Statistics Do Not Lie And they are frightening when it comes to pedestrian accidents

 According to statistics gathered by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) an estimated 5,400 pedestrians are killed in traffic accidents every year.  This averages to one car-related pedestrian death every 1.6 hours.  In fact, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in car accidents.
In addition to these pedestrian fatalities, another 129,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency rooms for non-fatal car-related injuries during the same time period.
The group most at risk are pedestrians ages 65 and older.  Further, one in every five children under the age of 15 who were killed in traffic accidents were pedestrians.  About one-half of vehicle accidents that resulted in pedestrian deaths was alcohol related.  Most pedestrian deaths occur in urban areas, non-intersection locations, and at night.
Various Vehicle Code sections protect pedestrian rights. For example, California Vehicle Code, Section 21950, protects pedestrians in crosswalks. Under this law, a pedestrian using an “unmarked crosswalk at an intersection” is afforded the same protection as if he or she was using a “marked crosswalk.”  Another law, Vehicle Code, Section 21952, states that motorists, before driving over or upon the “sidewalk”, must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
Insurance Companies’ typical tactic:  The typical argument used by insurance companies of drivers involved in pedestrian accidents is to “blame the victim”, by claiming that the pedestrian “darted” out in front of the moving vehicle.
How can you, as a pedestrian, protect yourself?  Pedestrians should increase their visibility at night by wearing retro-reflective clothing and carry a flashlight.  Whenever possible, cross the street at a designated crosswalk or intersection.  Walk on the sidewalk, but if a sidewalk is not available, walk on the shoulder and face traffic.”
For more information, please call The Mason Law Firm at 661-476-5678 or email mason@mrscvlaw.com.