Did you know pedestrian accidents are increasing in Mission Viejo and Orange County as well as Los Angeles and Southern California? A recent study released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or IIHS shows pedestrian accidents and fatal pedestrian accidents have increased 46% since 2009. This corresponds with a significant increase in the number of car accidents and motor vehicle collisions with pedestrians and bicyclists.
The increases have mostly occurred in urban areas such as Mission Viejo, Anaheim, Los Angeles and Irvine, especially in and around intersections and parking lots. The study notes improvements must be addressed to include issues including, but not limited to:
- Elimination of distractions such as cell phones
- Roadway and Parking Lot Lighting
- Road and intersection design
- Continued Improvements in Safety Sensors and Features in Motor Vehicles
- Speed limit management
Pedestrian accidents have increased 56% in poor lighting conditions after dark. Surprisingly, there has also been an increase of 20% in daylight hours and 27% during changing lighting conditions at dawn or dusk. An interesting side note of the study is an 81% increase in fatal single-vehicle pedestrian accidents involving SUVs.
My name is Rivers Morrell and my law firm represents those who are injured in all forms of motor vehicle accidents including pedestrian injury cases. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are increasing in Mission Viejo and Orange County and many involve hit-and-run drivers. Who pays for injuries sustained by a pedestrian when the motorist leaves the scene? If the hit-and-run driver cannot be identified our attorneys help you to pursue a UM/UIM (Uninsured Motorist/UnderInsured Motorist) claim with your own auto policy to recover compensation for your injuries.
When a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle the force of impact from a motor vehicle often results in serious injuries or a loss of life. These cases are legally quite complex, requiring legal skill, proven trial experience and significant resources. The Law Firm of Rivers Morrell has served accident and injury victims in Mission Viejo, Irvine, Anaheim, Orange County and Los Angeles for more than 40 years. If you or someone you love is injured or lost in a pedestrian accident we invite you to review the strong recommendations of our clients and the legal industry and contact us or call 949-305-1400 for a free consultation.
