Walking to get to work or to run errands is more popular than ever, especially in San Diego. Unfortunately, even as more people hit the streets on foot, this does not always mean that car drivers are aware of the risks and avoid getting in accidents. All too often, a driver’s negligence leads to a pedestrian accident that renders a victim severely injured or disabled, forming the basis of San Diego personal injury claims.

In 2015 and 2016, pedestrian deaths at California’s intersections have been on the rise. Those pedestrians who do survive an accident may have disabilities that impact them for years to come. Trying to overcome the challenges of severe injuries can be difficult if not impossible for a pedestrian accident victim. This is one of the leading reasons why an injured pedestrian will file San Diego personal injury claims.

Across the country, too, pedestrian deaths have experienced an uptick. National numbers show that pedestrian fatalities are up by 7%. It is also expected that pedestrian deaths may reach as high as 10 percent increases. Part of the reason for the higher number of injuries and deaths has to do with the fact that not only are more people walking, but more people are also driving, too. As the economy has improved and gas prices have trended down, unfortunately, this means that pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicle drivers may face an increased risk of being seriously hurt in an accident.

Vehicle manufacturers have continued to make upgrades to technology inside cars that can help prevent accidents, but pedestrians don’t have any of those protections. Given that cars come with safety features like seatbelts and airbags, a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle even traveling at 30 miles per hour can sustain significant damage.

Pedestrian accidents can even form the basis of a San Diego personal injury claim if the driver was responsible for the injuries sustained by a pedestrian or any other victim. California law empowers victims to pursue legal claims when someone else is responsible.