February 14, 2020
JML Law

Los Angeles officials have been ambitious towards eliminating traffic deaths within the city limits – at least on paper. After four full years of the Vision Zero initiative being in place in LA, we are not seeing very much change and injuries and fatalities due to traffic incidents in the city. At JML Law, our Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorneys want to discuss Vision Zero’s progress and whether or not the city is still actively working to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries. 

How Can We Get On The Right Track?

A new article from the Los Angeles Times does not paint a good picture of roadway safety within the city. Despite being in the fourth year of the Vision Zero initiative designed to stop traffic deaths in the city by the year 2025, traffic fatality rates have remained high. 

In 2019, there were 244 fatalities due to traffic collisions on city streets. This represented a decrease of just 0.8% from 2018. Last year, there were 134 pedestrians and 19 bicyclists amongst the total traffic fatalities. 

Since Vision Zero was launched in 2015, the number of traffic fatalities in the city has risen by 33%. According to data, fatalities surged in 2016, but have since fallen slightly. LA officials had hoped to reduce traffic deaths by 20% in 2017 and then by 50% in 2020. 

Alex Comisar, a spokesperson for the mayor, said that “Any life lost on our streets is one too many — and we will continue to pursue our goal of zero traffic deaths until we meet that mark.”

One of the main concerns on LA roadways, according to police chief Michel Moore, is the reliance of citizens on cell phones. He says that people are driving 30, 40, and 50 mph when they put their heads down to look at their cell phone screens. He also says that adults are teaching a generation of children watching from the back seats what to do with their cell phones while they are driving, and the results will not be good. 

The transportation department for the city has been continually making changes to LA streets. In 2019, they made more than 1,500 modifications to traffic signals, crosswalks, intersections, and other street safety elements. 

Let Us Help Secure The Compensation You Need

If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a pedestrian accident in LA, you may need to seek legal assistance. If another person caused your injuries, you could be entitled to compensation. The team at JML Law is ready to investigate your case in order to secure the compensation you need, which can include:

  • Coverage all pedestrian accident medical bills
  • Recovery of lost wages if you are unable to work
  • Coverage of physical therapy
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Loss of enjoyment of life damages
  • Possible punitive damages against the negligent party

When you need a Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney, you can contact us by clicking here or calling us at 818-610-8800 for a free consultation today.

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