Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Best Places to Run in Los Angeles

November 16, 2018 Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Despite Los Angeles’s image as the car capital of the nation, where people drive even if their destination is across

Despite Los Angeles’s image as the car capital of the nation, where people drive even if their destination is across the street, southern California is home to millions of runners – and some of the best running destinations in the world.

Here are the 3 top places to run.

Mount Hollywood – Griffith Park, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles

Yes, we are going to reference La La Land! If you saw Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling dancing around Griffith Observatory, you know about Griffith Park. But did you know that Griffith Park contains 4,300 acres, making it #10 among city-owned parks in the U.S. in terms of size? It’s also home to the Los Angeles Zoo and the Greek Theater.

The running and jogging here are fantastic. Runners can choose from 53 miles of trails, fire roads, and bridle paths. Be sure to head up to the park’s highest point, Mount Hollywood, and gaze over all of L.A.

West Loop – Elysian Park, 835 Academy Road, Los Angeles

A smaller park with a shorter but very pleasant path can be found here. Elysian Park encompasses 600 acres, and offers views of downtown and the San Fernando Valley. West Loop, at just under 2 ½ miles, is an easy, shady path. If you run with a dog in the morning before work, it’s a good morning run for both of you.

Inspiration Point & Clouds Rest – Runyon Canyon, 2000 North Fuller

If you’re in L.A., why not go Hollywood? Runyon Canyon Park spans 130 acres a short two blocks from Hollywood Boulevard. This is also great if you run with a dog, and a terrific weekend destination, with a 90-acre dog park where you dog can run free (i.e., off-leash).

Runyon Canyon is also an excellent introduction to the canyons. If you start at the Fuller Avenue entrance, you’ll be going up from the canyon bottom toward the top, Clouds Rest to the east and then Inspiration Point. This is not an easy run – the canyons can be steep in stops – but it’s a good work and very scenic to boot. If the weather is clear, you’ll be able to see out to the ocean as far as Catalina Island.

Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Los Angeles

While Los Angeles offers some of the best running and jogging areas in the world, the proximity of runners and joggers with cars and other vehicles all too often causes pedestrian accidents. Whether you’re been hit by a vehicle or suffered a sprain due to road conditions, we can help.

If you or a loved one has been in a pedestrian accident in southern California, we can help. We are experienced pedestrian accident lawyers in Los Angeles. Call attorney Sean Salamati today for a free initial consultation on your case. We will fight for your rights and maximum compensation.

Additional Resources:

1. Top 10 Best Running Trails in Los Angeles. Discover Los Angeles. https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/blog/where-run-los-angeles-las-top-10-running-paths
2. The Guide to L.A.’s Griffith Park. Discover Los Angeles. https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/blog/guide-las-griffith-park

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Los Angeles By Foot: Top 3 Walking Routes

January 12, 2018 Pedestrian Accident Injuries

You’ve probably heard the old saying that nobody walks in L.A. Even popular songs have been penned on the topic.

You’ve probably heard the old saying that nobody walks in L.A. Even popular songs have been penned on the topic. Boasting a population of nearly 3.8 million, the urban sprawl of Los Angeles is dominated by vehicles. Residents seem deeply attached to their cars, despite the mind-numbing traffic that is so prevalent.

Next time you get fed up with the gridlock, or simply want some fresh air while getting from points A to B, consider these top urban strolls in the City of Angels.

LA River Greenway

Thanks to impressive “greening” efforts, the Los Angeles River is the perfect destination for a leisurely stroll and picnic. There are several starting points from which to embark on different sections of the River: Griffith Park, Sepulveda Basin, the Long Beach bike path and the City of Glendale Riverwalk. The greenway offers numerous trails for walking, biking and even horseback riding. For a scenic 2.3-mile meander, begin your walk at Sherman Oaks at the intersection of Valleyheart Drive and Fulton Avenue. On this easy loop, you’ll follow the riverside trail, cross over Moorpark, Sunnyslope and Allott Avenues before returning back to Fulton. Bring your canine companion on this picturesque stroll!

Mural Mile

Until a few years ago, the area around Van Nuys Boulevard and Pacoima featured nothing more than your typical restaurants, shops, gas stations and churches. Now, this urban stretch has been transformed into an exciting art destination brimming with colorful murals painted on building exteriors. The notion to beautify this otherwise non-descript part of the city was headed up by Pacoima resident Levi Ponce, who encouraged local artisans to work their magic. You can enjoy the vivid sights of “Mural Mile” by starting at Van Nuys Boulevard and Herrick Avenue. There you’ll see a mural of a Tongva medicine woman dreamed up by an all-female group of HOOD-sisters. The amble continues on to Ponce’s mural, Lady of the Valley, near Arleta Avenue. The path is about four miles roundtrip.

