accident can lie on the driver, the pedestrian, or both. A driver who is not watchful of passing pedestrians or disregards traffic laws can be a threat to pedestrians.
Speeding
When drivers are always in a hurry, they are impatient to arrive at their destination in just a matter of minutes. Most often than not, they don’t care for the safety of other road users, especially pedestrians. This behavior usually results in road accidents, particularly colliding with a pedestrian.
Distracted Driving
A lot of things can cause a distraction to a person behind the steering wheel. Mobile phone is the number one distraction for drivers. They use it to send text messages, call someone, or check the apps like what rideshare or delivery drivers do. Like a flash, an accident can happen when the driver’s focus becomes diverted, thus, making him distracted.
Driving While Intoxicated
Some drivers continue to drive even if they are intoxicated. They could be drunk or under the influence of drugs which can lead to impaired driving and pedestrian accidents.
Bad or Poor Weather
Bad weather causes poor visibility and slippery roads. If a driver drives too fast in stormy or snowy weather, the vehicle may take a couple of seconds or minutes before stopping completely to avoid hitting the passing pedestrian.
Vehicles That Turn Left
Indeed crosswalks bear signals, however, not all drivers pay heed to them. Pedestrians are often at risk of being hit by vehicles that turn left. These drivers focus more on busy intersections and look straight ahead rather than to the left.
Road Construction and Poor Road Structure
Some people would cross the road where they shouldn’t because they want to avoid the inconvenience of the road’s poor structure or ongoing road construction. Drivers don’t expect these pedestrians to come out from nowhere and eventually hit them accidentally.
Wearing Dark Clothes at Night
More pedestrians encounter an accident during the night because they wear dark clothes which are less visible to drivers. Pedestrians who will come out at night should wear white or lighter clothes for drivers to easily see them even in the dark.
LA Pedestrian Accident Lawyers: Most Common Injuries that Victims Sustain in a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accident victims may sustain one or more injuries due to the vehicle’s strong impact as it crashes onto the victim. These injuries are often catastrophic and necessitate considerable medical treatment as well as rehabilitation.
Frequently, this accident takes a toll on the unfortunate victim’s upper extremities due to the nature of the crash. Approximately, 38% of pedestrian accident victims suffer injuries to their head, neck, or face after the collision. On the other hand, 27% sustain injuries to their upper extremities.
The most common injuries that pedestrian accident victims usually endure include:
- Spinal cord injury (can lead to death and paralysis)
- Brain injury (can also result in death and paralysis)
- Internal organ injuries (can cause fatality)
- Torn and worn sprained ligaments
- Fractured bones (arms, pelvis, hips, legs, and ribs)
- Cuts, lacerations, abrasions, contusions, or road rash
- Internal bleeding
- Head injury or brain injury
Get the Help You Need with Big Ben Lawyers
Being hit by a vehicle while crossing the road lawfully is a devastating experience for any pedestrian who observes traffic law. Big Ben Lawyers is always available and ready to help whenever and wherever you need us.
Our efficient and compassionate LA pedestrian accident attorneys have an interest and background in Medicine, which enables us to establish a strong case against the liable party. We’re here to protect your legal rights and improve your odds of getting higher compensation. We’ll help you seek justice and make the person who caused your injury pays for his negligence.
We also work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t have to pay us if we didn’t win the case. So far, we have recovered more than $50 million in damages for our clients. We’re just a phone call away and you may reach us at (818) 423-4878. We are open 24/7 to book a free evaluation of your case.
Big Ben Lawyers
144 N Glendale Ave.
Suite 250
Glendale, CA 91206