According to the pedestrian accident statistics in Orange County, if you are walking, jogging, running, relaxing close to the roadway, you are at risk of dying or obtaining severe injuries from the vehicles. The total number of severely injured or killed pedestrians on California roads is high. The pedestrian statistics show varying factors contribute to pedestrian accidents in Orange County. For instance, distracted driving leads with the highest percent, causing Pedestrian accidents.

However, any person involved in a pedestrian accident can file a lawsuit for compensation for their damages. At Orange County Personal Injury Attorney, we have well-trained lawyers, experts in the field of personal injury. Our team is dedicated to finding solutions for our clients and ensuring professional legal advice and litigation services.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics In Orange County

As per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) report, around 4735 pedestrians were killed in the USA traffic crashes in 2013. Additionally, one hundred and fifty thousand obtained severe injuries then sought treatment. The deaths represented 15% of the deaths that occurred in the year. Among other US states, California had the highest fatalities for pedestrians in 2014, with 700 pedestrians killed. The number represented 23.4 percent of traffic deaths occurring in California that year. In orange county, about 841 pedestrians were killed while others sustained injuries that year.

In 2018, 893 pedestrians died in pedestrian accidents making the percentage rate increase from 26% from 2014. According to California traffic laws, in 2018, 8943 died in pedestrian accidents rising by 26% From 2014. Between 2009 and 2018, 7500 pedestrians were killed in California. According to the California Office of Traffic, no other state has recorded more pedestrian deaths than California. In 2009, Orange County experienced 3130 crashes involving pedestrians and traffic accidents. The number was the lowest crash rate for Orange County since 2005.

According to a report issued by the California Department of Transportation, the majority of pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas, with California experiencing greater accident statistics. In 2012, 4930 pedestrians were involved in pedestrian crashes, with 4665 obtaining severe injuries, 139 died, 126 crashes involving property damage while 890 crashes victims received severe injuries. Accidents mostly occur in urban areas. The California Department of Transportation reported 4419 crashes in California urban areas, with 246 pedestrians occurring in rural areas.

Hit and Run Pedestrian Accident Statistics

As per 2016 records, pedestrian accidents resulted in 2049 fatalities in the US from hit and run collisions. In 2016, California recorded the highest 60 % increment from 2009. 2016 was the fatal year nationally, whereby hit-and-run deaths increased by 7 percent since 2009, and two-third of the victims were either pedestrians or bicyclists. Hit and run deaths in the US increase by an average of 7.2 each year since 2009. Additionally, 337 of the deaths that took place in California were from Orange County.

California state ranked the seventh nationally from hit and run collisions. Nationally, most people dying from hit and run collisions include pedestrians and cyclists. California was the only state with more than 300 hits and run deaths and counties with more than one hundred fatalities. A recent report ranks California as the 16 most dangerous states for pedestrians. From 2008- 2017, 7127 pedestrians died in California from motor-related accidents.

Pedestrians at Higher Risk of Injuries In Orange County

Orange County has beautiful outdoors with a warm and inviting climate, making more residents and tourists prefer walking to driving. Pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to be killed in car accidents than drivers and passengers. Since 2013, pedestrians face the risks of being killed or injured in vehicle crashes. California is one of the most unsafe states, with many pedestrians obtaining injuries in vehicle crashes. In California, between 2008 and 2019, 7127 pedestrians died from motor crashes. At the time, California deaths increased by 34.4% while pedestrian deaths increased by 34.5%. In California, 22% of fatalities resulting from accidents were pedestrians and approximately 14% of pedestrian fatalities in the nation. In 2015, Orange County had 162 fatal traffic accidents, and pedestrians accounted for 51 deaths.

Factors Involved in Pedestrian Accidents

Several factors result in pedestrian accidents. NHTSA data reveals 73% of pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas, and 69 percent occur at road intersections. The age and gender of the pedestrians is also a factor. Children and the elderly are more at risk of involvement in a pedestrian accident than other ages. In 2011, Orange County experienced a decrease in the trend of pedestrian accidents. The people between 15 to 18 were commonly involved in accidents in the city, with children below 14 being the second-highest rate for pedestrian crashes. Orange County pedestrian accident statistics reveal a threat from 2005-2009, with 45 percent of all crashes involving females.

