Pedestrian Accident Causes 

Despite improvements in vehicle and road safety, pedestrian accident cases remain very high in California and the rest of the country. Common causes of pedestrian accidents are distracted driving and walking, speeding, and poor visibility. If you or a loved one was a victim of another person’s negligence, Arrowhead Accident Attorneys is here for you. 

Our pedestrian accident lawyer can help by guiding you through the legal process, protecting your rights, and fighting for fair compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident. Call our law firm today for a free consultation. 

Driver Negligence and Pedestrian Accidents

Driver negligence is one of the primary causes of pedestrian accidents. Many streets in San Bernardino County are not well-designed for pedestrians and bicyclists. This lack of infrastructure increases the risk of traffic accidents, leaving pedestrians vulnerable to serious injuries. 

These are some of the most common causes of pedestrian crashes caused by a negligent driver: 

Failure to Obey Traffic Signals

Many pedestrian accidents are caused by failure to obey traffic laws, such as running red lights or stop signs, speeding, and reckless driving. A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that a vehicle traveling at 42 mph is five times more likely to result in a pedestrian fatality compared to a vehicle traveling at 25 mph. 

Distracted Driving 

Since the introduction of smartphones and infotainment systems, distracted driving accidents have increased with a pedestrian involved. Distracted drivers who text or talk on the phone are much more likely to get into an accident. Texting and driving, while illegal in California, is one of the biggest safety concerns, especially among teens. Distracted pedestrians may also lead to pedestrian accidents.

Failing to Yield Right-of-Way

Pedestrians always have the right-of-way at designated crosswalks. Failure to yield right-of-way is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents, resulting in fatal injuries. Motorists must understand the importance of yielding to ensure pedestrian safety. 

Poor Visibility

According to the NHTSA, 76% of pedestrian fatalities occurred at night. While daytime pedestrian deaths have declined, nighttime pedestrian accidents have surged. The main reason for this rise is poor visibility—pedestrians walking or jogging in the dark are harder to see. Drivers must take extra precautions in low-visibility conditions by slowing their speed and keeping off their phones, while pedestrians must wear reflective or bright clothing. 

Drugs, Alcohol, or Medication

Drugs, alcohol, and certain medications can cause impaired judgment, reduced coordination and reaction time, and other impairments. Drivers under the influence can cause serious or fatal pedestrian accidents. Impaired pedestrians may also dart into the road, leaving a driver with little or no time to react.  

Examples of Pedestrian Negligence

Pedestrians can also hold liability if they put themselves in unnecessary danger or fail to respect traffic laws. 

Crossing a Roadway or Intersection Improperly

Jaywalking and crossing against traffic signals are common causes of pedestrian accidents. While jaywalking was made legal in California in 2023, it must only be done if there is no immediate danger. Pedestrians must respect a vehicle’s right of way and only cross when it is safe or when they have the Walk signal. 

Walking Where It Is Prohibited

Pedestrians in California are generally prohibited from walking on highways due to the high speeds of vehicles. This restriction is in place to ensure safety and reduce the risk of traffic crashes. Pedestrians must use designated walkways, overpasses, or underpasses to cross highways safely. Failure to do so may result in a tragic accident. 

Pedestrian Accident Risks and Consequences

Where Are Pedestrians Hit the Most?

• Pedestrian accidents occur anywhere, but urban areas and non-intersection locations are high-risk areas, according to NHTSA data.
• Over half (74%) of pedestrian injuries and deaths occur at night. 

Pedestrian Deaths: The Devastating Consequences of Pedestrian Accidents

• Pedestrian accidents can result in fatalities, with over 9,000 pedestrian deaths occurring in the United States in 2022.
• In California, there were 1,108 pedestrian fatalities in 2021, a 9.3% increase from 2020. California ranks among the states with the highest rates of pedestrian accident deaths. 
• The largest number of fatalities occur on Saturdays, followed by Fridays. 

Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims

If you sustained injuries in a pedestrian accident, you may be eligible for compensation for damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If a loved one was killed, wrongful death claims can be pursued to seek justice and financial recovery for the surviving family members. 

Arrowhead Accident Attorneys is a leading personal injury law firm in San Bernardino, dedicated to helping victims and their families navigate the legal process and obtain the compensation they deserve. We do not collect any upfront legal fees unless and until we win your pedestrian accident case. For a free case evaluation, call or email us.