Escondido Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Taking a walk for exercise around your neighborhood in Escondido, crossing the street to reach the bus stop, or running out of your workplace on foot for a coffee should not be a dangerous experience. Yet much too frequently, pedestrians in Escondido and throughout North County San Diego are seriously injured and killed in collisions involving negligent motor vehicle drivers. When a pedestrian accident occurs in Escondido, it is critical to take steps to preserve your ability to file a successful claim for financial compensation. While gathering evidence at the scene of the pedestrian accident is important, it is critical to get in touch with an Escondido pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible. You will only have a limited amount of time to file your claim, and our firm can help you to get started.

What do you need to know about the rates of pedestrian accidents and deaths? The GHSA, California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) report the following information about pedestrian accidents, injuries, and fatalities:

• More pedestrian fatalities occur in California than anywhere else in the country (California pedestrian fatality rate of 1.29 deaths per 100,000 versus national average of 1.04 deaths per 100,000);
• California pedestrian deaths have risen by 10 percent over the last three years and by nearly 70% since 2010;
• Pedestrian deaths have risen nationwide by about 13% over the last two years;
• Around 20% of all traffic deaths are pedestrian deaths; and
• California reports that more than 14,000 pedestrians suffer non-fatal injuries every year in pedestrian accidents.

In short, California has a high rate of pedestrian accidents, and it is critical for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicle drivers alike to recognize the risks of serious injury. Although pedestrian accidents and injuries in Escondido can occur at any time of day, collisions at dusk and after dark are more frequent, usually because it is more difficult for motorists to see pedestrians on the road.

You cannot account for a motorist’s negligence, but you can take steps to keep yourself as safe as possible while you are walking in Escondido. Consider some of the following tips:

• Be as visible as possible to drivers, which means wearing light-colored clothing, bright clothes, or reflective material;
• Always look both ways (and back again) before you cross a street;
• Use the sidewalk if a sidewalk is present;
• Avoid jaywalking;
• Never consume alcohol before walking anywhere;
• Do not get distracted while you are walking (which means avoiding texting while walking, talking on a phone while walking, or even engaging in in-depth conversation while walking);
• Do everything you can to make eye contact with a driver before crossing the street; and
• Ensure that you only cross when a “walk” sign is on (in other words, do not cross when a “don’t walk” sign is lit).

These tips come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Were you injured in a pedestrian accident? One of our Escondido pedestrian accident lawyers is here to help. Contact the Walton Law Firm today for more information.