In California, 19% of all minors pedestrians aged fourteen and younger died in crashes. Additionally, 5 percent of all the deaths were children between 5 to 9 years. The group, too, attained 15 percent of all the pedestrians attaining accidents due to road collisions. Aged people from 60 to 64 years had 20 percent of the accident fatalities and 10% of all pedestrians related injuries. In Orange County, people aged above 65 in 2010 were involved in 19% of all deadly pedestrian accidents. Eleven percent of injured pedestrians were above 65 years. In the same year, 1 in every five children involved in pedestrian accidents was killed.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents In Orange County

The California department of public health estimates about 13500 pedestrians get injured In California each year. Mostly, fatal accidents result from impaired drivers by alcohol or drugs. Other accidents happen in darkness while pedestrians walk alongside the road. Most of the pedestrian accidents could be avoided by both the driver and pedestrians exercising proper care. Generally, the common causes of pedestrian accidents in the state include:

Driver and Pedestrian Intoxication

Driving or walking while intoxicated could result in pedestrian accidents. Drug or alcohol use makes the drivers have a reduced capacity to judge depth, speed, and distance, leading to a collision with pedestrians. Apart from alcohol, pedestrian accidents could be led by a motorist failing to stop their vehicles at an intersection.

Additionally, if the driver passes other drivers at intersections or crosswalks, it could result in pedestrian accidents. In Orange county, traffic deaths involving pedestrian deaths accounted for 47% of all traffic crashes in 2010, while 33 percent of pedestrians were found to have a BAC exceeding 0.8 of deadly pedestrian accidents.

In 2014, approximately 34% of catastrophic pedestrian accidents involved a pedestrian with a BAC of 0.08 grams and above. Alternatively, in the same year, 14% of catastrophic pedestrian accidents involved drivers with a BAC of 0.08 and above.

Putting On Dark Clothes

In Orange County, the number of pedestrian accidents increases during the night time. Pedestrians walking at night time should put on white or light-colored clothing and carry a flashlight with them. Although most intersections and crosswalks are illuminated, it is difficult for motorists to discover pedestrians blending in with background darkness.

Failure to Cross at An Intersection

Pedestrians should cross crossroads at crosswalks and should be very careful. Non-intersections are highly rated in urban environments where pedestrian accidents occur at non-intersection locations where the pedestrians attempt crossing the street somewhere other than the designated crosswalks. According to the US department of transportation, 70 percent of pedestrian fatalities occur at non-intersections.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the common rising factors causing pedestrian accidents. Distracted driving has been facilitated by the increasing prevalence and expanding mobile industry whereby drivers get distracted with mobile phones, in-car WIFI, GPS units, texting, surfing the internet, making calls, listening to music, etc.

Before cell phones, the distractions that split the attention of drivers included books, newspapers, radios, eating, drinking, applying makeup, looking out through the window, talking to passengers, etc. The behaviors shift the driver's eyes mind away from driving, leading to pedestrian accidents.

According to the NHTSA, the number of distractions is increasing. For instance, in 2015,15% of injurious crashes and 10% of the fatal crashes were caused by distractions driving. The state has been quickly attempting to pass laws to minimize the impacts and distracted driving occurrences. Notably, California has a total of 4 distracted laws on the books. The first two prohibit drivers from using handphones while operating automobiles.

Driving Beyond Speed Limit

According to California pedestrian accident statistics, speeding is among the most common factors leading to pedestrian accidents. Traveling above the speed limit increases the risks of being in an accident. According to California’s university, in every 1% increase in automobile speed, the chances of a pedestrian being hit increases by 2 %. Additionally, speeding increases the chances of injuring others significantly. Moreover, according to the research, every 1% increase in speed chances increases the chances of serious injury by 3%, and t fatality risk was increased by 4%.

