Pedestrian Accidents Escalating in Los Angeles
Though Los Angeles is traditionally a vehicle-centered community, pedestrian accidents have been on the rise in recent years, many with fatal consequences. As the city grapples with ways to ensure vehicles and pedestrians can live safely together, those who have been injured in accidents often struggle with the physical, emotional and financial consequences.
The Los Angeles car accident lawyers at Ellis Law are available for free, no-obligation consultations with injured pedestrians to advise them about their legal rights and eligibility for compensation from responsible parties.
Recent Los Angeles pedestrian accidents
In a few short months, 2014 has already seen more than its share of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles:
On January 14, a passenger was struck by an LAPD vehicle carrying L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti. The 60-year-old woman was taken to the hospital after the accident, where she was originally listed in “moderate” condition according to CBS Los Angeles. Mayor Garcetti stated at the time he did not see the accident, because he was on his phone. The woman reportedly crossed the street against a red light and cross signal, and was outside of the crosswalk when cars began turning right.
On February 14, a woman was struck and killed by a big rig as she walked her daughter to school. The nine-year-old girl was also injured in the accident. NBC Los Angeles reported that the mother was fatally wounded when she tried to protect her child from the oncoming truck. The driver of the truck, who was questioned by police and released, was visibly shaken from the experience. Other parents with children at the school told reporters concerns have been raised about the safety of the intersection where the victims were hit.
A 30-year-old victim was listed as “extremely critical” after being hit by a hit-and-run driver on the same day. This accident occurred on a busy street near Will Rogers Beach. Authorities were searching for a silver Toyota Prius after the victim was airlifted to a nearby hospital.
On February 26, a pedestrian was struck and killed on the San Diego Freeway. The individual had experienced car troubles and exited his vehicle. According to CBS Los Angeles, the accident ultimately involved three different vehicles and required a shutdown of that portion of the freeway for a number of hours.
Los Angeles a hotspot for pedestrian accidents
Pedestrian accidents occur in Los Angeles at a much higher rate than they do nationally, the Los Angeles Times reported in 2012. In fact, pedestrian accidents made up approximately one-third of all traffic fatalities in the city during 2011. That number is nearly three times the national average.
As the number of pedestrians in Los Angeles continues to grow, law enforcement officials are looking for ways to keep them safer on the streets. One approach has been to crack down on jaywalkers, with tickets issued for those that do not follow the rules of the road. However, some L.A. residents are complaining that police should be focusing on the reckless drivers rather than those on foot.
Finding a qualified Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney
For those that are injured in a pedestrian accident in LA, the consequences can be far-reaching. Serious injuries may take multiple medical procedures and extended recovery time. Medical bills can pile up, even as time off work results in less income. If you have found yourself in this position, you may be entitled to legal compensation for your injuries, emotional suffering and other expenses with the help of a personal injury attorney.
The LA pedestrian accident lawyers at Ellis Injury Law offer complimentary case evaluations and skilled legal advice for victims, ensuring they get the compensation they are entitled to. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact the Ellis team today at 310-641-3335 and speak with a qualified personal injury lawyer to schedule your free case review.