Pedestrians and Car Crashes: Injury Facts

Many Californians walk to get to work, run errands, stay in shape, and enjoy the outdoors. Unfortunately, traveling on foot has become increasingly dangerous. Hundreds of pedestrians in California are struck and killed by cars annually.

Studies show that California ranks ninth in the United States for the number of pedestrians struck and killed by cars. Sacramento is one of the most dangerous cities in the nation for pedestrians, with nearly 400 pedestrians killed over a recent four-year period. Although the California Department of Public Health has introduced several campaigns to reduce pedestrian deaths, hundreds of people die and thousands more are injured annually.

Pedestrians are vulnerable to serious and fatal injuries in collisions with motor vehicles. They are not protected by seat belts, airbags, vehicle frames, or safety helmets like other road users. Pedestrian accident victims often suffer life-changing injuries that require costly medical care, time away from work, and long-term rehabilitation.

If you were struck by a car in Sacramento or a surrounding community, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer at Demas Law Group to learn more about your legal options in a free case review.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics in California

The most current data from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) illustrates how common and deadly pedestrian accidents are in the Golden State.

• In one recent year, nearly 900 pedestrians died and more than 14,000 were injured in car accidents on California roads.
• About 7,500 pedestrians were fatally struck over a 10-year period.
• California’s pedestrian fatality rate is almost 25 percent higher than the national average. No other state has a higher overall number of pedestrian deaths.
• Fatalities among pedestrians age 65 and older increased by about two percent in one recent year, to 222 deaths.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Car Accidents

The most common contributing factors in pedestrian car accidents in California include:

• Distracted driving
• Texting while driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Driver fatigue
• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
• Aggressive driving
• Road rage
• Following too closely
• Failure to check blind spots
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Running red lights and stop signs
• Improper turning or merging
• Driver inexperience
• Hazardous road conditions
• Poor visibility
• Bad weather or lighting

Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Sacramento

If you were injured while walking in Sacramento, you might be entitled to compensation to help with medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Demas Law Group has more than 25 years of experience advocating for the rights of injured people. Let a pedestrian accident attorney pursue the full and fair money you deserve. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.