CALIFORNIA PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
Unfortunately, thousands of pedestrians are seriously injured or killed each year when struck by a motor vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 2017 to 2018 there was a 3% increase in the number of pedestrian deaths, bringing the total to 6,283.
In 2017 alone, on average one pedestrian was killed every 88 minutes in a traffic accident.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that in 2017 approximately 137,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for non-fatal crash-related injuries.
Pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to be killed in a car accident than passenger vehicle occupants.
The following are common causes of pedestrian accidents:
- Drivers making left-hand turns
- Drivers who fail to yield the right of way
- Distracted drivers
- Impaired drivers
- Impatient drivers
- Reckless drivers
- Drivers who disregard weather or traffic conditions
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in California, it can have a major impact on just about every aspect of your life – and the lives of your loved ones.
That’s why it’s in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced pedestrian accident attorney at the Law Offices of David P. Kashani as soon as possible.
Injured in a pedestrian accident in Alameda County? Contact us today at to schedule a free consultation and get started on your claim.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT
When you or a loved one have been struck by a motor vehicle, it’s important to remember several things. If possible, it’s extremely important to avoid moving the pedestrian, but rather to call 9-1-1.
If you can, collect the contact information of any witnesses to the accident and document the make, model, and license plate number of the vehicle(s) involved.
When the police come to the scene of the accident, provide the police with a statement as to what transpired, but do not say anything that could be interpreted as accepting blame.
Lastly, even if you do not believe that you have been injured, it’s still in your best interest to seek medical attention immediately. Many injuries that occur in these types of accidents are internal and very serious. Therefore by doing a full examination you could help to stabilize a life-threatening injury. Plus, by seeing a doctor you have documentation that you sought medical attention.
FACTORS INVOLVED IN PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS
So what’s to blame for these horrible pedestrian accidents? From the lighting and location of the accident to the age of the pedestrian and the driver, there are many contributing factors.
LOCATION AND TIME
The location of the accident can play a large role. The NHTSA reported that the largest amount of pedestrian fatalities (26%) occur within low-light conditions, between 6 p.m. and 8:59 p.m.
In 2018, approximately 74% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in urbanized areas, while 89% occurred in metropolitan statistical areas. From 2014 – 2018, Los Angeles County had the highest annual pedestrian fatalities by far (225 pedestrian fatalities in 2018 alone). This equates to a fatality rate of 2.11 per 100,000 people.
AGE AND GENDER
Other major factors in pedestrian accidents include the age and gender of the pedestrians. Children and the elderly are at a higher risk of being involved in pedestrian accidents than those in other age groups. In 2017 pedestrians aged 65 and older accounted for 10% of all pedestrian injuries and 20% of all pedestrian deaths.
Furthermore, 20% of children under the age of 15 killed in crashes were pedestrians. In 2017, more than two-thirds of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes were male.
ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE
Another sad reality is that drugs and alcohol often play a part in many pedestrian accidents. Almost half (47%) of all crashes that resulted in a pedestrian fatality involved alcohol impairment with the driver and/or the pedestrian.
Breaking it down, 33% of fatal pedestrian crashes involved an intoxicated driver, while 17% involved an intoxicated driver.
Another preventable contributing factor to pedestrian accidents is driver inattention. This is often due to motorists looking at their cell phones or other electronic devices and therefore failing to see the pedestrian.
CONTACT A PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
A qualified personal injury attorney can provide you with an honest evaluation of your case and can help to walk you through each step of the legal process. An attorney can help to prove the driver’s liability and will do his or her best to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your damages and losses.
At the Law Offices of David P. Kashani, our experienced California personal injury lawyers have handled a wide range of pedestrian accidents and work strategically to help our clients obtain just compensation. Founding attorney David Kashani is highly regarded as a formidable opponent by insurance companies and opposing counsel alike. Over his many years of practice, Mr. Kashani has successfully negotiated and litigated countless personal injury claims and has recovered millions of dollars in damages for his clients.
When you become our client, you will have peace of mind knowing that our legal team is on your side. We will guide you through all aspects of your personal injury claim and make sure that your interests are protected.
