Pedestrians in Los Angeles deal with constant risks from fast-moving traffic, distracted drivers, and poorly designed intersections. When a careless driver causes harm, victims deserve accountability and financial recovery for what they’ve lost.
A Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer at Greenberg Gross can guide you through the legal process, explain your rights under California law, and help you pursue justice. Whether you were injured crossing a busy street in Downtown LA or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run in Koreatown, our attorneys are ready to listen and take action.
We offer free consultations to help you understand your legal options.
Greenberg Gross LLP is ready to stand by your side
Key Takeaways: Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles
- Negligent driving behaviors like speeding and distraction are among the top causes of pedestrian accidents in LA.
- California law gives pedestrians the right-of-way in marked and unmarked crosswalks, though pedestrians also share responsibility for safety.
- Victims can pursue damages for medical costs, income loss, pain, and other related expenses.
- Multiple parties may share liability, including drivers, employers, or government agencies that failed to maintain safe roads.
- Quick legal action protects your rights, especially because strict filing deadlines apply in California.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles?
Pedestrian crashes occur across Los Angeles every day. From Sunset Boulevard to the crosswalks near UCLA, reckless choices behind the wheel often lead to devastating injuries.
Driver Negligence and Traffic Violations
Drivers who ignore traffic laws or act carelessly place pedestrians at serious risk. Running red lights, rolling through stop signs, or failing to signal often result in catastrophic outcomes.
Distracted Driving
Distractions like texting, adjusting navigation systems, or eating while driving cause drivers to miss pedestrians crossing the road. Even a few seconds of lost attention can cause a life-altering collision.
Failure to Yield at Crosswalks
Many Los Angeles intersections see drivers speeding through crosswalks or turning without checking for pedestrians. California law requires vehicles to yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks.
Speeding in Pedestrian Zones
In places like Hollywood Boulevard or near local schools, speeding drivers dramatically reduce their ability to stop in time. A pedestrian hit by a car traveling at 40 miles per hour faces far greater harm than one struck at 20.
Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol and drugs impair reaction time and judgment. DUI-related pedestrian accidents often occur late at night near entertainment areas such as West Hollywood or Santa Monica Boulevard.
Poor Road Conditions and Inadequate Infrastructure
Uneven sidewalks, broken streetlights, or faded crosswalk markings increase risk for pedestrians. When city maintenance fails, the government may share liability for resulting injuries.
California Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws
California laws aim to protect pedestrians, but both drivers and pedestrians share responsibility for preventing accidents.
Vehicle Code Section 21950 requires drivers to yield to pedestrians crossing within marked or unmarked crosswalks. Drivers must slow down and take proper precautions to ensure pedestrian safety.
Unmarked Crosswalks and Intersections
Many intersections in Los Angeles don’t have painted lines, but the law still treats these as crosswalks. Drivers must stop when pedestrians are crossing at these locations.
Pedestrian Obligations Under California Law
Pedestrians must also act responsibly. They cannot suddenly leave a curb and walk into the path of a vehicle close enough to pose danger. Both parties must act with reasonable care to prevent harm.
What Injuries Do Pedestrian Accident Victims Typically Suffer?
Pedestrians have no protection against the force of a moving vehicle. Injuries are often severe and require long-term treatment.
Traumatic Brain Injuries and Head Trauma
A fall or direct impact can lead to concussions or more serious brain damage. These injuries may affect memory, balance, and daily functioning.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Damage to the spinal cord may cause partial or total paralysis. Victims often need extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Arms, legs, and ribs commonly break in pedestrian collisions. Surgery and physical therapy are often required for full recovery.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Torn ligaments, sprains, and muscle injuries can limit mobility for months. Even minor strains may result in lasting discomfort.
Internal Organ Damage
Severe internal injuries may not appear immediately after a crash but can become life-threatening without prompt care.
Wrongful Death
Tragically, some victims don’t survive their injuries. In these situations, family members may pursue a wrongful death claim with the help of a wrongful death lawyer to hold the responsible party accountable and recover related losses.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Pedestrian Accident in Los Angeles?
Liability often extends beyond the driver. Several parties may share responsibility depending on how the crash occurred.
Negligent Drivers
The driver who failed to yield, sped through a red light, or ignored a pedestrian’s presence usually holds primary responsibility.
Employers and Commercial Vehicle Companies
When commercial vehicles cause harm, their employers may share fault if the driver was working at the time of the crash.
Government Entities for Dangerous Road Conditions
City or county agencies that fail to maintain safe crosswalks, traffic signals, or street lighting may bear liability.
Property Owners
Private property owners who neglect to fix dangerous sidewalks or parking lot conditions may be responsible for pedestrian injuries.
Multiple Parties and Shared Liability
Sometimes, more than one party contributes to the accident. California’s comparative negligence laws allow each to be held responsible for their share of fault.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
A pedestrian accident can lead to steep financial losses. Legal action helps victims recover money for these hardships.
Medical Expenses and Future Care Costs
Claims may include hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care needs. Future medical costs should also be accounted for in the claim.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
When injuries prevent you from working, you may seek damages for current and future income you can no longer earn.
