Pedestrian Accidents Are on the Rise in California
Walking is an environmentally friendly and healthy way to get around, especially if you live in a walkable area like Southern California. Unfortunately, walking isn’t always the safest option. Drivers may speed to avoid being slowed down by pedestrians, causing accidents that lead to serious or fatal injuries.
If you’re the victim of a pedestrian accident, Dewitt Algorri & Algorri is here to represent you. Our decades of experience and long track record of wins, both in negotiations and in the courtroom, show our commitment to what is best for our clients. The majority of our cases come from recommendations from law firms, clients, and judges. Our work speaks for itself.
You’ve been injured and you’re hurt, angry, and looking for justice. DeWitt Algorri & Algorri is the firm for you. Our knowledge and experience combined with our passion for advocating for our clients makes us the right choice for your claim. Time is of the essence, so don’t wait any longer! Call us at 855-WINNING to schedule a consultation now and find out what we can do for you.
At DeWitt Algorri & Algorri, we have earned a national reputation for our advocacy skills and ability to obtain results in complex personal injury litigation.
California’s Pedestrians Are in Danger
Per the California Office of Traffic Safety, the state’s pedestrians face an ever-growing risk of being involved in an accident. They claim that it is so bad it can be considered a crisis. If you look back, 2018 saw 893 pedestrian deaths. That is a distressing 26% jump from just four years prior in 2014. Over 14,000 pedestrians suffered injuries in accidents in 2018. California’s numbers are even worse when you compare them to the national average—they are nearly 25% higher. There is no state with more pedestrian fatalities than California.
This is a complex subject and one that requires nuance. Pedestrians are at inherently greater risk of injuries than motorists, so drivers should take extra care of them. However, pedestrians are still expected to fulfill their obligations as they navigate California roads.
A Pedestrian’s Obligations
Pedestrians are expected to cross the roads at approved locations, including marked crosswalks and intersections. They should only cross when they have a walk signal allowing them to do so, and even then, they should be cautious of turning cars.
Walkers who step out into traffic or jaywalk put themselves and others on the road at risk. Even if they are not found to be at fault for accidents, their carelessness is still a contributing factor.
Drivers’ Role in This Crisis
Drivers clearly bear the greatest responsibility in this issue. While pedestrians may play a role in some accidents, drivers are the only involved party in control of a multi-ton vehicle. They are expected to respect speed limits, avoid distractions that make crashes more likely, and be especially careful in pedestrian-heavy areas.
When drivers see pedestrians approaching, they should take note and give them plenty of space. A number of drivers take the opposite approach. If they see a pedestrian waiting or starting to cross, they speed up to avoid being stopped by the pedestrian. This significantly increases the likelihood of a crash and puts the pedestrian at risk of death or grave injury. Pedestrians have the right of way at intersections and crosswalks, and drivers should adhere to that. Even if pedestrians jaywalk, you are still expected to take reasonable steps to avoid a crash.
When and Where Accidents Occur
Of course, pedestrian accidents can occur anywhere. However, there are trends that can help pedestrians stay safe. Collisions are significantly more likely in urban areas, due in large part to the dense concentration of traffic in these regions. Most accidents do not happen at intersections, highlighting the dangers of jaywalking. The majority of accidents occur at night, so pedestrians walking at night should wear bright clothes and consider protective gear or accessories that makes them visible to cars.
Your Options After a Pedestrian Accident
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, move quickly to seek compensation. Insurance companies know that pedestrian accidents can be incredibly expensive, but that doesn’t stop them from lowballing victims with their settlement offers. If you want to be taken seriously and ensure that they negotiate in good faith, it’s time to bring in an Experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. Your DeWitt Algorri & Algorri attorney will investigate your accident, analyze the evidence, and create a strong case that forces the insurance company to come to the negotiating table.
Contact DeWitt Algorri & Algorri After a Crash
Don’t wait too long to retain legal counsel after a pedestrian accident. Pursuing compensation early ensures that you have all of the available evidence at your fingertips, which makes your claim much stronger. Waiting too long to file your pedestrian claim just gives the insurance company time to harass you, drag out your claim to avoid paying, and ramp up your stress levels. Why go through that when you can turn to a team of proven and committed fighters? Let DeWitt Algorri & Algorri do the heavy lifting—just call us at 855-WINNING (946-6464) or reach out online now.
Mark Algorri has successfully represented individuals and their families in matters involving serious and catastrophic injuries, insurance claims denials, and wrongful deaths, achieving a success rate of 99 percent for our clients.
