The Los Angeles, California area is one of the most dangerous cities for pedestrians. Over the past few years, this problem has only been worsening. Between 2012 and 2016, over 14,200 pedestrians were injured after being struck by motor vehicles and 439 died as a result. By 2015, the number of pedestrian deaths due to accidents rose so sharply that a new program was launched. Vision Zero LA was created specifically to eliminate such deaths by 2025. A Los Angeles injury lawyer can handle a claim for a pedestrian hit and run or other collisions.
Neighborhoods That are Affected
Certain neighborhoods are more affected by pedestrian accidents than others. According to an analysis done by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, it was determined that the worst fatal accidents involving pedestrian deaths happen on 6 percent of the streets in the city. Further, it was discovered that nearly every neighborhood in Los Angeles has experienced a serious crash resulting in injuries or even fatalities. A Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney is integral in helping the families of the victims of these collisions.
Three particular neighborhoods were the most notable during the period of 2012 to 2016: Echo Park, Pico-Robertson and Wilmington. The intersections of North Wilmington Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway, La Cienega Boulevard and Pico Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard and Alvarado experienced and reported three deaths. The best pedestrian injury lawyer Los Angeles has can help an injured person prepare a claim if they are struck in these and other areas.
Relationship Between the Areas and Accidents
Around Pico-Robertson and Wilmington areas, the neighborhoods have a lower rate of using public transit and average around two vehicles per home. Fewer than 6 percent of residents use public transit to commute to work or school. Meanwhile, Echo Park has around one vehicle per household and a high rate of relying on public transit to get to work or school at 15 percent. The neighborhoods are very different in many ways, yet there is the same number of fatalities at their major intersections. This probably has to do with policy and planning as the driving factors of these accidents. A pedestrian hit and run accident lawyer Los Angeles based has represented many victims and their families after these collisions.
What Makes an Intersection Dangerous?
Another report determined that the single-most dangerous intersection in California is in Northridge, where over 108 accidents have happened between 2006 and 2016 at the intersection of Reseda and Devonshire. It’s fair to ask why so many crashes have occurred in this one area.
Of course, there are a number of factors that come into play when determining how safe an intersection is, including the number of lanes, speed limits and how many access points or driveways are situated nearby. The Federal Highway Administration reports that the number of collisions increases when there are more driveways in certain areas. This particular intersection has many driveways and access points to gas stations, fast food joints and a car wash. All of these areas are dangerous for pedestrians who happen to be walking by on the sidewalk, which explains why the statistics are so deadly and warrant getting lawyers for getting hit by a car.
Potential Solutions
Vision Zero LA reported that traffic collisions are the top cause of death for children between five and 14 years old. It was also discovered that kids in Los Angeles usually take longer routes to avoid heavy traffic areas. However, there are potential solutions to stop the accidents and subsequent fatalities: reducing the speed limits and changing the infrastructure is an option. Scramble crosswalks are another solution as they stop traffic and allow pedestrians to cross intersections safely.
If you have been injured as a pedestrian in a Los Angeles intersection, you need a skilled Los Angeles personal injury attorney. An experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney can help you prepare a personal injury claim. A pedestrian injury lawyer Los Angeles based can protect your rights. You need the best pedestrian hit and run accident lawyer Los Angeles has to have a consultation. Speak with lawyers for getting hit by a car about your case immediately.
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