PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYERS
Trusted Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in LA
Protecting the Rights of Pedestrians After Serious Accidents
Being struck by a vehicle is a life-altering event that often results in catastrophic injuries. Pedestrians are the most vulnerable users of the road, yet insurance companies frequently try to shift blame onto the victim. At My Accident Lawyers, we fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and pursue the full compensation pedestrians deserve.
Trusted
Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
in Los Angeles
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If you were injured in a vehicle accident or personal injury incident, call us at (213) 383-1111 or (323) 313-9242 or, complete the form below for a free consultation. Our team will contact you shortly.
Pedestrian Accidents
In San Francisco, the high density of pedestrians and the prevalence of micro-mobility (e-scooters/bikes) result in a higher frequency of auto-pedestrian accidents, particularly in downtown corridors.
Being struck by a motor vehicle is a life-altering event. While pedestrians are the most vulnerable users of our roads, they often face uphill battles when dealing with aggressive insurance companies. At My Accident Lawyers, we specialize in representing victims of pedestrian accidents, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for the physical, emotional, and financial toll they cause.
In California, the “Standard of Care” for drivers is exceptionally high. California Vehicle Code § 21950 mandates that drivers yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks.
Common Causes of Driver Negligence:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, adjusting GPS, or social media use while behind the wheel.
- Failure to Yield: Ignoring crosswalks or turning right on red without checking for pedestrians.
- Speeding: A driver’s ability to stop decreases exponentially with speed; at 40 mph, a collision is nearly always fatal.
- DUI / Impairment: Alcohol and drug use remain a leading factor in 30% of California pedestrian deaths.
Understanding "Pure Comparative Negligence"
A common tactic by insurance companies is to blame the pedestrian for “jaywalking” or being distracted. However, under California’s Pure Comparative Negligence rule (Li v. Yellow Cab Co.), you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault.
A pedestrian accident often results in catastrophic injuries, including Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, and complex fractures. We pursue maximum compensation for:
- Economic Damages: Emergency room bills, future surgeries, rehabilitation, and lost wages (including loss of future earning capacity).
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages: In cases involving egregious conduct, such as DUI or Hit-and-Run, we may seek additional damages to punish the defendant.
Other personal injury attorneys have referred pedestrian accidents to us when they had difficulty settling or when the injuries were significant, and an expert attorney in pedestrian accidents was needed to get the case’s full value. More than 7,000 pedestrians were killed in auto accidents in 2020 in the United States.
Pedestrian accidents often result in the highest settlements because the injuries tend to be larger than other accidents. Alcohol was involved in almost half of those accidents. People 65 or older are in pedestrian accidents at a higher rate than people under age 65.
In an appropriate case, we will hire a pedestrian accident reconstructionist. Using math, physics, and computer programs, the expert can reconstruct the accident, which can make a difference in proving a case.
You can take steps to keep yourself safe when you are a pedestrian.
- Increase your visibility when walking at night by carrying a flashlight and wearing reflective clothing, such as reflective vests.
- Cross streets at a designated crosswalk or intersection whenever possible.
- Walk on a sidewalk or path instead of walking in the road.
- Avoid using earbuds when crossing the street.
- Avoid walking if you have been using alcohol or drugs, which can impair judgment and coordination.
Pedestrian Accident: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Critical Legal Answers for Pedestrian Accident Victims in California
Pedestrian accident claims often involve complex issues such as hit-and-run drivers, lack of insurance, and disputes over fault.
These frequently asked questions explain how California law protects injured pedestrians—even when the driver flees, you were jaywalking, or the insurance company pressures you to settle quickly.
Hit-and-run accidents are tragically common in California. Under California Insurance Code §11580.2, a hit-and-run driver is legally treated as an “Uninsured Motorist.”
- If you have auto insurance: You can likely file a claim under your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, even though you were a pedestrian.
- Critical Requirement: California law generally requires actual physical contact between the vehicle and the pedestrian to trigger UM coverage in a hit-and-run. You must also report the incident to the police within 24 hours.
Yes. You may still have several options:
- Household Policies: If you live with a relative (spouse, parent, etc.) who has auto insurance with UM coverage, you may be covered under their policy as a household member.
- The At-Fault Driver’s Assets: If the driver is identified but uninsured, you can sue them personally, though recovery depends on their individual assets.
- Med-Pay/Health Insurance: Your own health insurance or “Medical Payments” coverage can cover immediate medical bills regardless of who was at fault.
Yes. California follows the Pure Comparative Negligence standard. While the insurance company may argue you were at fault for crossing outside a crosswalk, the driver still has a “Duty of Care” to avoid hitting pedestrians. If the driver was speeding or distracted, they will likely share a significant portion of the fault. Your total compensation would simply be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Consult with an attorney first. Insurance adjusters often reach out early to offer a low settlement before the full extent of your injuries (like long-term nerve damage or traumatic brain injury) is known. Once you sign a release, you waive your right to ask for more money later. An attorney can help calculate the true value of your claim, including future medical costs and lost earning capacity.
For most personal injury cases in California, the Statute of Limitations is two years from the date of the accident.
- Government Exception: If you were hit by a government vehicle (like a city bus or a police car), you must file a formal administrative claim within 6 months.
- Insurance Deadlines: Some UM policies have shorter notification windows (often 30 days) to report a hit-and-run.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles Today
Get the Compensation You Deserve—With Experienced Legal Representation on Your Side
We have represented numerous families of people who were killed in Pedestrian accidents. We have also represented people hospitalized with severe injuries due to a pedestrian accident. We have many, many success stories. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Contact My Accident Lawyers at (213) 383-1111 or (323) 313-9242 today for a free consultation with a trusted car accident lawyer in Los Angeles. Our experienced team is available 24/7 to provide immediate help and guide you through the legal process. Let us fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing.
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3580 Wilshire Blvd Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010
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Phone
213-383-1111
Phone
323-313-9242