People are choosing to walk more than ever before, both for necessity and for pleasure. But the streets and highways are not always safe places for pedestrians. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence while on foot, you may be able to collect damages from the person responsible for your injuries.
Ventura has its fair share of walking routes, and people often take advantage of Ventura’s historically nice weather to make their way around the area on foot. And while most walks are pleasant enough, some end in tragedy. Serious pedestrian accidents can turn an ordinary stroll into a nightmare, leaving behind severe or even catastrophic injuries. Our Ventura pedestrian accident attorney at the Law Offices of John B. Richards has a proven track record of helping people just like you recover compensation for their damages. Get in touch with our team by scheduling a case evaluation or calling 805-683-2736.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrians are dying in record numbers in many states. In 2019, the latest year for which statistics are available, pedestrian deaths rose 46% above 2010 figures as compared to a 5% rise in other traffic accidents during the same period. The GHSA estimates that 485 pedestrians were killed in California in 2020 alone and thousands more were left with injuries following an accident on foot.
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) concurs, and notes that no state has more deaths of pedestrians than California, with a pedestrian fatality rate that is nearly 25% greater than the national average. In the span of time from 2009 to 2018, approximately 7,500 pedestrians died on California’s highways and streets. More than 14,000 were injured, just in 2018.
Pedestrians have the right-of-way at unmarked and marked crosswalks in California. In addition, the California Vehicle Code requires drivers to account for pedestrians when determining how fast to drive and to use extraordinary care to keep from injuring a pedestrian, even if the pedestrian illegally enters the roadway. This does not always happen, though, and pedestrians end up seriously or even fatally injured as a result. Some causes of serious or fatal pedestrian accidents include:
From investigating your accident to interviewing witnesses and preparing your deposition, our legal team is ready to help you with your pedestrian accident claim. Our Ventura pedestrian accident attorney has built a solid reputation for aggressive and effective counsel and representation of accident victims. Let us help you recover the compensation you deserve. Reach out to our team to schedule a case evaluation or call 805-683-2736.