Pedestrians must obey many of the same rules motorists do, yet when someone walking is struck by a vehicle, the injuries can be devastating or fatal. In California especially, pedestrian fatality rates exceed the national average, and the most vulnerable groups are often very young children and older adults.

Here are some important statistics:
Nearly 900 pedestrians lost their lives on California’s roads in 2018.
That same year, over 14,000 were injured due to vehicle-pedestrian incidents.
Between 2014 and 2018, fatal pedestrian crashes rose by about 26%.

Best Practices for Pedestrian Safety

To reduce risk, Hillstone Law recommends the following safety habits for walkers:
Increase your visibility by wearing light or reflective colors and carrying a flashlight when walking after dark.
Always use sidewalks if available. If there are none, stay as close to the edge of the roadway as you safely can.
Before crossing, stop and look left, then right, then left again.
Cross only at marked crosswalks or intersections. Obey traffic lights and pedestrian signals. Do not assume drivers see you.
Avoid distractions by putting down the phone and not wearing headphones that block sound.
In bad lighting or poor weather, be especially cautious. Rain, fog, or darkness greatly reduce visibility.
Refrain from walking under the influence, as impairment affects judgment and reaction time.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Collisions

When accidents occur, the effects can vary widely depending on how fast the vehicle was going, where on the body the impact hits, the health and age of the pedestrian, and how quickly medical help arrives. The most frequently seen injuries include:
Lower limb injuries including legs, knees, and ankles
Head, facial, and neck injuries excluding spinal damage
Injuries to arms and hands
Broken bones, sprains, bruises, and soft tissue damage
Traumatic brain injury or concussions
Spinal injuries which can carry long-term consequences including paralysis
Internal organ damage
Cuts, abrasions, and deep wounds
Emotional and psychological trauma such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder
In severe cases, death

What Causes Most Pedestrian Accidents

Many pedestrian collisions happen because multiple risk factors are present at once. Knowing them can help in prevention efforts and in establishing liability should a crash occur. Key causes include:
Distracted driving such as using phones, adjusting the radio, or eating
Fatigue that delays driver reactions or causes drowsiness
Speeding which reduces reaction time and increases impact severity
Failure to yield by ignoring crosswalks or turn rules and not using signals properly
Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs
Poor visibility from low light, bad weather, or obstructions
Disregard of traffic signals like running red lights or crossing against signals
Inadequate infrastructure such as missing sidewalks or crosswalks
Reckless behavior including aggressive driving or weaving
Backing collisions from drivers reversing without checking for pedestrians
Pedestrian distraction such as using phones or headphones
Poor road conditions like potholes or uneven pavement
Vehicle malfunction involving brakes, tires, or steering

What to Do If You Are Injured

Even when a pedestrian follows all safety protocols, accidents can happen due to factors beyond their control. If you or a loved one is injured in a pedestrian-vehicle collision, Hillstone Law advises:
Contact an experienced personal injury attorney promptly.
Keep records of all medical treatment, expenses, and how the injuries have affected your quality of life.
Gather any evidence you can including photos, witness statements, and police reports.

Legal action may allow you to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in tragic cases, wrongful death.

Why Choose Hillstone Law for Your Case

At Hillstone Law, we are committed to helping accident victims obtain full justice and fair compensation. Our team:
Has extensive experience in pedestrian accident litigation
Works on a contingency basis so you do not pay unless we win
Treats each case with individual care, ensuring our strategy is tailored to your circumstances

Reach out today for a free consultation. Let us guide you through your legal rights and options and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.