Walking After Dark: Nighttime Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are often among the most deadly of all vehicular accidents. While drivers and even motorcyclists have some level of protection in a crash, pedestrians have no defense against a multi-ton vehicle. These accidents can occur at any time in Southern California, but they are generally more common at night. Whether you are driving or walking, it is crucial to know what risks you face and take necessary precautions. If you’re involved in a crash, don’t wait too long to seek the legal representation you deserve. At DeWitt Algorri & Algorri, we are committed to helping our clients fight for the compensation they deserve after an accident. Give our Pasadena pedestrian accident lawyers a call at 855-WINNING (946-6464) to set up a time to meet with our team.
People often assume that Southern California is less dangerous for pedestrians than other parts of the country, thanks to our extensive pedestrian-safe infrastructure, crosswalks, and walkable cities. Unfortunately, we still see our fair share of pedestrian collisions. Careless drivers are everywhere, and pedestrians don’t always necessarily follow the rules. Regardless of where you are or how safe your city is for walkers, you should always take extra precautions.
How Common Are Nighttime Pedestrian Accidents?
Institutions that gather data on vehicle accidents make it easy to see where accidents occur and when they are most likely to occur. Per the National Safety Council, just under 19% of all pedestrian accidents occur during daylight hours. Nearly 35% happen at nighttime in unlit areas and almost 40% take place in well-lit areas at nighttime. Because the risk of an accident is so much greater at night, the CDC recommends that people walking at night should use a flashlight and wear reflective clothing to make themselves more visible to drivers.
Factors Contributing to Collisions
A number of factors can put pedestrians at less or more risk of being hit by a car. The setting is a major factor; while the statistics show that accidents occur in both well-lit and unlit settings at nighttime, the lighting of an area can determine how quickly a driver sees a pedestrian and whether or not they take corrective action. For example, in a completely unlit area, the driver may not see the pedestrian at all until they hit them—which means that the crash occurs at full speed. In a well-lit area, the driver may at least see the pedestrians in the moments leading up to a crash, allowing them to take corrective action and mitigate the damage.
Behavioral factors also come into play here. If a pedestrian is looking at their phone while walking, they may wander off the sidewalk or not see that a vehicle is coming until it’s too late. Impaired drivers or walkers can also drastically increase the likelihood of an accident. Whether the driver or walker is impaired, the risk of fatal injuries is incredibly high.
Common Injuries
Sadly, pedestrians suffer a wide range of injuries in crashes. In general, they fare far worse than vehicle occupants involved in two-vehicle collisions. Victims report broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, soft tissue injuries, and crush injuries. Some injuries quickly become fatal if not immediately identified and treated. Internal bleeding and organ ruptures are good examples; without prompt treatment, a victim will bleed to death.
Your Options After an Accident
If you’re involved in a pedestrian accident at night, you have to take immediate steps to protect your health and your ability to seek compensation. First, make sure you get the driver’s contact information, insurance information, license plate number, and the location of the crash. If they flee the scene, jot down anything you can remember. The color of the vehicle, the vehicle’s make and model, and even just a couple digits of the license plate can be enough to track down the offending driver.
Next, you must prioritize medical treatment. You risk permanent disability, permanent disfigurement, or even death if you put off medical care. The good news is that Southern California is home to numerous urgent care facilities and hospitals, giving you lots of options to consider.
Finally, you’ll want to talk to a pedestrian accident lawyer in California. You may be entitled to compensation, and your attorney can help you hold the negligent driver accountable.
Find Out How DeWitt Algorri & Algorri Can Help You Pursue Compensation
At DeWitt Algorri & Algorri, our team of pedestrian accident attorneys in Orange County strives to help victims just like you fight for justice after an accident. Let’s discuss your options, come up with a plan, and demand the compensation you are owed. Call us at 855-WINNING (946-6464) or send us a message online to schedule a consultation.
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.
