Pedestrian Deaths: Distraction Cited as a Cause
April 18, 2025- Categories: Personal Injury
Southern California is infamous for traffic jams and congested roadways. Apparently, there is a perception that those of us who live here choose to spend most of our time behind the wheel of a car. Nothing could be further from the truth, of course. Look around the streets of any Orange County community and you are sure to see people jogging, walking their dogs, or just taking a stroll. However, with more people out and about, the potential for incidents increases. If you’ve been affected, consulting an experienced car accident lawyer can be beneficial. Pedestrian travel is extremely popular here. With plenty of sunshine and a health-conscious population, this should come as no surprise.
To speak with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer, look no further than Neale & Fhima APC. Call 888-407-2955. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer is ready to take your call.
Walking Near Traffic Becomes More Dangerous Every Year
When the GHSA released its 2016 figures, the annual increase drew a lot of attention. The report concluded there were 5,997 pedestrian deaths nationwide over the course of the year. In 2015, there were 5,376 deaths. In 2014, there were 4,910. In California alone, there were a shocking number of deaths in 2021: 1,108 pedestrian fatalities in total.
The data from this three-year period clearly indicates that the problem is getting worse. Viewed over a longer period, though, numerical increases in pedestrian accidents are less consistent. A 10-year chart shows that the annual number of deaths actually decreased four times, which may prompt some to consult a wrongful death lawyer.
| Year | Pedestrian
Fatalities |
| 2006 | 4,795 |
| 2007 | 4,699 |
| 2008 | 4,414 |
| 2009 | 4,109 |
| 2010 | 4,302 |
| 2011 | 4,457 |
| 2012 | 4,818 |
| 2013 | 4,779 |
| 2014 | 4,910 |
| 2015 | 5,376 |
Do these fluctuations over the long term mean pedestrians are safer than the recent figures suggest? Unfortunately, no. The annual number of pedestrian deaths tells only half of the story. To gauge the true scope of the problem, we must view the number alongside the total number of fatal accidents each year.
Consider the years 2007 through 2009. The number of pedestrian fatalities went down each of these years. But the total number of traffic deaths went down even more. The result is an uptick in pedestrian deaths, despite the lower overall numbers. In fact, viewed as a share of total traffic deaths, pedestrian accidents have steadily increased over time:
| Year | Pedestrian Fatalities | Total Traffic Fatalities | Pedestrian Fatalities as % of Traffic Fatalities |
| 2006 | 4,795 | 42,708 | 11% |
| 2007 | 4,699 | 41,259 | 11% |
| 2008 | 4,414 | 37,423 | 12% |
| 2009 | 4,109 | 33,883 | 12% |
| 2010 | 4,302 | 32,999 | 13% |
| 2011 | 4,457 | 32,479 | 14% |
| 2012 | 4,818 | 33,782 | 14% |
| 2013 | 4,779 | 32,894 | 15% |
| 2014 | 4,910 | 32,744 | 15% |
| 2015 | 5,376 | 35,092 | 15% |
Traffic accident victims in San Diego and beyond trust Neale & Fhima to work tirelessly to get them justice through the compensation they deserve.
Smartphones as a Contributing Factor
Some behaviors that lead to pedestrian accidents – like ignoring crosswalk rules, speeding, and driving while intoxicated – are problems that have been with us for quite some time. But the authors of the GHSA report believe last year’s spike in fatalities may be linked to a relatively new traffic safety issue:
A more recent factor contributing to the increase in pedestrian fatalities may be the growing use of smartphones by all road users, which can be a significant source of distraction for both drivers and pedestrians.
This excerpt from the report appropriately points out that both drivers and pedestrians are guilty of using the roadways while distracted by their phones. Not mentioned, though, is the fact that the consequences of a collision are far more severe for a pedestrian. Unlike distracted drivers, pedestrians are not surrounded by thousands of pounds of steel and other protective material. A pedestrian may very well lose his or her life in a vehicle accident in which the driver suffers no physical injury at all. This is why many turn to a vehicle accident lawyer for support and guidance.
Pedestrian Accident Compensation
Fortunately, compensation is available for injuries and fatalities. Victims and deceased victims’ family members have the right to pursue valuable damages for the destruction they have suffered, such as:
- Medical and hospital bills
- Lost income and future economic opportunity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of guidance and support
- Funeral and burial expenses.
The services of an experienced wrongful death lawyer are crucial to plaintiffs needing to recover proper amounts of the above-listed compensation.
Legal Help for Injured Pedestrians and Their Families
Walking the streets of Southern California should not involve the risk of serious injury or death. If you were victimized by a careless driver, you deserve to know your options for justice. Neale & Fhima is here to help.
For a free case review and consultation, contact Neale & Fhima today. We are ready to listen and potentially represent your interests. Call 888-407-2955 to learn how we can help.
Attorney Aaron Fhima
Aaron Fhima is a trial attorney who has secured numerous settlements and verdicts against large corporations and some of the largest auto manufacturers in the world. Representing consumers and injury victims throughout the state of California, Aaron’s practice areas include personal injury, and lemon law litigation. Aaron has a long record of success taking on large defense firms; and he doesn’t hesitate to take cases to trial when necessary to enforce his clients’ rights. [ Attorney Bio ]
