For all of the attempts by Los Angeles authorities to make the city safer and more amenable to pedestrians, the city seems to be more dangerous than ever for those who use their own two feet to get around. Mayor Eric Garcetti launched an initiative in 2015 called Vision Zero, with the vision of reducing pedestrian deaths to zero, but, several years in, the reality is that pedestrian deaths actually surged by 80% over the first two years of the initiative.
Even with measures such as reduced speed limits and delayed green lights allowing for pedestrians to enter the intersection prior to cars, 134 pedestrians were killed in 2017, the highest number in 15 years. The number of injured pedestrians is of course far higher.
Who is to blame? Clearly, careless drivers, motorcyclists bicyclists, and other vehicle operators who fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians are the culprits in many cases. When a pedestrian injury or death occurs, however, the injured pedestrian or the family of a killed pedestrian can pursue legal action against all responsible parties for financial recovery.
Financial Recovery For Injuries in a Pedestrian Accident
If you have been injured as a pedestrian by the careless driving of a vehicle operator (e.g. not stopping at a red light or stop sign; not respecting the pedestrian right-of-way; drunk or drugged driving; speeding; swerving in lanes; texting and driving, etc.), then you can successfully pursue a legal settlement or verdict against the driver, and his employer if it occurred in the course of business, for the following:
- All medical costs associated with your injuries, including ongoing medical costs associated with doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescriptions, in-home medical care, medical devices, etc.
- All pain and suffering that you have suffered as a result of your injuries, and which you will suffer over the course of your lifetime
- All lost income due to your injuries, including reduced earning potential going forward over your lifetime (e.g. being unable to pursue a certain career or job)
Financial Recovery in a Pedestrian Death
When the pedestrian has died as a result of his or her injuries, the family members of the deceased and other dependent individuals can pursue a wrongful death action against all defendants for the following:
- The loss of financial support from the deceased over his or her remaining lifetime
- The loss emotional support from the deceased
- The loss of household services provided by the deceased
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased prior to death
- Funeral/burial costs
Contact a Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
If you have been the victim of a pedestrian accident with a car, truck, motorcyclist, bicyclist, or scooter in California, the personal injury team at LawPLA who can help you assess your situation and understand what legal options are available to you for financial recovery. Contact LawPLA today to schedule a consultation to discuss your pedestrian accident, and what we may be able to do on your behalf.
