Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Hurt while walking in L.A.? Walking in Los Angeles and across Southern California can be dangerous. Roads are crowded with cars, buses, and rideshare vehicles. Many drivers are distracted, speeding, or too tired to drive safely. These conditions put pedestrians at constant risk of serious accidents, often leading to severe injuries and heavy financial stress.

Our Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorneys help injured pedestrians and families get full compensation fast. From crosswalk crashes to hit-and-runs, Uber/Lyft collisions, and even self-driving vehicle cases, our pedestrian injury law firm handles everything: the insurance claim, medical documentation, settlement negotiations, and, if needed, the lawsuit and trial.

Free Consultation • No Fee Unless We Win • 24/7 • Call at 323-524-8994

What are California Laws that Protect Pedestrians (and How They Affect Your Case)

California laws balance the responsibilities of both drivers and pedestrians. Understanding these rules is crucial to protecting your rights after an accident. Here is a brief look at key California laws that can impact your case.

Right of Way (CVC § 21950):

Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. However, pedestrians must also exercise care for their own safety and should not suddenly enter a crosswalk if it creates an immediate hazard.
Outside Crosswalks (CVC § 21954):

Pedestrians crossing outside of a crosswalk must yield to vehicles. Even so, drivers are still required to use due care to avoid a collision. In California, fault can be shared through comparative negligence, which means a pedestrian’s recovery may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
“Freedom to Walk Act” (AB 2147):

Since January 1, 2023, police generally cannot ticket for jaywalking unless there is an immediate risk of a collision. This new law helps decriminalize safe street crossings, but it does not remove a driver’s duty to act with caution.
Deadline (CCP § 335.1):

Most personal injury lawsuits in California have a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the injury. Be aware that this deadline is significantly shorter—often just six months, when a public or government entity is involved.
Damages (Civil Code § 3333):

California law allows you to recover damages for all losses that were directly caused by a wrongful act. These damages can include both economic losses (like medical bills and lost wages) and non-economic losses (such as pain and suffering).

A vehicle hit me while I was walking, what should I do?

If you are struck by a car while walking, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Protect your health and your legal rights by following these steps:

If you are able, call 911 and request police and emergency medical services, or ask someone nearby to do it for you.
If it is safe, remain as still as possible. Movements, especially to the neck or back, can make injuries worse.
Seek immediate emergency medical care and request transport to a hospital such as Cedars-Sinai or UCLA Health.
Gather information from the driver and witnesses, including names, license plate numbers, and insurance details.
Photograph the accident scene, roadway conditions, traffic signals, vehicles, and your injuries if you can.
When speaking with police, say only what you know for certain. Do not guess, speculate, or admit fault.
Do not provide recorded statements to the insurance company or adjusters without legal representation.
Call an experienced Los Angeles car accident attorney immediately. A skilled lawyer from our personal injury law firm will preserve evidence, handle insurance negotiations, and begin your claim.

Who Can Be Liable in a Pedestrian Accident Case?

Determining liability is one of the most important parts of a pedestrian accident claim. In Los Angeles, responsibility is not always limited to the driver. Several parties may share fault, depending on the circumstances.

Potentially liable parties in a pedestrian accident case include:

The driver: Responsible when speeding, distracted driving, DUI, or failure to yield causes a crash.
The employer: Liable if the driver was working at the time of the accident.
Rideshare companies (Uber/Lyft): Can be accountable if the driver was logged into the app or transporting a passenger.
Self-driving vehicle operators (Waymo and others): Liability may fall on the manufacturer, software developer, or human operator.
Auto manufacturers or mechanics: Defects or negligent repairs can lead to pedestrian collisions.
City, state, or public entities: Dangerous road design, broken signals, or unsafe crosswalks may trigger a government claim.
Contractors or third parties: Construction zones that push pedestrians into unsafe areas can create liability.

At Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., our Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney acts fast to build your case. We analyze black-box data, use accident reconstruction, and consult expert witnesses. Our goal is simple: identify every liable party and hold them accountable.

What can I recover as part of my pedestrian injury claim?

In California’s civil legal system, you may recover compensation for both past and future injuries caused by a pedestrian accident. According to leading pedestrian accident perspectives from auto accident law firms in Los Angeles, common categories of damages include:

1- Economic damages

Medical bills (ER, surgery, rehab), future care, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, home/vehicle modifications, out-of-pocket costs, and property damage.

2- Non-economic damages

Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement/scarring, and loss of consortium.

3- Punitive damages

Available in rare, egregious cases (e.g., extreme recklessness, intoxication).

4- Wrongful death damages

Funeral/burial, final medical expenses, loss of financial support, and companionship.

Comparative Negligence: Do I Still Have a Case If I Wasn’t in a Crosswalk?

Yes. California’s pure comparative negligence lets you recover even if you were partly at fault; your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. Example: if you’re 20% at fault, you still recover 80% of your proven damages. (We use evidence—speed data, sightlines, driver phone records to minimize any fault pushed on you.)

Who Are the Possible At-Fault Parties That I Can Make a Claim Against?

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, insights from an auto accident lawyer in Los Angeles show it is critical to hold every responsible party accountable. You only get one chance to recover the compensation you deserve.

