LA County Sheriff’s Department Warns Drivers This Pedestrian Safety Month
Protecting Pedestrians Across Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley
Walking in Los Angeles shouldn’t feel like a risk. But for thousands of people across LA County, a routine walk to school, work, or the corner store can end in tragedy. October marks National Pedestrian Safety Month, and this year, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) is reminding drivers that one careless decision behind the wheel can cost a life.
At Oaks Law Firm, we represent victims and families impacted by pedestrian accidents throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Our attorneys see firsthand what happens when drivers speed through crosswalks, make unsafe turns, or drive distracted. These crashes are preventable, and holding negligent drivers accountable is one way to make our streets safer for everyone.
Pedestrian Deaths in California Continue to Rise
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a pedestrian is killed every 72 minutes and injured every 8 minutes in the United States. California consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for people walking, with 1,106 pedestrian deaths in 2023.
Those numbers represent far more than statistics. They represent neighbors, parents, and children whose lives were cut short because someone failed to pay attention. From Downtown LA to Sherman Oaks, residents continue to face dangerous intersections where drivers treat crosswalks as suggestions instead of obligations.
In Los Angeles County alone, the combination of dense traffic, wide roads, and distracted driving creates a perfect storm for tragedy. LASD officials say that even a small increase in speed can make the difference between life and death. A person struck at 35 mph is far more likely to die than someone hit at 20 mph.
Why October’s Safety Message Matters
Each October, law enforcement agencies across the country use Pedestrian Safety Month to raise awareness about safe driving behaviors, but the goal is bigger than public education. It’s about changing habits before another life is lost.
As Sergeant Michael Lennig of LASD explained, walking should always be “an easy and safe option for getting around.” Yet too often, drivers are impatient, distracted, or careless in neighborhoods where pedestrians have the right of way.
LASD’s initiative this year includes enforcement efforts targeting some of the most dangerous driving behaviors:
- Speeding in residential or school zones
- Failing to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks
- Making illegal turns or running stop signs
- Driving distracted by phones, food, or passengers
These enforcement campaigns send an important message: every driver plays a role in keeping others safe.
The Local Reality: LA Streets Are Still Dangerous for Pedestrians
While enforcement helps, it doesn’t erase the risks that pedestrians face daily across LA. Wide, fast-moving boulevards like Ventura, Wilshire, and Van Nuys create conditions where drivers can easily overlook people crossing the street. Nighttime and early morning hours pose an even greater threat, when visibility is low and driver fatigue or impairment may come into play.
For pedestrians, there’s no protection from a two-ton vehicle. Even a “minor” impact can cause broken bones, head injuries, or spinal trauma. Survivors often face long recoveries, lost income, and lasting emotional scars. Families who lose loved ones are left searching for answers and accountability.
At Oaks Law Firm, we see these struggles every day. We know that the aftermath of a pedestrian crash isn’t just about physical recovery — it’s about rebuilding lives.
What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you’re hit by a car while walking, what you do next can have a major impact on your health and your legal rights.
- Seek Immediate Medical Care: Even if your injuries seem minor, internal or delayed symptoms can appear later. Always get checked by a doctor.
- Report the Accident: Contact law enforcement so there’s an official record of what happened.
- Gather Evidence: If possible, take photos of the scene, crosswalk, and vehicle. Get witness contact information.
- Avoid Speaking with the Insurance Company Alone: Adjusters often call victims quickly, hoping to settle fast and cheap. You don’t have to talk to them without legal guidance.
- Call a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: A personal injury attorney can investigate, gather surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and work with reconstruction experts to build your case.
Our team at Oaks Law Firm helps clients every step of the way, from coordinating medical care to negotiating with insurance companies that try to downplay injuries.
Why Pedestrian Claims Are Often Undervalued
Insurance companies tend to minimize pedestrian claims by shifting blame. They might argue the victim “came out of nowhere” or wasn’t in a crosswalk. Without legal representation, many victims end up accepting settlements that barely cover hospital bills.
What most people don’t realize is that pedestrian cases often involve multiple liable parties. Beyond the driver, responsibility may fall on a commercial employer, delivery company, or even a government agency that failed to maintain safe road design or proper lighting.
When we handle these cases, we look beyond the obvious. We examine intersection data, lighting conditions, signal timing, and whether the city received prior complaints about safety issues. Our goal is to uncover every contributing factor and hold each party accountable.
How Oaks Law Firm Helps Pedestrian Accident Victims
Our attorneys know the devastating toll pedestrian accidents take on California families. That’s why we fight for full and fair compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment.
- Lost Wages: Income missed during recovery or future earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical and emotional impact from the crash.
- Wrongful Death Damages: Funeral expenses and loss of companionship when a loved one is killed.
We’ve handled cases involving serious and fatal pedestrian crashes throughout the San Fernando Valley and beyond, and we don’t back down when insurance companies try to stall, delay, or underpay claims.
A Safer Future Starts With Accountability
As Los Angeles works toward safer streets, accountability must come from every direction, including drivers, city planners, and policymakers alike. Enforcement and education help, but real change happens when negligent behavior carries consequences.
At Oaks Law Firm, we believe justice isn’t just about compensation; it’s about prevention. Every case we take on is a step toward safer roads and stronger communities across California.
If you or someone you love was hit by a car in Los Angeles or the San Fernando Valley, we’re here to listen and fight for you. Contact us today for a free consultation. There are no upfront costs, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why Us? Because We Listen!™
"Great experience with Oaks Law Firm! Attorney Matt clearly explained the entire process, and his assistant Nicole was amazing—helping and explaining everything along the way. Paula was also very supportive throughout. Highly recommend!" - Z.D., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