The number of pedestrian deaths in California has risen over the last decade; however, a new report reveals that there is no clear explanation for the sudden increase in Los Angeles pedestrian accidents. In Los Angeles, the number of traffic fatalities in 2021was greater than any year since 1984. The LA Times conducted an investigation into these recent trends to discover why these accidents are becoming more prevalent and what can be done to reduce them.
Many factors are responsible for the upward trend in pedestrian fatalities, including stronger enforcement of traffic laws, improved emergency care for victims, and lower speed limits. However, many other factors that were considered were not believed to be responsible for the increase in accidents. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is essential to seek legal advice to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
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What is the Role of Attorneys in Dealing with the Aftermath of a Pedestrian Accident?
The role of lawyers after an accident is to ensure that the victim receives financial compensation for injuries and losses, as well as an adequate settlement for pain and suffering. In some instances, your lawyer may recover damages from the negligent party at a civil trial.
For example, if an individual is behind the wheel of a vehicle and fails to exercise due diligence in avoiding a pedestrian accident, the victim may recover damages for economic losses such as medical expenses and lost wages. In addition to these financial damages, other non-economic damages such as pain and suffering may also be recovered.
Faulty road conditions or construction zones can also result in serious injuries to pedestrians. This can occur when individuals fail to follow safety procedures while driving near road construction or using temporary walkways on busy roads. In these instances, your lawyer can help identify responsibility for your injury so that you can recover compensation.
How to Choose the Right Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Los Angeles?
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, you will need the help of a top-notch lawyer to assure that you receive the compensation you deserve. In order to find the right lawyer, it is essential to understand what questions to ask and what is expected of your attorney in a pedestrian accident lawsuit.
First, it is important to determine whether you are seeking damages for personal injuries or bodily losses as well as economic losses such as lost wages and medical expenses. This will determine how many cases your attorney handles and if he or she has experience with these types of cases. Also, ask about their trial experience and success rate in jury trials with cases involving claims for personal injury related injuries.
Pedestrian accidents are the leading cause of death for those between the ages of 4 and 33 years old. In Los Angeles, pedestrians account for over a third of all traffic fatalities. Many people that commute to work walk, ride their bikes or take public transportation. Although many residents use these routes as means of transport, pedestrian accidents are not necessarily an indication that there is something wrong with the commute system.
It is important to note, however, that in Los Angeles, 5% or more is often considered a serious accident and needs to be attended by emergency services immediately. With so many people on foot during their commutes day-to-day in LA, it’s important to know what causes Los Angeles pedestrian accidents and how they can be prevented.
For now, let us see the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles.
1. Multi-lane high volume traffic
Traffic congestion is a problem in some Los Angeles neighborhoods. Dangerous pedestrian accidents are caused when people walking are hit by vehicles. To solve this problem, it’s important to stay focused and alert when near high-traffic areas and avoid distractions. Drivers should also be careful since pedestrians may suddenly run out from between cars for unknown reasons. Identify high-risk crosswalks near your home, place of work, or school that requires extra attention and caution when walking.
2. High-density retail areas
Many pedestrian accidents occur within high-density retail areas in Los Angeles. These are areas where' people are walking from various stores or shops where' they bought a particular item. It is important to remember that there can be many distractions in these types of locations, especially between shopping carts and pedestrians. Drivers should always look out for pedestrians in these areas and be attentive when passing by as well as when parking their cars.
3. Speeding
Drivers in Los Angeles are notorious for speeding. Speed is a major cause of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles. It’s important for drivers to slow down in residential areas, around schools, and limit their speed whenever possible to be able to see pedestrians or other vehicles that may be around. Pedestrians need to always be aware that cars may approach them at high rates of speed, so always look both ways before crossing a street or staying clear from the road when walking near an intersection.
4. Drunk driving
Drunk driving has been identified as one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities as well as pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles despite the fact that drunk driving laws have been set and monitored by police over the years.
Different types of skeletal injuries after a car accident
1. Cranial fracture
When a victim gets into an accident in Huntington Beach, the cranial region may fracture by bumping the head with the window, dashboard, or steering wheel. If the accident’s impact is too severe, it may cause further complications such as brain hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, and more.
2. Fracture of the clavicle bone
The clavicle is a weak bone that can easily get fractured. When the victim encounters an accident, the impact of the collision may lead to damage to the bone. Unlike other bones, the clavicle is very delicate and cannot be stabilized by putting an orthopedic rod or plate. Fractured clavicles may heal by opting for a chiropractic adjustment, physical therapy, and pain-relieving medication, which helps in reducing pain.
3. Fracture of the vertebral column
When the victim gets into a car accident, the sudden jerk originating from the collision may damage the vertebral column. The vertebral disc (between two vertebral bodies) gets damaged by compression. The vertebral column fracture gets healed if the victim takes proper rest medication, does regular exercise suggested by the doctor, and takes physical therapy. If the damage is severe, the victim needs surgery to avoid future complications.
4. Fracture of the sternum and ribs
Bones of the sternum and ribs help protect the vital organs(heart and lungs) from damage. A broken rib may puncture the lung or the heart and lead to organ damage. In some cases, it may also lead to internal bleeding. Like clavicles, these bones are also very delicate, and complete recovery requires adequate rest.
