A new report detailed on National Public Radio (NPR) reveals a frightening statistic – according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of pedestrian and cyclist fatalities are increasing nationwide. The cities with the highest number of accidents include New York and Los Angeles.

What’s worse is that in Los Angeles, where the car is the most common mode of transportation, hit and run car accidents involving pedestrians occur almost daily. Unfortunately, these can often be the hardest for law enforcement to investigate and solve.

Most states including California require that a driver stop as soon as is safe following an accident. California Vehicle Code Sec. 20001 provides that any driver regardless of fault must stop after an accident that involves property damage or personal injury and exchange identifying information. In the event you are not the owner of the car, you must also provide the name and address of the registered owner.

In spite of laws requiring drivers to stop, people may still flee the scene of an accident for a variety of reasons. Many times, individuals simply panic and don’t know what to do. They may be scared, but then later contact the authorities to report an accident.

Besides the fact that the perpetrator has run off, bystanders and witnesses may be reluctant to provide evidence in a hit and run car crash.

Despite the challenges in locating the driver at fault, it is important to contact a skilled Sacramento personal injury attorney if you have been hurt in a hit and run accident. An experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer can investigate the crash and ensure you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

The NPR story reveals that in 2012, the LAPD recorded more than 2,500 motor vehicle vs. pedestrian incidents. Injuries range from cuts and bruises, to broken bones to serious brain, neck and spinal cord injures, even death. In a study conducted by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, statistics showed that pedestrian traffic fatalities in Los Angeles are nearly triple the national average.

Like many cities across the country, including Stockton, Sacramento and San Francisco, L.A. drivers and pedestrians are increasingly distracted by electronic devices. For many Californians the problem is exacerbated due to the amount of time California drivers spend in their cars, commuting back and forth.

The litany of reasons behind the number of pedestrian v. car accidents does not excuse negligent driving behavior but rather should call for greater effort to ensure the safety of California’s roadways. According to an LAPD detective, in just the last handful of days three more pedestrians were killed just crossing the street.

For more information or if you or a loved on has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact the top Sacramento personal injury lawyer at Sette Law Office for an immediate consultation.