Pain and Suffering
Non-economic losses account for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and recovery process.
Property Damage
Pedestrians may claim the cost of repairing or replacing personal belongings damaged in the collision, such as phones or bicycles.
Punitive Damages in Cases of Gross Negligence
If the at-fault driver acted with reckless disregard for others’ safety, such as driving while intoxicated, the court may award punitive damages to punish that behavior.
California's Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Claims
You typically have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline may forfeit your right to seek recovery.
Six-Month Notice Requirement for Claims Against Government Entities
When a city or public agency shares liability, claimants must file an administrative claim within six months of the accident.
Exceptions That May Extend the Filing Deadline
In rare cases involving minors, delayed discovery of injury, or incapacity, courts may extend the deadline. Speaking with a personal injury attorney early helps preserve your rights.
How Does Comparative Negligence Affect My Pedestrian Accident Claim?
Even if you share some fault, you may still recover damages. Your total compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
How Fault Is Determined and Allocated
Evidence like police reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements helps determine how much responsibility each party bears.
Impact on Your Compensation Recovery
A 20 percent fault finding, for example, would reduce your total recovery by that amount. A knowledgeable attorney helps present your side of the case clearly.
Greenberg Gross LLP is ready to stand by your side
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Los Angeles
A pedestrian accident can leave anyone stunned and unsure of what to do next. The moments that follow are often chaotic, but as pedestrian accidents are on the rise, your actions after a crash can significantly affect both your health and your legal options. Staying calm and following a clear plan helps protect your well-being and supports any future claim you may file.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Always make your health the top priority. Even if you feel fine at first, some injuries take time to appear. Getting checked by a doctor ensures you receive proper treatment and creates medical documentation linking your injuries to the accident.
Report the Accident to Law Enforcement
Call 911 or the Los Angeles Police Department to report the crash. A police report serves as an official record, which becomes valuable evidence later. Officers will record details like location, time, and possible causes of the collision.
Document the Scene and Gather Evidence
If you can, take photos or videos of the area before anything changes. Capture traffic signals, crosswalks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Save copies of all related paperwork, including medical bills, discharge summaries, and receipts for expenses connected to your recovery.
Obtain Witness Information
Witnesses often provide key details about how the crash occurred. Politely ask for their names and contact information so your attorney can follow up later. Independent statements help support your version of events.
Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Representation
Insurance representatives may contact you soon after the accident. Their goal is often to protect their company’s financial interests. Politely decline to give a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement before talking with a lawyer.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
A Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer can evaluate your case and explain your rights. Legal guidance ensures you understand all options for pursuing compensation from the at-fault driver, their employer, or another responsible party.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
After a pedestrian accident, dealing with medical treatment, bills, and insurance companies can feel exhausting. The attorneys at Greenberg Gross handle the legal process for you, allowing you to focus on healing while we protect your rights and build your case.
Thorough Investigation of Your Accident
We gather police reports, surveillance video, and witness statements to uncover what truly happened.
Gathering Critical Evidence and Expert Testimony
We begin by reviewing every detail of your accident. Our legal team gathers police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness statements to determine exactly how the collision occurred. By identifying all responsible parties, we help strengthen your claim from the start.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
We handle discussions with insurers to pursue fair compensation for your losses. When they refuse reasonable settlements, we hold them accountable through legal action.
Calculating the Full Value of Your Claim
Our attorneys assess every detail, including future care costs, wage loss, and the lasting impact of your injuries.
Representing You in Court If Necessary
If litigation becomes necessary, our trial attorneys are fully prepared to present your case before a judge or jury.
Handling Claims Against Government Entities
Claims involving city or state agencies require unique procedures. Our firm ensures all required notices and deadlines are met.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accident Claims in LA
What should I do if the driver who hit me fled the scene?
Report the hit-and-run to the police right away. Officers can investigate using surveillance cameras or eyewitness accounts. You may also file a claim through your own uninsured motorist coverage.
Can I still recover compensation if I was jaywalking when the accident occurred?
Yes. California’s comparative negligence law allows partial recovery even if you share some blame. The court or insurance company will adjust your award based on your percentage of fault.
How long does it take to resolve a pedestrian accident case in California?
The timeline varies. Straightforward insurance claims may settle in a few months, while more complex cases involving severe injuries or multiple parties may take longer.
Will I have to go to court for my pedestrian accident claim?
Many claims settle outside of court. However, if the at-fault driver’s insurer refuses a fair resolution, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit.
What if the driver who hit me doesn't have insurance?
You may still recover compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage or by pursuing other responsible parties such as an employer or government entity.
Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles Now
Pedestrian accident cases demand prompt attention because evidence can disappear and legal deadlines approach quickly. Greenberg Gross provides experienced legal support for injured pedestrians and grieving families across Los Angeles. We hold negligent drivers and other responsible parties accountable for the harm they cause. To learn how we can assist with your pedestrian accident claim, call (213) 334-7000 for a free, no-obligation consultation today.