Hollywood Bowl & Hightower Loop

Architecture buffs take note! This loop takes you through a secluded section of Los Angeles boasting some historical locations, unique architecture (some buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright), and plenty of lush, beautiful scenery. Pass by the Highland Towers apartments where William Faulkner supposedly wrote film adaptations of Raymond Chandler and Hemingway. The path wends through alleys and pretty residential areas, providing spectacular vistas of the Alta Loma tower. When you’ve finished the loop, stop by the Wine Bar at the Hollywood Bowl for some well-deserved refreshment.

Legal help for pedestrians in Los Angeles

For all its natural beauty and urban charms, L.A. is still far from being a pedestrian-friendly city. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, 20 percent of all traffic fatalities in California involve pedestrians. In the greater L.A. metropolitan area, pedestrian fatalities account for a staggering 40 percent of all those killed in vehicle crashes.

When a family member of loved one is harmed in a pedestrian accident, the consequences can be life-altering.  Here at the Salamati Law Firm, we have the investigative skills and legal expertise to ensure that justice is served. Put our experience and dedication to work for you. Call our offices today to schedule a free case review with a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer who fights for maximum compensation.

Additional Resources on Los Angeles Walking Routes:

1. LA Times, Los Angeles Walks http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-walks-sg-storygallery.html
2. LA Mag, 10 Unconventional L.A. Walks You’ll Actually Want To Take http://www.lamag.com/citythinkblog/10-best-l-a-walks/
3. Trail Link, LA Trails and Maps https://www.traillink.com/city/los-angeles-ca-trails/

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3 Most Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrians in Los Angeles

October 27, 2017 Pedestrian Accident Injuries

LA Times analysis revealed that nearly a quarter of traffic accidents occur at less than 1% of the intersections in

LA Times analysis revealed that nearly a quarter of traffic accidents occur at less than 1% of the intersections in LA. There is a disproportionately high rate of collisions in the high-density zones between Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles. Pedestrians were injured in 1 in 10 traffic LA accidents from 2002-2013, and represented 35% of the fatalities. Over the last five years, city officials have added 200 miles of bike lanes, designed more high-visibility crosswalks, and promoted mass transit. However, urban planners say the city still has a long way to go.

Here are some of the most dangerous intersections for pedestrians in LA:

West 7th St. & Spring St. – Los Angeles (90014)

LA Walks listed 7th & Spring as one of the most dangerous intersections for pedestrians in Los Angeles. This bustling location in downtown’s Fashion District is a few blocks from the Orpheum Theatre, the LA Live complex, Regent Theater, and Whole Foods. Four-lane, one-way streets present a challenge for walkers to complete their journeys in the allotted time. Speeding drivers going 45 mph frequently run red lights to avoid sitting at the “long” light. On average, 51 pedestrians are hit by cars in this intersection each year, according to a 2015 report. Some say lax police enforcement for motorists at this intersection is to blame. Others say the lights need to be reprogrammed to be more walker-friendly.

Devonshire St. & Reseda Blvd. – Northridge (91324)

The Devonshire Reseda Shopping Center attracts a lot of foot traffic with hair and nail salons, pet supply centers, coffee shops, a health club, dentists, dry cleaners, Walgreens, and a variety of restaurants. In 2015, there were 24 accidents resulting in 41 injuries. Fortunately, no one was killed, but some of the injuries have been severe. For instance, 33-year-old Olivia Almalel suffered spinal cord injuries after her Christmas Day pedestrian accident at Reseda and Devonshire in 2008. DOT engineers Nat Gale and Tim Fremaux are pushing for recommendations that would take pedestrian fatalities down to zero, such as: adjusting turn lane lights, changing lane striping, and tweaking pedestrian cross signals.

Slauson Avenue & Western Avenue – South LA (90047)

Multiple strip malls with shops like Home Depot, Big Lots, Little Caesars, Cash Express, and Walgreens are situated in this part of Southern Los Angeles, making it a hub of pedestrian and automobile activity. From 2002-2013, 41 pedestrians were struck by cars at Slauson and Western. In less than one year’s time (November 2014 – October 2015), there were six hit-and-run collisions. Urban Planner Deborah Murphy, head of Los Angeles Walks, says there is much work to be done here, in an area where pedestrians must cross five lanes of traffic for a total of 70 feet to reach safety. Adding taller buildings or arching trees and installing sharper curbs can force drivers to drive slower, while adding wheelchair and stroller ramps could streamline pedestrian traffic movements.

Find out what a Los Angeles personal injury attorney can do for you!

Crash investigators find that roughly 43% of drivers are at-fault in pedestrian/vehicle accidents. They may have been distracted by a cell phone at the time, speeding, running a red light, or driving while intoxicated. Other times, city officials knew of the dangers and failings of the crosswalk, but failed to act. A good personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles can help you build a case to win compensation for your injuries. You can receive money to cover all medical bills, lost time off work, reduced earning capacity, as well as emotional pain and suffering. Family members may be eligible to collect for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and reductions in income.

