California has high number of pedestrian car accidents

by | Mar 17, 2016 | Car Accidents, Firm News

There are thousands of people in California who choose to walk from place to place rather than drive. In addition to saving money, these people are protecting the environment while also receiving the benefits of exercise. Unfortunately, a recent survey shows that the number of fatal car accidents across the country involving pedestrians has increased.

The study shows that there were 2,368 pedestrians killed in motor vehicle accidents from January to June 2015. During that same time frame in 2014, there were 2,232 fatalities – a 10 percent increase. Researchers have expressed concern over the sharp incline over the number of motor vehicle fatalities involving pedestrians.

There are several reasons why researchers feel there has been such an increase. Because the price of gas is lower and the economy is improving, people have more money to spend. As a result, more people are going on vacations as well as allowing teenage drivers to drive. Additionally, many pedestrians are harmed as a result of drunk and distracted drivers. Some estimates indicate that drunk drivers account for approximately 15 percent of fatal motor vehicle crashes involving pedestrians last year.

While the actions of some pedestrians — including alcohol consumption and cell phone use — could increase their chances of being involved in car accidents, many pedestrians are harmed through no fault of their own due to the actions of a negligent driver. Unfortunately, 347 pedestrians in California were killed during the first six months of 2015, leaving many families coping with an unexpected loss. Such accidents caused by a negligent driver typically constitute legal grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit filed in a civil court. A successfully presented case could result in an award of damages that allow surviving loved ones to better cope with the financial ramifications of their loss.

Source: Reuters, “U.S. pedestrian deaths from car crashes surge“, Lisa Rapaport, March 8, 2016