Potential at-fault parties may include:

The driver of the vehicle that struck you.
The driver’s employer, if the driver was working at the time.
Public entities that owned or operated the vehicle.
Public entities are responsible for dangerous roadway design, poor maintenance, or repair failures.
Public entities that ignored known hazards at intersections or crosswalks.
Third parties, such as contractors in construction zones, forced pedestrians into unsafe condition

How Do You Prove At-Fault Parties Were Liable for the Pedestrian Accident?

At Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., we act quickly to prove fault against negligent drivers and companies. Our team immediately investigates by securing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and obtaining video from traffic or storefront cameras. We also analyze accident patterns in the area where you were struck to show ongoing risks to pedestrians.

This evidence is combined into a strategy designed to hold all at-fault parties accountable. If a lawsuit becomes necessary, we use discovery, depositions, and expert witnesses to expose wrongdoing. We also ensure that every injury and all damages, economic and non-economic, are fully documented.

If a trial is required, our pedestrian accident attorney is prepared. We have the skill and courtroom experience to take pedestrian accident cases before a judge and jury when insurers refuse to pay fairly.

Can I Still Make a Claim If I Am Partially at Fault for the Pedestrian Accident?

Yes. California uses pure comparative negligence, which means you can still recover damages even if you were mostly at fault. Your recovery is reduced only by your share of fault.

For example, if you were 20% responsible, you may still recover 80% of your damages. Our pedestrian accident attorney in Los Angeles uses evidence like driver phone records, speed data, and visibility studies to fight back against unfair blame.

What Are the Deadlines for a Pedestrian Lawsuit?

The statute of limitations for most pedestrian accident lawsuits in California is two years from the date of the accident (CCP § 335.1). If your claim involves a public entity, however, you must file a government claim within six months and follow strict deadlines afterward.

Standard deadline: 2 years from the crash (CCP § 335.1).
Public entities: Government claims are usually within 6 months, then quick follow-up steps.
Serious-injury cases: Settlement often follows after you complete major treatment, so we can claim full, documented losses. Simple cases can resolve in months; catastrophic or disputed-liability cases may take longer (we prep every case for trial to maximize value).

Missing these deadlines can prevent you from recovering damages. That’s why contacting a California pedestrian accident lawyer immediately after your accident is so important.

How Long Does a Pedestrian Accident Injury Lawsuit Take?

The timeline depends on your case. After filing a lawsuit, most California courts set a trial date about 12 to 18 months later. If your medical treatment is ongoing, the case may take longer.

Many pedestrian accident claims settle before trial. Before resolution, your case will move through written discovery, depositions, expert analysis, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation. At Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This often leads to better settlements.

What Serious Injuries Are the Most Common in Pedestrian Collisions?

When vehicles collide with pedestrians, the injuries are often catastrophic:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Broken bones and fractures
Internal bleeding and organ damage
Amputations and crush injuries
Severe lacerations and disfigurement
Long-term disabilities and PTSD
Wrongful death

Our California pedestrian accident lawyer works with medical experts to fully document these injuries and their lifelong effects.

How Do Vehicle Versus Pedestrian Accidents Happen in L.A.?

Some of the most common scenarios and causes of pedestrian accidents are:

Careless drivers who fail to yield at crosswalks or intersections.
Distracted drivers are using phones, texting, eating, or focusing on apps instead of the road.
Drowsy or fatigued drivers, especially bus, rideshare, and commercial truck operators.
Speeding drivers who cannot stop in time to avoid a collision.
Rolling through stop signs or red lights when making right turns.
Trucks and buses are cutting corners during wide turns, putting pedestrians in danger.
DUI accidents are caused by alcohol or drug impairment.
Defective roadway design, poor maintenance, or lack of repair.
Poor lighting makes it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians.
Missing or inadequate signage that leaves crosswalks unprotected.
Hidden or obscured crosswalks that drivers fail to notice.
Hit-and-run accidents occur when negligent drivers flee the scene after striking a pedestrian.

Because these cases often involve multiple factors, exploring the benefits of hiring an experienced auto accident lawyer in Los Angeles for your compensation claim can make a major difference in building a strong case.

If I Am Undocumented, Can I Still Make a Pedestrian Accident Claim and File a Lawsuit?

Yes. California law is clear: immigration status cannot be used against you in a civil lawsuit. Your right to compensation in a pedestrian accident case is the same as anyone else’s.

If the defense tries to intimidate you, we act immediately. Our team files objections and motions to stop these tactics and protect your rights.

I Do Not Have Health Insurance and Cannot Afford Treatment. Can You Help?

Yes. At Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., our number one goal is to help you heal after a pedestrian accident injury. We have relationships with top doctors, providers, and medical facilities who will treat you on a lien basis. This means you do not pay upfront. Instead, your medical bills are covered from the settlement or verdict in your case.

Because medical care is part of your damages, the at-fault party’s insurance is ultimately responsible. Our staff can also help you apply for Medi-Cal, Medicare, or other low-cost options if needed.

Contact Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., Now!

At Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., we put clients first. Our Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer focus on service, excellence, and results.

We have recovered multi-six-figure settlements for accident victims across Los Angeles and Southern California. Our attorney use strong negotiations, detailed investigations, and trial experience to hold negligent parties accountable.

We keep you informed, answer your questions, and consult with you on every major decision. Our top priority is helping you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

Call us today at 323-524-8994 for a FREE consultation. There is no obligation, and you pay no fee unless we win.