Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian Accident Attorney Near You in Glendale

Man walking across crosswalk gets struck by automobile

Busy Glendale sidewalks and streets are abuzz at all hours of the day and night with foot traffic closely matching that of the vehicles whizzing by. Suddenly, tragedy strikes when a pedestrian is injured by an unyielding motorist. Lives may forever be changed and justice must inevitably be served.

Pedestrian accidents happen often, especially in California, where the air is warm and the sights are extraordinary. Walkers, joggers, tourists, people on their way to work or just enjoying the fresh air, all unsuspecting of the true danger that lies ahead of them. Does that sound extreme? Unfortunately, it is not. In fact, every year Los Angeles County has consistently ranked as one of the top counties in the Nation with the highest number of pedestrian accidents and deaths.

With over thousands of successful personal injury cases, the experienced team of pedestrian accident lawyers at Glendale Law Firm have been proven advocates for those harmed in these catastrophic collisions. We invite you to contact us if you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident.

Call us today at (818) 818-1948 for your Free Consultation.

Pedestrian Accidents Continue to Grow in the United States and California

Pedestrian fatalities across the United States are at the highest they have been in 4 decades, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). Up 12% from the previous year, U.S. pedestrian deaths in 2021 totaled well over 7,000, claiming the lives of 20 people on average per day! Even more shocking, that figure has risen 65% since 2011.

Sadly, that increase seems logical and almost inevitable, given that accidents with larger vehicles at faster speeds and distracted or aggressive driving produce more severe and deadly results. With more significant numbers of SUVs and trucks on the road, in addition to ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft, pedestrians are at greater risk of permanent trauma when struck by a vehicle.

Year after year, California continues to rank in the top two states with the most people injured by a motor vehicle while walking. Los Angeles County has consistently seen the highest level of pedestrian crashes and fatalities, with numbers more than 3 times any other county in the state.

Ultimately, this means that being out and about on foot is becoming more dangerous and even deadly, especially for those in Los Angeles County, California. Here are some frightening statistics to really drive that notion home:

  • In 2021 there were 7,342 deaths in the U.S. due to pedestrian crashes
  • California consistently ranks as one of the top 2 states for having the most pedestrian fatalities on its roads
  • The pedestrian rate of death in California is nearly 25% higher than the United States average
  • Los Angeles County has the largest number of pedestrian accidents and fatalities in the state of California
  • Almost 25% of deaths of pedestrians involved in traffic crashes were due to being struck by hit-and-run drivers
  • More than 1 in 4 traffic fatalities in California are from pedestrian deaths
  • The annual average for California pedestrian crashes from 2017-2021 was 1,132
  • The annual average for California pedestrian deaths from 2017-2021 was 86

With a healthy push toward increasing steps per day and building community in neighborhoods and cities, something must be done to slow this progression and bring about change for those who choose to walk instead of drive in California.

Should you find yourself or someone you love suffering from serious injuries or even death due to a pedestrian accident in Glendale or any area in the state of California, you should contact a personal injury lawyer to learn about your rights. Glendale Law Firm will review your case for FREE and determine if you are entitled to compensation.

graphic of pedestrian getting hit by car

Safety Tips to Help Avoid Pedestrian Accidents

Tips for Pedestrians:

  • Always walk on a sidewalk or path when available
  • As far from cars as possible, face traffic when walking where there is no path or sidewalk
  • Before crossing the street, obey traffic signals, look for turning vehicles, listen for warnings and look both ways
  • Cross at crosswalks or intersections when possible
  • When available, use walk buttons and obey symbols
  • Cross at a well-lit area if no crosswalk or intersection is available
  • Wear clothing that is brightly colored or with reflective materials
  • Carry and use a flashlight
  • Wait for breaks in traffic
  • Be alert and free from distractions like music and cell phone use when crossing
  • Make eye contact with the driver when crossing to ensure that they see you
  • If impaired by drugs or alcohol, avoid traffic situations – if possible look for assistance from sober friends or request a safe ride option
  • Take a pedestrian safety class and share what you have learned with others
  • Teach your child about pedestrian safety and encourage their school to do the same

Tips for Drivers:

  • Always yield to pedestrians, even if you think they do not have the right of way
  • Remember that pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks
  • Never pass a vehicle at a crosswalk as they may be stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross
  • Obey the speed limit and traffic signs
  • Always drive sober and alert
  • Pay extra attention to children in school zones and neighborhoods
  • Never use your phone while driving
  • Use caution when backing up
  • Always be on the lookout for pedestrians

