According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, California is perennially at or near the top of the state rankings on pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles. Much of that is due to areas of high population density and the number of motor vehicles on the road.

Pedestrian Accident Causes
Of course, there are times when the pedestrian was in the wrong, but at other times it was the driver of a vehicle who was careless and negligent and at fault for the accident. According to the LA injury attorneys at the Winthrop Law Group, here are some of the causes of those accidents:

• Distracted driving like texting or talking on a cell phone.
• Disobeying traffic control devices or stop signs.
• Speeding.
• Failing to yield the right-of-way when turning left or right.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or both.

California’s Pedestrian Crosswalk Statute
Most pedestrians are hit by vehicles when they’re legally crossing a street in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. California Vehicle Code section 21950(a) requires vehicles to yield the right-of-way to people under such circumstances. When they fail to yield, and the pedestrian is hit, the result can be physically disastrous. Here are some common injuries suffered by pedestrians who are hit by vehicles:

• Permanent traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.
• Multiple fractures from the hips to the ankles.
• Joint injuries to the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips and knees.
• Organ damage.
• Wrongful death.

Regardless of whether he or she had the legal right-of-way, opposing insurers will immediately try to shift some or all of the blame in a pedestrian crosswalk accident over onto the pedestrian. That complicates the liability issue immensely. Coupled with complex damages issues, it’s critical that pedestrian accident victims retain the experienced, effective and aggressive LA injury attorneys at the Winthrop Law Group to represent them in their personal injury claims. Contact us as soon as possible to arrange for a free consultation and case review after being injured in a pedestrian accident.