Pedestrian Safety in Los Angeles: Avoiding Accidents and What to Do If One Occurs

Walking in LA shouldn’t be dangerous, but too often, it is. Whether you're a local or a visitor, it's important to know how to stay safe and what to do if you're hit by a vehicle. If you’ve been injured, contact Countrywide Trial Lawyers for a free consultation today.

Why Pedestrian Safety Is a Growing Concern in LA

Los Angeles is known for its busy streets, sprawling urban layout, and high traffic volume. While walking can be a healthy and environmentally friendly way to get around, LA’s roads can pose serious risks for pedestrians.

California consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of pedestrian fatalities. According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, California had over 1,000 pedestrian deaths in 2022 alone. Los Angeles County reports a disproportionately high number of those incidents.

Contributing factors often include distracted drivers, speeding, poorly marked crosswalks, and insufficient pedestrian infrastructure.

High-Risk Areas for Pedestrians in Los Angeles

Not all areas in LA pose the same level of risk. Some neighborhoods and intersections are far more dangerous due to higher traffic volumes, poor lighting, or lack of pedestrian signals. Common hotspots include:

• Downtown LA intersections
• Sunset Boulevard and Vine Street
• Hollywood Boulevard near Highland
• Wilshire Boulevard corridors
• Crenshaw and Florence Avenue

Pedestrians in these zones should be especially cautious, though accidents can and do happen anywhere in the city.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents typically result from one or more of the following:

• Distracted driving (such as texting or GPS use)
• Failing to yield at crosswalks
• Speeding through intersections
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Impaired driving (due to alcohol, drugs, or fatigue)
• Unsafe pedestrian behaviors (jaywalking, walking against signals)

In most serious collisions, it’s the pedestrian who suffers the greatest harm, even in cases where they share some responsibility.

Injuries Commonly Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents

Because pedestrians have no physical protection, injuries tend to be severe. Common outcomes include:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Lacerations and disfigurement
• Emotional trauma and PTSD

Recovery can involve long hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and psychological support. The physical and emotional toll is often life-changing.

What to Do If You're Involved in a Pedestrian Accident

If you're hit by a vehicle while walking, it’s important to act quickly to protect your health and your legal rights. Take the following steps:

1. Call 911 and request medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
2. Stay at the scene and wait for police to arrive.
3. Gather driver and witness information, including names, contact info, and license plate numbers.
4. Take photos of the accident scene, injuries, crosswalks, signage, and vehicle damage.
5. Do not admit fault, even casually.
6. Seek follow-up care, as some injuries may not appear right away.
7. Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer to help navigate your claim.

Even if you're unsure whether the driver was entirely at fault, legal guidance can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Filing a Claim After a Pedestrian Accident in LA

If you were injured due to a driver’s negligence, you have the right to pursue compensation. A successful claim can help cover:

• Emergency medical care and hospital bills
• Follow-up treatments and rehabilitation
• Lost wages or future loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Long-term disability or life adjustments

California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover damages, though the amount will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help

These types of claims are rarely straightforward. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or shift blame. A skilled attorney will:

• Investigate the accident and gather key evidence
• Interview witnesses and work with accident reconstruction experts
• Handle all communications with insurance companies
• Build a strong case for full compensation
• Negotiate fair settlements or take your case to court if necessary

Your attorney will focus on protecting your rights so you can focus on healing.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians in LA

While not all accidents are preventable, taking precautions can reduce your risk of injury:

• Always use marked crosswalks and obey traffic signals
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing
• Stay visible at night by wearing reflective clothing or carrying a light
• Avoid distractions such as texting or listening to music while walking
• Walk facing traffic when no sidewalks are available

Remember, even when you have the right of way, drivers may not always see or yield to you.

You're Not Alone, We’re Here to Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, we know how frightening and overwhelming it can be. Between medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma, the aftermath can be devastating.

At the end of the day, you deserve answers and accountability. Countrywide Trial Lawyers has the experience and dedication needed to fight for your rights. We’ve helped countless accident victims in Los Angeles recover the compensation they need to move forward.

Call us today to schedule your free consultation. We're here to stand by your side every step of the way.