Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Experts have cited a number of reasons for the increase in pedestrian accidents. First of all, Los Angeles is well-known for its busy and congested intersections, where many of these accidents occur. Many Los Angeles intersections are poorly designed, with a lack of quality signage, confusing light changes, or not enough space for all pedestrians to fit safely, forcing people out into traffic lanes.

Another factor is left turns. Even in well-designed intersections, drivers often fail to look for pedestrians as they turn across lanes, or are distracted by looking for oncoming traffic. Walkers and cyclists need to be extra aware as they cross busy intersections, even when they have the right of way.

Of course, one of the biggest causes for increased pedestrian injuries and fatalities is the distraction posed by our mobile phones. More and more frequently, drivers are looking at their devices when they should be paying attention to the road. Texting, making phone calls, and looking at maps are a huge factor in all of this.

Other reckless behaviors that drivers sometimes engage in include driving while intoxicated, driving while fatigued, tailgating, or speeding, which places everyone on the road at greater risk.

It’s also worth mentioning the threat posed to pedestrians in Los Angeles parking lots and garages. Like intersections, they often are not designed with safety in mind, and lack clear lanes of traffic for people moving to and from their cars. Not only do drivers need to maintain extra care, but under premises liability law, property owners and managers have a duty of care to maintain safe parking areas.