Understanding the Leading Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles

Walking should be the safest way to get around, but in California, pedestrian accidents happen every day, and they’re often serious. You might be wondering: what are the causes of pedestrian accidents, and what can be done to prevent them? The truth is, most of these accidents are avoidable if drivers and pedestrians both exercise caution. Knowing the common causes of pedestrian accidents can help you protect yourself and your loved ones while also understanding your rights if something goes wrong.

What Are the Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Let’s break down some of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents in California. These are the factors that show up again and again in accident reports and legal cases.

1. Distracted Driving

It’s no surprise that distracted driving is one of the top causes of pedestrian accidents. Drivers who are texting, adjusting the GPS, or grabbing something from the back seat are less likely to see someone crossing the road. Even a few seconds of distraction can change a life forever.

2. Failure to Yield

California law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks. Unfortunately, many drivers either forget this rule or choose to ignore it. This failure to yield is one of the major causes of pedestrian accidents, especially at intersections.

3. Speeding and Reckless Driving

The faster a vehicle is going, the less time the driver has to react. High speeds also make injuries more severe when a collision happens. Speeding isn’t just about freeways—it happens in residential neighborhoods and near schools too, making it one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents.

4. Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is still a cause of most pedestrian accidents. Impairment slows reaction time, clouds judgment, and makes it harder for drivers to spot people crossing the street.

5. Poor Visibility and Lighting

Most pedestrian accidents occur at night or in poorly lit areas. Even when drivers aren’t distracted, it’s simply harder to see someone on foot. Dark clothing, bad weather, and lack of streetlights all play a role in these common causes of pedestrian accidents.

6. Jaywalking and Mid-Block Crossings

Here’s where things can get tricky. California recently relaxed its jaywalking laws, essentially making it legal to cross outside of a crosswalk if it’s safe to do so. But “legal” doesn’t always mean “safe.” Pedestrians still need to be extremely cautious. Crossing during heavy traffic or darting between cars is not the best idea, even if the law is on your side. Think of it this way: would you rather be right, or would you rather be safe?

7. Left-Hand Turns at Intersections

When drivers make a left turn, their attention is usually on oncoming traffic rather than on pedestrians in the crosswalk. This becomes especially dangerous when the light is about to turn red and the driver rushes to squeeze in the turn during those last few seconds.

If you’ve been hurt in one of these situations, you might be wondering what your options are. Filing a pedestrian accident claim in Los Angeles can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. These cases can be complex, especially when insurance companies try to downplay their responsibility. This is precisely why many injured pedestrians turn to experienced attorneys who know how to navigate the legal process and fight for fair results.

Need a Pasadena or North Hollywood Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Most injury law firms in California have dedicated attorneys who specialize in pedestrian accident cases. If you need legal advice, contact Yepremyan Law Firm to speak with a North Hollywood pedestrian accident lawyer or an accident injury lawyer in North Hollywood who can help you explore your legal options.

Our law firm in North Hollywood has been serving clients throughout Southern California since 1998. We offer free case evaluations and provide 24/7 support to ensure injured victims receive prompt assistance. Call our office today to schedule a consultation and let us know how we can help.

Yepremyan Law works on a contingency basis for all personal injury matters. This means you pay nothing unless your case has been settled or won—no recovery, no fee.

*No Legal Advice Intended. This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. These materials have been prepared for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for legal advice pertaining to any particular legal matter. Use of and access to this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and Yepremyan Law Firm and any of its attorneys, employees, or associates.