TL;DR: Yes, pedestrian accidents increase in California holiday shopping areas due to higher foot traffic, reduced daylight, and distracted or impaired driving. Both pedestrians and drivers should remain alert and follow crosswalk and right-of-way rules to reduce the risk of collisions.
Table of Contents
Throughout the year, many holiday shoppers eagerly anticipate the bargains on Black Friday. As a result, from Thanksgiving until the New Year, holiday retail districts and mall parking lots see significantly higher pedestrian volume. With this rise, you can also expect a corresponding increase in pedestrian accidents.
Pedestrian accidents are an avoidable but often disregarded risk for holiday shoppers. Many people are unaware of the heightened collision risk in crowded parking aisles and mall entrances. The consequences of pedestrian accidents are often far greater than people realize. This includes injuries such as:
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Herniated discs
- Organ damage
- Spinal fractures
Such injuries may require costly medical treatment. These may include surgery, chiropractic care, or rehabilitation.
If you or a loved one sustains injuries in a pedestrian accident, you may be looking for free accident lawyer advice. At AK Law Firm, we offer free initial consultations to clarify your options. Attorney’s fees are collected only if recovery is made; certain case-related costs may remain separate, whatever the result may be. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our contact form.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Increase In Holiday Shopping Areas
Pedestrian accidents tend to increase in shopping areas during the holiday season. The time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is hectic. Rushed driving, congested lanes, and constant pedestrian movement all elevate collision risk.
They may need to deal with various factors that contribute to pedestrian accidents in holiday shopping areas. These may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Distractions While Walking Or Driving
Pedestrian accidents can be caused by distractions, particularly during the holiday season. Phone usage, GPS inputs, and shopping conversations significantly reduce awareness in tight traffic zones.
Failure To Yield Right-Of-Way
Holiday congestion increases rolling stops, hurried turns, and misjudged pedestrian distance, leading to increased collisions in crosswalks and parking aisles.
Drunk Or Impaired Driving
Seasonal gatherings increase the likelihood of impaired driving, particularly during evening shopping periods when visibility is already low.
Poor Lighting And Reduced Visibility
Shorter daylight hours and shaded parking structures reduce driver reaction time, especially at mall entrances and crosswalk exits.
Jaywalking And Illegal Crossings
Drivers bear the responsibility of avoiding accidents. However, unsafe crossings, mid-aisle entries, and stepping between SUVs or holiday delivery vans commonly contribute to crash scenarios.
Aggressive Driving And Speeding
Rushed holiday traffic leads to faster lane changes, reduced stopping distances, and late braking in crowded parking lots.
Weather-Related Hazards
Wet asphalt, slick paint lines, and fogged windshields may slow reaction time and impair judgment in shopping centers. Adverse weather conditions may also lead to pedestrian accidents. Drivers may fail to stop in time and avoid pedestrians due to:
- Rain
- Wet roads
- Occasional icy patches
- Slippery sidewalks
Common Locations For Holiday Pedestrian Accidents
Anywhere that people on foot and cars interact, pedestrian accidents can occur. This includes mall loop roads, parking decks, and curbside pickup lanes, where vehicles stop and restart unpredictably.
If you get in a pedestrian accident, you might have legal options to recover damages. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for your losses.
Some examples of cases an attorney can handle are:
Parking Lot Accidents
During the holidays, parking lots get particularly hectic. Shoppers may dash to grocery stores, shopping malls, and retail establishments. There is low visibility in parking lots because of:
- Tight spaces.
- Heavy foot traffic.
- Drivers rushing to find parking.
It’s common for drivers to make mistakes. These include backing out without checking blind spots or making sharp turns around corners. This puts pedestrians at high risk of collision.
In addition to pedestrian collisions, slip-and-fall injuries in California malls are another common hazard shoppers face during the holiday rush.
Crosswalk Accidents
The risk of collisions at crosswalks can rise due to holiday traffic. Driving while multitasking or hurrying between errands is common. These behaviors can lead to reduced attention and slower reaction times. This lack of focus can be dangerous in busy shopping districts and commercial areas. Serious collisions may occur when drivers fail to see pedestrians crossing the street.
Some drivers may attempt to avoid a red light. They may also fail to yield to a pedestrian who has the right-of-way. Drivers who engage in such behaviors could cause a collision.
Tips For Pedestrian Safety During The Holidays
Taking precautions can help prevent pedestrian accidents that occur during the holiday season. Consider the following safety advice:
- Stay Visible — With many distractions, drivers may not notice pedestrians, particularly at night. Wear bright, reflective clothing if possible. Use the flashlight on your phone to illuminate your path in a dimly lit area.
- Stay Alert While Walking — Pedestrians are just as prone to distractions as motorists. Avoid using your phone while walking. Be careful while strolling on busy streets or Christmas tree lots.
- Guard Your Children — Be mindful of your children if you bring them to the mall. Don’t let them go out of your sight, and keep them near you. Talk to your children in advance. Give them safety guidelines for parking lots and garages. It may take patience and understanding, but it is up to you to keep them safe.
