Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles, and it generally involves a driver whose attention was pulled away from the road. Under California Vehicle Code §23123, drivers usually may not hold a phone while operating a vehicle, yet texting, navigation apps, eating, and adjusting controls still cause many crashes. A driver who misses a person in a crosswalk because they were looking down may, in most cases, be found negligent. If distraction played a role in your injury, a free case review can help you understand what evidence may support your claim.

Speeding is a leading factor in serious pedestrian accidents because higher speeds generally reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the force of impact. California Vehicle Code §22350, the Basic Speed Law, requires drivers to travel at a speed that is reasonable and safe for conditions, and lower limits often apply in residential and school zones. A driver who was going too fast for a busy crosswalk or intersection may be held responsible for the harm that follows. Here are some of the situations where speed commonly turns a near-miss into a devastating collision, and a legal professional can review yours.

Failure to yield to a pedestrian is a frequent cause of Los Angeles crosswalk accidents and is directly addressed by California Vehicle Code §21950. That statute generally requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Turning drivers, drivers rolling through stop signs, and drivers who fail to look before proceeding often strike people who had the legal right to cross. If a driver did not yield to you, our team can help you explore whether you may be entitled to compensation.

Impaired driving remains a serious cause of pedestrian injuries and deaths across Los Angeles. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited by California Vehicle Code §23152, and impairment generally slows reaction time, blurs judgment, and makes it harder for a driver to notice pedestrians. An impaired driver who strikes a pedestrian may face both criminal charges and civil liability for the victim’s losses. If you were hurt by a suspected drunk or drugged driver, a free consultation can help you understand the options that may be available to you.

Poor visibility contributes to many pedestrian accidents, especially at night, at dawn or dusk, and in poorly lit or poorly designed areas. Reduced lighting, weather, obstructed sightlines, and unsafe intersections can all make it harder for drivers to see people crossing. While drivers are generally expected to adjust to conditions, a government entity may sometimes share responsibility when road or lighting design created a hazard. Because these claims can involve strict deadlines and multiple parties, talking with a legal professional early may help protect your rights.

California law gives pedestrians important protections, and understanding them can help you recognize when a driver may be at fault. In most cases, drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks under California Vehicle Code §21950, obey posted and reduced speed limits, and avoid handheld phone use while driving. Pedestrians also generally have a limited time to act: the standard personal injury statute of limitations in California is two years under Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. These rules can vary with the facts, so a free case review is a good way to confirm how they may apply to you.

Taking a few careful steps after a pedestrian accident can help protect both your health and any future claim. Generally, it helps to seek medical attention right away, report the crash so an official record exists, gather the driver’s information, and document the scene with photos and witness details when possible. Common injuries such as broken bones, head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal damage may not fully show up immediately, so prompt care matters. When you are ready, our team can walk you through what may come next during a free consultation.

Learn how our Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers can help after a crash.

When a crash is fatal, our page on fatal pedestrian accident cases explains families’ options.