Los Angeles Injury Lawyer Blog

Pedestrians are at high risk for injury in California. A disproportionate number of traffic accidents involve pedestrians, often resulting in severe injury or death. Southern California’s Beverly Hills has 35,000 residents, but its businesses, fame and popularity increase the daytime population to over four times that size. More people in the city mean more people on the road, and sadly more accidents involving walkers and moving vehicles. As a result, the city was prompted to take serious safety measures to protect its on foot residents and visitors at selected intersections. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in Beverly Hills or California, please contact an experienced attorney for help.

Due to Beverly Hills’ increased daytime population, the city incurs higher rates of foot and road traffic, especially in its “business triangle” area on and around Brighton and Dayton streets. Until recently, the city experienced more pedestrian accidents as a result of the increased traffic in its busiest intersections. Walker-related accidents accounted for 11%-31% of all reported traffic accidents prior to 1996. Then, in an innovative new measure, the city implemented pedestrian-only intersections whereby traffic signals allow pedestrians to cross unimpeded by oncoming traffic in any direction. These new intersections include the permission of diagonal pedestrian crossing as well, providing a safer and more pleasant walking experience.

Studies showed over time that these kinds of exclusive pedestrian crossings not only allowed for the smooth flow of foot and auto traffic, but also greatly reduced the risk of pedestrian-related accidents, especially when compared to similar intersections where the new crossings were not implemented. At those unchanged intersections, the rate of pedestrian versus motor vehicle accidents was even seen to increase.

If you or a family member has been injured in an accident in California, please contact a lawyer for help. Call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP toll-free at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for a free consultation, and let us help you understand your rights. We are here for you, so please call us now.