The Salamati Firm has been serving area residents for more than 20 years, with some big case results – including $2 million for a bicyclist hit by a car and $906,000 for a pedestrian struck by a truck. Contact us for a free, no-obligation case review.

Additional Resources for Dangerous Pedestrian Crossings in LA:

1. LA Walks – Pedestrian Collision Map, http://www.losangeleswalks.org/pedcollisionmap/
2. LA Streets Blog – A Walkability Prescription For Downtown Los Angeles, https://la.streetsblog.org/2015/09/22/a-walkability-prescription-for-downtown-los-angeles/
3. Daily News – The 8 Most Dangerous Valley Intersections & What LAPD Is Doing About Them, http://www.dailynews.com/2016/03/27/the-8-most-dangerous-valley-intersections-and-what-lapd-is-doing-about-them/
4. LA Times – LA Pedestrian Accidents, http://graphics.latimes.com/la-pedestrians/
5. Vision Zero – Pedestrian Plan, http://visionzero.lacity.org/tag/pedestrian/
6. LA Weekly – LA is America’s Deadliest Place For Walking, http://www.laweekly.com/news/la-is-americas-deadliest-place-for-walking-6552786
7. Curbed – LA’s Most Dangerous Intersections, https://la.curbed.com/2015/12/14/10621154/los-angeles-most-dangerous-intersections-2015
8. Curbed – Almost Half of California’s Most Dangerous Intersections Are In LA, https://la.curbed.com/2016/11/11/13601092/most-dangerous-intersections-los-angeles-southern-california

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September 8, 2017 Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Will self-driving vehicles help improve traffic and pedestrian safety? Many officials at the U.S. Department of Transportation believe this to

Will self-driving vehicles help improve traffic and pedestrian safety? Many officials at the U.S. Department of Transportation believe this to be the case, which is why they created a regulatory framework for automated vehicles. A handful of states — including California — have now legalized their use.

However, self-driving cars still have their fair share of critics. A 2017 Deloitte study found that nearly 75 percent of Americans do not trust autonomous vehicles. With companies like Google, Tesla, Audi, Toyota and others rolling out a slew of vehicles equipped with onboard sensors and various types of AI, some project that autonomous capability could be standard in the U.S. as soon as 2030.

Will automated cars drive safer around pedestrians?

Unlike humans, automated cars – in theory – will behave more predictably on the roads. Distraction will be taken out of the equation completely, as there will be no temptation to answer a phone call, read a text message or attempt to steer while eating a burger. In addition, these self-driving cars will have automated systems installed to “sense” their surroundings and avoid hitting people.

One new start-up, Drive.ai, is taking a unique approach to automated vehicle technology, by focusing more on “teaching” cars about human behavior. The company is studying ways to incorporate the norms of human and driver behavior into on-board vehicle computers, allowing the cars to communicate with pedestrians. In addition to the technology for controlling the vehicle, these new models will be equipped with a roof-mounted system that may use a combination of light, sounds, text and motion to communicate with pedestrians and other motorists. The automated interface might tell a pedestrian or cyclist when they can safely cross the street, while inching forward could tell another motorist to yield.

The startup is planning on testing these self-driving vehicles in California this month.

As companies refine their automated vehicle technology with a view toward making roads safer with fewer accidents, only time and real-world experience will demonstrate if pedestrians and cyclists will benefit.

Automated cars in California raise legal questions

The advent of automated vehicles also raises numerous legal questions. How will self-driving cars be regulated for safety by the state and federal government? Will on-board pedestrian communication systems will be mandatory or optional on all vehicles? How will insurance claims be handled in the event of an accident or fatality? Who is held liable if a self-driving vehicle injures or kills a pedestrian or motorist?

Smart vehicle technology is an exciting field that promises a future with fewer accidents and deaths. However, self-driving vehicle accidents raise complex liability issues that are best explained by an experienced attorney. Explore your legal options today by calling L.A. pedestrian accident lawyer Sean Salamati for a free consultation.  Mr. Salamati is renowned for his tenacious representation and successful case results for car accident victims throughout southern California.

Protect your rights to just compensation. Call 1-888-259-4060 to arrange a no-obligation case review.

Additional Resources on Self-Driving Cars & Pedestrian Safety:

1. 1. StreetsBlogUSA, Self-Driving Cars Should Accommodate People, Not the Other Way Around http://usa.streetsblog.org/2017/07/25/self-driving-cars-should-accommodate-people-not-the-other-way-around/
   2. Technology Review, New Self-Driving Car Tells Pedestrians When It’s Safe to Cross the Street https://www.technologyreview.com/s/602267/new-self-driving-car-tells-pedestrians-when-its-safe-to-cross-the-street/
   3. WIRED, SELF-DRIVING CAR ‘GUARDIAN ANGELS’ PROTECT YOU FROM YOURSELF https://www.wired.com/story/self-driving-car-autonomous-guardian-angels/

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