Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles and Who’s Liable

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles and Who’s Liable

Los Angeles is known for its constantly increasing number of car drivers, but it's also home to millions of people who walk every day to work, school, public transit, or just around their neighborhoods. Unfortunately, walking in LA can be dangerous. The city consistently ranks among the worst in the country for pedestrian safety, with hundreds of serious injuries and fatalities reported each year.

If you or someone you love has been hit by a car, the aftermath can be overwhelming. You may be dealing with physical pain, lost income, emotional trauma, and a long list of unanswered questions, starting with: Why did this happen? And who’s responsible?

Understanding the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles and who can be held liable is the first step toward getting justice and compensation.

Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen So Often in Los Angeles

Although there isn't one definitive cause for pedestrian accidents, specific factors consistently arise in a city like LA:

1. Distracted Driving

One of the leading causes of pedestrian collisions is driver distraction. Whether it’s texting, adjusting GPS, changing the radio, or eating behind the wheel, distracted drivers often fail to notice people crossing the street, even in crosswalks.

2. Speeding

Speeding dramatically increases both the likelihood of hitting a pedestrian and the severity of injuries. A car going 40 mph is far more likely to cause fatal injuries than one going 25 mph due to reduced visibility and braking time. In many parts of LA, wide roads and poor traffic enforcement make speeding a daily risk.

3. Failure to Yield at Crosswalks

California law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. But many drivers ignore this, especially at unmarked or mid-block crossings. Some even speed through intersections during yellow or red lights, putting people on foot directly in harm’s way.

4. Poorly Designed Streets and Intersections

In many LA neighborhoods, pedestrian infrastructure hasn’t kept up with growth. Long stretches without crosswalks, poorly timed signals, and streets designed only for cars leave pedestrians exposed. Areas like downtown, Hollywood, and Koreatown see high foot traffic but often lack the safety features to support it.

5. Driving Under the Influence

Drunk or drug-impaired drivers have reduced reaction times and poor judgment. They often fail to notice pedestrians, especially at night. DUIs remain a significant cause of pedestrian fatalities in Los Angeles.

6. Left-Hand Turns

Believe it or not, left-hand turns are more dangerous than right turns when it comes to pedestrian injuries. That’s because drivers are focused on oncoming traffic and may not see someone crossing the intersection until it’s too late.

7. Poor Lighting and Low Visibility

Most pedestrian fatalities happen at night. Poor street lighting, dark clothing, and high-speed roads make it harder for drivers to spot people walking, especially in areas without proper signage or crossing signals.

Who’s Liable in a Pedestrian Accident?

Liability in pedestrian accidents can be complex. While drivers are often at fault, that’s not always the full story. California follows a comparative fault system, which means more than one party can be held responsible.

Here’s who may be liable depending on the circumstances:

• The Driver

If the driver was speeding, distracted, intoxicated, or failed to yield, they’re likely to be held liable. In most pedestrian cases, driver negligence plays a major role.

• The Pedestrian

Pedestrians are expected to follow traffic laws, too. If someone darts into the street outside a crosswalk or ignores a "Don't Walk" signal, they may share some responsibility. Still, that doesn’t automatically prevent them from recovering damages. California’s laws allow for compensation even if the pedestrian is partially at fault.

• The City or Municipality

The city or municipality could be liable if poor road design, broken signals, missing signage, or a lack of crosswalks contributed to the accident. These cases are more complex and often require filing a claim against a government entity within a short time frame.

• Vehicle or Equipment Manufacturers

In rare cases, brake failure or other mechanical issues could cause a driver to lose control. If the issue stems from a defect, the manufacturer might be held accountable.

• A Third Party

Was the driver working at the time of the crash? Was a delivery company involved? In some cases, an employer or third party (like a rideshare company) may share liability.

Why Legal Support Is So Important

Pedestrian accidents frequently result in serious injuries, such as head trauma, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and permanent disability. Medical bills accumulate quickly, and you may be unable to work for months or even longer. Meanwhile, insurance companies will work to minimize their payouts.

That’s why it’s crucial to collaborate with an attorney who understands not only the law but also the real-life impact of pedestrian accidents. An experienced Los Angeles pedestrian attorney can help if your accident involved head trauma, ensuring your case reflects the long-term effects of that injury, rather than just immediate costs.

A skilled lawyer can investigate the true cause of the crash, gather witness statements and surveillance footage, manage communication with insurers, and build a strong case to advocate for the compensation you need to heal and move forward.

You Deserve Safety and Accountability

If you’ve been injured while walking in Los Angeles, know this: you have rights. You deserve to feel safe crossing the street. And if someone’s negligence took that away, you have every reason to hold them accountable.

Contact Countrywide Trial Lawyers to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today. Call 844-844-9119.