(Source:  https://www.ots.ca.gov/media-and-research/campaigns/pedestrian-safety/

(Source:  https://www.nhtsa.gov/pedestrian-safety/how-pedestrians-can-walk-safely  ) 

What to do After a Pedestrian Accident

If you are involved in a pedestrian accident that results in injury, first and foremost, DO NOT leave the scene. You should always report it to the proper authorities. With a complete lack of defense, pedestrians are no match for a vehicle and the devastation its impact can cause. Follow these steps:

  • If you are the driver, stop the vehicle
  • Attempt to stay calm
  • If injuries are present and you are able to give first aid, do so
  • Call 911 – police and emergency medical care will likely be dispatched. Wait for their arrival and get necessary medical attention
  • Exchange information
  • Make a police report and get a copy
  • Gather evidence of the scene if possible by taking pictures or video
  • If witnesses are present, get their information and a statement if possible
  • Notify insurance
  • Call a personal injury attorney

You can start getting help now from Glendale Law Firm. Make the call today.

Was my Accident Considered a Pedestrian Accident?

If your accident involved a crash between a motor vehicle and a person on foot, it is considered a pedestrian accident. Most commonly, these types of accidents occur due to a lack of attention by either or both parties. The golden rule of driving is that pedestrians always have the right of way. However, at times they may be partially at fault. In some instances, “shared blame” results in a more difficult case that requires the expertise of an experienced personal injury attorney.

Greatest Dangers to Pedestrians

The greatest danger to pedestrians is a lack of attention to their surroundings. When crossing the road, people on foot should look for crosswalks and walk signals and use extra care at intersections, congested areas, and places with higher speed limits. Some Los Angeles County roadways, neighborhoods, and intersections are busier than others, presenting a greater risk to pedestrians.

Much like most cities across California and especially LA County, Glendale is pedestrian-friendly and presents walkers with ample opportunities to access shopping, dining, and other local attractions like this walking tour. You can even find walking tours to experience the city’s rich history and architectural heritage.

Whether you are a resident or visitor opting for a cost-effective and healthy alternative to other transportation or strolling leisurely and taking in the sights and offerings of Glendale, be aware that some intersections pose more danger than others. Walkers crossing some of these busier intersections become vulnerable to motorists.

Regions with the most dangerous intersections for Glendale pedestrians include:

  • North Brand Boulevard and Goode Avenue
  • Entrances for the Americana at Brand and Glendale Galleria
  • San Fernando Corridor
  • Pacific Avenue at Glenoaks Boulevard and Colorado St.
  • 1100 Block of Western Avenue
  • Central Avenue and Chevy Chase Drive
  • Colorado Street and Verdugo
  • Colorado Street and Adams
  • Colorado Street and Glendale

Though some busy intersections create higher risk than others, only about 25% of fatalities occur at these types of crossings. This indicates that the majority of deaths to pedestrians happen where there is no crosswalk or sidewalk available. Much of this appears to be due to jaywalking and crossing roadways while impaired.

Most Common Pedestrian Injuries

The injuries sustained by pedestrians in an accident greatly depend on the size of the motor vehicle and its speed. The larger the vehicle and greater the speed, the more severe injuries and fatalities. The most common pedestrian accident injuries include:

  • Emotional damage and scarring
  • Soft tissue injuries – bruises, cuts, strains, tears, sprains, and dislocations
  • Fractured or broken bones
  • Neck and spinal cord injuries
  • Internal injuries – collapsed lung, internal bleeding, organ damage
  • Amputations
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Wrongful death

If struck by a motor vehicle, you should get medical attention right away. Adrenaline masks pain, so what seems minor at the time may turn out to be more significant in the future. A full medical report can also be helpful in recovering damages.

Pedestrian Accident Compensation

The best way to receive compensation for your pedestrian accident is to have an experienced attorney on your side. Proving that your injuries were caused by the negligence of a driver can be tricky. Knowledgeable personal injury lawyers like those at Glendale Law Firm have what it takes to navigate the course and bring you out on top with the compensation you deserve. We help you to recover:

  • Current and future medical bills
  • Property damage
  • Current and future lost wages
  • Loss of income due to inability to perform
  • Disfigurement and disability
  • Mental anguish
  • Pain and suffering

At Glendale Law Firm, we know that pedestrian accidents can be devastating, with substantial medical bills, time missed from work, and daily life changes. If you or someone you love suffered serious or fatal injuries due to a pedestrian accident in Glendale or any area in the state of California, contact one of our caring personal injury attorneys for your free consultation.

Get one step closer to maximum compensation by calling us at (818) 818-1948 for your Free Consultation.