California Speed Cameras: The Solution to Reducing Pedestrian Accidents?

Update: AB 645 was passed and signed into law in October 2023.

Assembly Bill No. 645 (AB 645) would install speed cameras in six California cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Long Beach, San Jose, and Glendale. The cameras would take a picture of a car’s license plate and automatically issue tickets to vehicle owners driving over the speed limit by at least 11 miles per hour. 

Traffic safety groups are hoping these cameras will deter drivers from speeding in areas with frequent accidents, areas common with street racing, and school zones. Initially, drivers would get a warning if they were caught speeding. After that, they would receive a fine starting at $50. 

The Senate is currently deciding on the bill. If it passes, the pilot program would last five years and could be expanded to more cities in California if it is successful. Supporters of the bill argue it will reduce pedestrian fatalities and injuries caused by speeding. However, critics are concerned about privacy from footage collected by the cameras. California would be the 19th state to introduce speed cameras. 

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in California

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding accounts for nearly a third of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. In California, traffic accidents claimed the lives of 4,285 people in 2021, 1,233 of whom were pedestrians and cyclists.

While pedestrians who jaywalk or cross outside of a crosswalk put themselves at risk, most pedestrian injury cases are caused by drivers who fail to take the necessary safety precautions. The most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Failure to follow traffic signs or signals
• Bad weather and poor visibility

Pedestrian and motor vehicle crashes result in the following types of accidents: 

• Hit-and run-accidents
• Crosswalk collisions
• Parking lot accidents 

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries 

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable people on the road, as they have no protection from the impact of a vehicle. Pedestrian accidents can result in serious and sometimes fatal injuries, depending on the speed and size of the vehicle, the location and angle of the collision, and the age and health of the pedestrian. Some of the most common pedestrian injuries are:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Bone fractures 
• Lower extremity injuries 
• Soft tissue injuries
• Internal injuries

A pedestrian accident can cause not only physical injuries but also mental and emotional distress. The impact of a serious injury can change a person’s life forever. That’s why our personal injury attorneys are here to help you.

How Can a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help Me?

Pedestrian accident cases are often much more serious than regular car accidents. Even a low-speed accident where a driver hits a pedestrian in a residential area can cause immense pain and suffering for years to come. This is where a personal injury attorney can help. An experienced lawyer has the know-how and determination to go after the at-fault driver and their insurance company. 

Here are a few key reasons to hire a pedestrian accident attorney for your case:

• Free consultation to learn about your situation
• A thorough, detailed investigation into the accident, including gathering critical evidence such as police reports and witness statements
• Communication with the insurance company, from the demand letter to negotiations
• Help with scheduling doctor appointments with physical therapists and other top medical professionals
• Legal team available 24/7 to answer your questions and concerns

An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help you obtain compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and more. Contact our pedestrian injury lawyer for a free case evaluation. 

Experienced California Pedestrian Accident Attorney

At DK Law, we care about the safety of pedestrians, and we believe everyone has the right to walk safely in their community. In the event of a pedestrian-vehicle collision, we look at every possible angle to determine liability and hold the at-fault party responsible when a motor vehicle accident hits a pedestrian. If you choose to ignore the pain or handle the insurance company on your own, you may lose out on full compensation. 

Our personal injury lawyers always fight for maximum compensation. We have locations across California, including Orange County, Los Angeles, San Jose, San Diego, and Long Beach. Call our pedestrian injury lawyer at (800) 719-9779 to set up a free consultation.