One of the worst areas in the country for pedestrians is in California. Overall, Bakersfield was ranked as the seventh most dangerous city in the nation regarding pedestrian fatalities. However, it is one of just two of the 10 most dangerous metro areas for pedestrians located outside of Florida. Overall, California ranks 16th in pedestrian deaths. Of the states in the top 20, California is one of 10 that planned for a higher pedestrian fatality rate in 2017 than in 2018. Most states plan to reduce the number of pedestrian deaths in the year ahead.

Pedestrian deaths are on the rise in the United States, and 2016 and 2017 saw the highest rate of fatalities since 1990. In 2016, more than 6,000 pedestrians died. The number was 5,977 in 2017.

Pedestrian deaths can be attributed to a number of causes. For example, Orlando’s transportation director points out that the roads in the area are not designed to be pedestrian-friendly. This is also the case throughout much of the state of Florida. Pedestrians in lower-income neighborhoods are also more likely to be killed since they have a higher rate of using transit and walking to get around.

Pedestrians may be particularly vulnerable even in relatively minor traffic accidents because they simply do not have the protection of a vehicle around them. In a pedestrian accident, determining who is at fault might involve finding out who had the right of way and investigating the behavior of the driver. If the driver is at fault, they could be considered liable for compensating the victim. A lawyer could help a crash victim obtain a fair settlement.

By Maho | Prentice, LLP Attorneys at Law on January 30, 2019