Is it too dangerous to risk being a pedestrian in Los Angeles?

When traveling, whether it is by car, motorcycle, bicycle, on foot or any other way, there are almost always dangerous circumstances present. However, according to a recent study by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, the presence of dangers that cause accidents may be much more common in Los Angeles than in other areas of the country.

Los Angeles rates are higher than the national average for car accidents causing fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists. Pedestrian fatalities make up approximately a third of all traffic-related fatalities. This is almost three times the national average of 11.4 percent. 3 percent of the fatal injuries were sustained by bicyclists, which is almost double the national average of 1.7 percent.

In addition to the above findings, the study also found that men were more likely to be killed in a traffic accident than women, and more fatal crashes happened at low speeds of 35 mph or less, and between the evening hours of 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

No matter when or where an accident happens, there is often a negligent driver or careless party that is partially or wholly responsible for the occurrence of the accident. This lack of care may leave that negligent party with liability to others for the outcome of the accident. For example, if a non-negligent party was injured, that party may be entitled to damages in the form of compensation from the negligent party.

These damages have the possibility to cover medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering and much more. The extent to which the damages will cover expenses and hardship resulting from the accident will depend upon the nature of the accident and the level of carelessness exhibited by the negligent driver. However, no matter what the level of potential recovery, it should still be pursued by the injured party. No injured individual should go without receiving the compensation to which they are entitled to help them through a difficult situation.

Source: Los Angeles Times, “L.A. drivers have high rate of fatal pedestrian, cyclist crashes,” Jerry Hirsch, Oct. 2, 2012