Pedestrian deaths have increased by 80% in Los Angeles in just two short years. This is a significant increase, especially when you look at the raw numbers. In 2015, 74 pedestrians were killed in Los Angeles. By 2017, the number of pedestrian deaths hit the highest number in nearly two decades: 134. In fact, Los Angeles County has the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities in the entire country. While a death from an auto accident used to be rare, it is now becoming commonplace. At JLF Firm, we take Downey personal injury very seriously. We have seen first-hand the results of the rising pedestrian accident rates and it’s highly concerning. But what is the cause of this rise in auto accident fatalities?
- Clothing color: When pedestrians wear black or dark colored clothing at night, it can be difficult for drivers to see them. Many people out running or even crossing the street at night wear dark clothing, which is why they should add reflective tape or switch to light colored clothing.
- Jaywalking: Surprisingly, most pedestrian deaths don’t occur at intersections. In fact, in 2013, 64% of auto accidents involving pedestrians didn’t happen at an intersection or crosswalk. The reality is that both drivers and pedestrians can be responsible for pedestrian accidents. Jaywalking can be a cause of both pedestrian injury and even death.
- More people walking: Did you know that in the eight years between 2005 and 2013, one million more people began walking or biking? More people are trying to get in their 10,000 steps per day and are prioritizing exercise in their daily routines. Because there are more pedestrians on the streets, there is a higher risk of pedestrian injury in an auto accident.
The lawyers at JLF Firm are concerned about the growing number of pedestrian fatalities in Los Angeles, as well as Downey personal injury because of auto accidents. As lawyers that fight for the rights of injured victims, safety is of the utmost importance to us. We have seen the extent of pedestrian injuries and are passionate about sharing as many safety tips and tricks that we can. With the rise of pedestrian fatalities in Los Angeles, it’s clear that drivers are more distracted than ever. Both drivers and pedestrians need to become more vigilant to avoid causing- or falling victim to- vehicular accidents. At The JLF Firm, our skilled legal team understands exactly how difficult it can be to manage the claims process after an accident. Our attorneys are dedicated to holding drunk drivers accountable for the injuries they case. We offer all our new clients a free initial consultation, so reach out today to discuss the details of your case. To set up a time to talk, you can call us at 562-222-3068 or contact us via our online form. We are here and ready to help you recover damages after a drunk driving accident injury.