Disobeying Traffic Signals and Signs

In California, disobeying traffic signals and signs aren’t common causes of pedestrian accidents. A study shows the majority, 17% of stop sign accidents, often involve a running vehicle through the intersection. The majority of the drivers stop but to yield in the right direction or fail to see the pedestrian. Failure to yield at the accident represents 70% of all accidents occurring at the intersection controlled by stop signs.

Failure to Signal While Turning

In California, pedestrians must protect themselves. For instance, pedestrians must use available crosswalks, walk on certain sides of the street, and obey the lights and signs like drivers. A 2012 research found most pedestrians fail to use signals when required.

Failing to Yield the Right of Way For Pedestrian at Crosswalk

In Orange County, failing to yield the right way at a crosswalk is one of the common causes of a pedestrian accident. Drivers passing through crosswalks may fail to give pedestrians the right of way, leading to pedestrian-related crashes. In California, failure to yield accidents accounts for 20% of non-fatal and fatal accidents.

In the majority of failure to yield, accidents are attributed to the drivers. Notably, California crosswalk laws guarantee pedestrians have the right of way in unmarked and marked crosswalks even when there aren't crossing lights in use.

Disregarding Traffic or Weather Conditions

Approximately 22% of vehicular accidents are caused by bad weather. Inclement weather affects roadways in many ways. The weather may create slickness on the roads, debris, and snow accumulation, making it hard for drivers to operate them safely. Slick roads may cause the vehicle to slide on pedestrians or other vehicles on roadways, resulting in the pedestrians' death and injuries.

Where Pedestrian Accidents Mostly Occur In Orange County

In orange county, pedestrian accidents mostly occur at road intersections. From 2010 to 2018, 60,000 crashes occurred in Orange County intersections. Three hundred twenty-eight people were killed in the crashes while 55,891 obtained injuries. The most unsafe intersection recording high percentages of pedestrian accidents include 17th street at Fairview street, Bristol street at McFadden Avenue, Santa Ana and, Chapman Avenue at Gilbert street.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

The accidents could lead to traumatic injuries and permanent disabilities to pedestrians due to a lack of protection from the impact. Unfortunately, accidents between pedestrians and vehicles result in severe injuries to the pedestrians depending on the angle of impact, the driver's speed, where the accident occurs, etc. Injuries sustained from a pedestrian accident include traumatic brain injury, broken fractures and bones, shoulder and neck injuries, back and spinal cord injuries like paralysis, internal bleeding and damage to internal organs, scarring and disfigurement, amputations, etc.

  • Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries are common injuries resulting from pedestrian accidents. When hit by cars, they may suffer either closed or penetrating head injury. Traumatic brain injuries commonly cause disabilities and deaths in the USA. Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, TBI leads to 30 % of injury-related deaths. In 2014, according to the California Department of public health, 32,900 pedestrians were diagnosed with non-fatal TBI.

  • Broken Bones and Fractures

Pedestrians frequently fracture their hands, shoulders, legs, and back in accidents. Severe bone fractures occur, and the injuries are excruciating and may lead to long-lasting problems. These fractures range from minor breaks to more serious compound fractures. Car accidents are one of the most causes of broken bones and fractures. Following the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, around 2,746,000 people obtained severe injuries from motor vehicle crashes in 2017. The victims obtained multiple fractures, whereby some required reconstructible surgery to recover.

  • Amputation Injuries

Amputation after a traumatic accident could result in infection if not taken care of immediately. Catastrophic pedestrian accidents cause severe damage and injuries to the victim's legs and arms, resulting in amputation. In the US, car accidents cause amputation more than other causes. According to the national limb loss information center, an estimated 1.8 million people live with the loss of a limb in the US. Pedestrians and motorcyclists are in great danger due to a lack of protection. 45% of the people lost their limbs due to traumatic accidents.