- Use Designated Crosswalks — Avoid weaving between cars or cutting across the parking lot. Always look both ways before entering a crosswalk and stick to the main aisles.
- Refrain From Assumptions — Avoid assuming that vehicle drivers can see you. Avoid cars that are pulling into a parking spot or backing out of one. Remember that vehicles have blind spots. Before you make any moves, try to make eye contact with the driver to confirm that you have been seen.
- Plan Your Holiday Celebrations Ahead — Schedule your holiday shopping trips in advance. Allow yourself enough time to cross items off your to-do list comfortably, so you don’t feel rushed. Additionally, try to avoid the busiest times of day for local stores. Keep in mind that you can always shop online to avoid the holiday rush.
If you’re planning to drive during the holidays, reviewing a holiday season driving guide can help you stay safe and alert in busy retail areas. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Refrain from Drinking & Driving — Avoid driving after drinking. If you’ve had alcohol at a holiday party, think about using a ridesharing service. There may be cases where you get injured while using Uber or Lyft. A rideshare accident lawyer can help you explore legal options.
- Drive Within Speed Limits — Drive carefully. You may need to slow down in places with high foot traffic.
- Keep Your Focus on the Road — Be alert for pedestrians. There may be more people in and around retail malls and residential areas during the Christmas season.
- Yield to Pedestrians — At crosswalks and intersections, exercise caution and yield to pedestrians.
Pedestrian Accidents During Holiday Shopping: FAQs
Who May Be Held Liable If I’m Hit By A Car In A Parking Lot During Holiday Shopping?
Drivers are often the first to be held liable in parking lot collisions. During the holidays, drivers may be distracted by various factors. Cell phones, GPS units, and the haste to locate available parking spots are a few examples.
A driver may be held legally liable for harm or property damage resulting from:
- Not checking for cars or pedestrians while backing up.
- Speeding through crowded lanes.
- Disregarding right-of-way laws or pedestrian crosswalks.
Damages are typically covered by the driver’s liability policy with their auto insurance. However, determining fault often requires evidence to support the claim. As such, you may need to obtain the following:
- Witness statements.
- Police reports.
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
If a driver injured you, you may be thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer.” In many cases, seeking legal counsel can be helpful. You can learn more about your legal options with assistance from car accident lawyers.
What Can I Do If I’m Injured As A Pedestrian In A Shopping Area?
You may be uncertain about how to respond if you are involved in a pedestrian accident. Taking certain steps can help you protect yourself and your rights. Here are some precautions to consider:
- Seek Medical Attention — Prioritize your health. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is essential to receive immediate medical attention. Doing so can protect your well-being. Additionally, it generates a medical record to support your claim.
- Report the Accident — Contact the police for assistance. They can create an official accident report. This documentation can serve as supporting evidence when pursuing a claim.
- Gather Evidence — Take pictures of the scene if you can. Obtain witness information and preserve any important paperwork. This type of evidence can help establish the extent of your injuries and demonstrate fault.
- Contact an Attorney — Contact a pedestrian accident attorney for assistance. A personal injury lawyer handling pedestrian accidents can help you understand your rights. At Arash Law, we offer free initial consultations to clarify your options.
How Much Is The Cost Of Hiring A Personal Injury Lawyer?
The cost of hiring an attorney can vary widely depending on various factors. Most personal injury lawyers in the U.S. work on a contingency fee basis. This begs the question, “Do lawyers only get paid if they win?” Under a contingency fee agreement, they get paid attorney’s fees only if they win compensation for you. However, you might still owe case-related costs, even if the outcome doesn’t go your way.
How Long Do I Have To File A Pedestrian Accident Claim?
In California, the deadline for filing pedestrian accident claims is generally two years. This is commonly referred to as the statute of limitations. These filing deadlines may be shortened or paused in rare circumstances.
Missing these deadlines could limit or bar your ability to pursue compensation. That is why it’s advisable to consult a pedestrian accident lawyer in California as soon as possible.
What Compensation Can I Recover After A Holiday Pedestrian Accident?
You can seek damages for various losses in a pedestrian accident. Examples include the following:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Income
- Diminished Earning Capacity
- Property Damage
- Pain and Suffering
- Disability or Disfigurement
- Loss of Enjoyment in Life
- Loss of Consortium
Consult An Attorney For Pedestrian Accidents In Holiday Shopping Areas
The holiday shopping season is very busy for everyone. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents can happen in busy malls and shopping centers. Even with all precautions in place, accidents involving pedestrians can still happen.
No one expects to suffer an injury in a pedestrian accident in a holiday shopping area. If this happened to you or a loved one, you may seek damages. Speak with an experienced attorney to understand your legal rights and options. After your injuries have been treated, get in touch with AK Law Firm to talk about your legal case. If your accident happened locally, a pedestrian accident lawyer can evaluate your claim.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our attorneys. Call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form here.
