LA Drivers Kill More Pedestrians and Bicyclists Than The National Average
Pedestrians in Los Angeles are far more likely to be severely injured or even killed in a pedestrian accident, compared to the national average.
A recent study made by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute shows about one-third of fatal accidents in Los Angeles are auto-pedestrian accidents. In comparison, the national average is only 11.4 percent. The study indicates that urban areas, such as Los Angeles, have a greater variety of road users, and that people are more likely to be on the streets after dark. In addition to auto-pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents accounted for about 3 percent of the fatalities. The study also states that women were less likely than men to be involved in an accident. In Los Angeles, men accounted for 62.3 percent of the fatality rate.
Pedestrians and bicyclists who are hit by a car may recover damages if the accident was caused by a negligent driver. However, both drivers and pedestrians have a duty of care to adhere to. Drivers have the duty to use reasonable care in driving their motor vehicles. This means paying attention to the road, yielding to pedestrians in cross-walks and observing speed limits. On the other hand, pedestrians have a duty to use reasonable care for their own safety. This includes taking care not to obstruct the flow of traffic, obeying the “walk” and “don’t walk” signals at intersections and not darting out into traffic.
Our roads are filled with negligent drivers – drivers who are too distracted with their cell phones, reading or something else to pay attention. There are drivers who speed, don’t stop at a red light or turn into a crosswalk without looking. Don’t forget the drivers who ignore the pedestrian or right-of-way or are just rude. All of these drivers present a risk to innocent pedestrians and bicyclists. If you sustain an injury, you need legal help from an experienced professional. Call me for the professional legal assistance you need.