  • Wrongful Death

In California, pedestrians are injured and killed every year while walking, jogging, or running. As per the NHTSA, in the year 2017, several 5,977 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle accidents. The fatality numbers were 1.6%, a decrease from the 2016 death figures. According to the Center for Disease Control research studies on pedestrian accidents, in 2010, 4,280 pedestrians lost their lives due to motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. Additionally, in 2009, as per the pedestrian crash analysis summary report, over 3,130 crashes involved pedestrian and traffic accidents.

In 2017, the women recording fatalities represented 11.5%, while the men fatalities represented 85.5% of all the total fatalities. Additionally, traffic accidents killed three hundred and forty-seven pedestrians in January and June in the year 2015. Alternatively, the accidents resulted in three hundred and twenty-three pedestrian deaths in the same period in the previous year.

Between the years 2009 and 2018, approximately 7,500 pedestrians lost their lives. Additionally, in 2018, 893 pedestrians died due to pedestrian accidents representing a 26% increase from 2014.

Fatalities by Age

In 2017, traffic accidents killed around 19%(one-fifth) of children aged 14 years and young. The age group with the highest percentage of pedestrian fatalities was 50 to 54 years and 55 to 59 years, representing 21%. Alternatively, the age group with the smallest number of pedestrian fatalities was 5 to 9, and children aged below 5years. Moreover, 20% of all fatalities were persons aged 65 years and above. In 2017, pedestrian fatalities aged 65 and above increased from 194 to 195 in 2018. Notably, the average of the pedestrian killed was 47.

  • Spinal Cord Injuries

Pedestrian accidents result in spinal cord injuries in California. Spinal cord injuries include nerve injuries, paraplegia, cervical herniations, fractured vertebra, compression injuries, etc. A spinal cord injury can be life-altering and cause the victim to be overwhelmed with medical expenses. SCI typically results in loss of sensation, paralysis, and sexual dysfunction. Additionally, Spinal cord injuries are mostly a result of trauma.

Notably, spinal cord injury is dramatic and sudden, happening to around twelve thousand people in the USA per year and roughly 1,000 in California. SCI’s effects are life-threatening, and both affect the injured, their loved ones, and their families. The majority of spinal cord injuries result from falls and motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians. The societal, economic, and medical burden of spinal cord injury is high.

In California, SCI is common among persons aged the 20s and 30s, leading to a degree of permanent disability. Additionally, 11.8% of spinal cord injury patients are employed, while fewer than 35% have employment at more than 20 years post the injury. The life expectancies for the persons living with spinal cord injuries is significantly below the expectancies of similarly aged persons without SCI.

Contacting The Drivers Insurance Company

The victim should contact the driver’s insurance company to open a claim. Tell them the date you were hit by the vehicle and the location. Do not provide them with more information. .You need the assistance of a personal injury attorney before providing any further information.

Consult a Lawyer Experienced In a Pedestrian Accident

When hit by a vehicle, the driver is mostly liable for the accident. To better understand your case and understand potential compensation, you should contact a qualified Orange County personal Injury Lawyer to examine your case for the best outcome.

Bringing a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit

When involved in a pedestrian accident, you deserve fair compensation for all damages inflicted by the negligent party. Hiring an attorney could protect your rights and make sure valuable evidence is not destroyed.

When injured in a pedestrian accident, you sustain significant emotional, physical, and financial damages. A motorist may be liable for your lost medical bills, emotional distress, loss of future earning capacity, damaged suffering, and lost wages. Our pedestrian accident lawyer will help you file your claim.

Find A Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me

The pedestrian accident statistics in Orange County indicate pedestrian accidents are common. Therefore, you may find yourself injured when you least expect it. The pedestrian accident will cause a load of subsequent stress and problems to the victims and their loved ones. However, if a pedestrian accident occurs, you should seek assistance from a competent lawyer to claim your compensation.

At Orange County Personal Injury Attorney, we are experienced and actively involved in seeking redress in pedestrian accident cases and promise our clients the best compensation. Call us at 714-876-1959 if you are injured near Orange County, and we will help you pursue fair compensation.