How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Pedestrian Accident in Los Angeles?

Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood Boulevard, and Figueroa Street are some of the main streets in L.A. that have become notorious for pedestrian collisions. The wide roads, fast speeds, and poor crosswalk visibility all contribute to the danger.

If a negligent driver struck you or someone you love in Los Angeles, you’re likely in pain, shaken, and facing questions you never expected to ask. Maybe you’re recovering from serious injuries, or perhaps you’re trying to make sense of an unimaginable loss. Either way, you need legal help – and that starts with understanding your rights and contacting a pedestrian accident law firm in Los Angeles.

So, what is the average payout for a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles? The answer to that question varies widely. Compensation for a pedestrian accident may be $15,000 for relatively minor injuries. For others, it could exceed $1 million, especially in cases involving permanent disability or wrongful death. 

Every case is different, and the value of your depends on the injuries, losses, and several other factors that we will address here.

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Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles: A Harsh Reality

The scale of the problem in LA is enormous. According to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, pedestrian deaths make up a significant portion of all traffic fatalities. In neighborhoods like Boyle Heights, Mid-City, and South LA, pedestrian injuries are especially common, often at intersections where design favors cars over people.

Los Angeles is the second deadliest city for pedestrians in the U.S. In the most recent ten-year span of time for which statistics have been compiled, 1,133 pedestrians were killed in L.A., more than 100 people each year. Several hundred more pedestrians sustained injuries ranging from mild to catastrophic. Los Angeles trails New York City slightly for the most pedestrian deaths.

Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood Boulevard, and Figueroa Street have become notorious for pedestrian collisions. The wide roads, fast speeds, and poor crosswalk visibility all contribute to the danger.

In short, LA roads weren’t built with walkers in mind. And when things go wrong, pedestrians often pay the highest price.

How much is the average payout for a pedestrian hit by car in California?

Common Injuries in Los Angeles Pedestrian Accidents

Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no seatbelts, airbags, or steel frames to protect them. That means injuries tend to be serious, even in a “minor” crash. Here are some of the most common types of injuries seen in Los Angeles pedestrian accident cases:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These range from concussions to permanent brain damage. A TBI can affect memory, mood, and the ability to work or care for oneself.
• Spinal cord injuries: These are often life-altering. A spinal injury can lead to partial or full paralysis, chronic pain, or a loss of mobility.
• Broken bones: Legs, hips, ribs, arms, and pelvis bones are commonly fractured in collisions.
• Internal organ damage: Even if no bones are broken, blunt force trauma can rupture organs or cause internal bleeding.
• Road rash and lacerations: Deep skin wounds and cuts can result in infections, scarring, and long-term pain.
• Psychological trauma: Anxiety, PTSD, and depression often follow a traumatic accident. This emotional pain is just as real as physical injuries.

These injuries come with long recoveries, hospital stays, and sometimes permanent disabilities. All of these factors directly impact the amount of compensation you can claim.

Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Hotspots

Los Angeles is a bustling city that’s constantly on the move. Cars line the freeways, buses dart through downtown, and people navigate streets from Venice to Koreatown on foot. But this constant motion comes with the heightened risk of pedestrian accidents. 

Pedestrian risk isn’t evenly spread across Los Angeles. Some intersections and corridors are far more dangerous than others, often because of a combination of speeding vehicles, poor lighting, confusing signals, or heavy foot traffic. 

Decades of auto-centric infrastructure planning left some neighborhoods vulnerable, especially in places where wide roads cut through dense, walkable areas. 

In one recent year, Los Angeles experienced 3,213 pedestrian accidents resulting in injuries or fatalities. Of these, 162 pedestrians were killed, marking the highest number of pedestrian deaths in the city’s history.

Los Angeles traffic collision data and studies from the city’s Department of Transportation consistently show a few accident hotspots – places where crashes happen more often and where injuries are often more severe. Here are some of the most high-risk areas for pedestrian accidents in LA:

• Hollywood and Highland: Tourists, street performers, and cars make this area chaotic. Crashes happen here all the time.
• Downtown LA (DTLA): Figueroa Street, 7th Street, and Olympic Boulevard see a high number of pedestrian accidents, especially at intersections during rush hour.
• Santa Monica Boulevard: From West Hollywood to Beverly Hills, this stretch mixes nightlife with high speeds and low lighting.
• Vermont Avenue and Slauson: In South LA, wide intersections with poor signage and lighting create dangerous conditions.
• Wilshire Boulevard: One of the longest roads in the city, it runs through dozens of neighborhoods and sees a mix of high-speed traffic and heavy foot traffic.
• Crenshaw Boulevard near Leimert Park: This heavily traveled corridor connects major thoroughfares and is lined with businesses, schools, and bus stops.
• Roscoe Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley: Long, flat, and wide, it encourages speeding and poses significant dangers for pedestrians trying to cross.
• La Cienega and Pico Boulevard: Busy, wide intersections in dense commercial areas often leave little time for pedestrians to cross safely.
• Exposition Boulevard near USC: College foot traffic mixed with commuter drivers creates a risky blend, especially around campus entry points.
• Ventura Boulevard through Sherman Oaks: This busy corridor has narrow sidewalks and few pedestrian buffers, which contribute to higher accident risks.

Knowing these hotspots can help us understand why certain pedestrian injury claims in LA may be valued higher. Busy intersections with a history of crashes can make it easier to prove fault and demand higher settlements.

Compensation for a Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident

So, how much compensation can you get if you were hit by a car in Los Angeles?

As mentioned earlier, the short is anywhere from $15,000 to over $1,000,000. However, the real answer depends on several key factors:

Severity of Your Injuries

The more severe the injury, the higher the potential payout. A case involving a broken foot may settle for $50,000 to $150,000. A traumatic brain injury or permanent spinal damage could result in a settlement or verdict well above $1 million.

Here is a simplified range of injuries and correlating payouts. While these numbers can serve as a baseline, keep in mind that many factors can lower or raise the amount you may be eligible to claim.

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate you for tangible losses, including:

• Emergency medical treatment: Ambulance rides, ER visits, and surgeries
• Ongoing medical expenses: Follow-up care, rehab, physical therapy, medication, and specialist appointments
• Lost income: If you miss work due to your injuries, your lost wages are recoverable
• Loss of earning capacity: If you can’t return to your prior job or suffer long-term disability
• Property damage: Clothing, electronics, or items damaged in the accident
• Out-of-pocket expenses: Travel for treatment, home medical devices, wheelchair ramps, and more

In some cases, victims may need long-term care, and those costs are included in compensation calculations.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic are more subjective but just as real:

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain and discomfort from injuries
• Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or trauma caused by the accident
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to take part in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed
• Disfigurement or scarring: Permanent changes to your appearance
• Loss of companionship: Impacts on family and intimate relationships

Wrongful Death

If a pedestrian accident tragically results in the loss of a loved one, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. Recoverable damages in a wrongful death lawsuit may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
• Emotional suffering endured by the surviving spouse, children, or dependents

Wrongful death cases are often among the highest-value claims due to the irreplaceable nature of the loss and the long-term impact on surviving family members.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are different from other forms of compensation. They aren’t meant to cover your losses – instead, they’re meant to punish the driver for extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct. In pedestrian accident cases, punitive damages may apply when the driver:

• Was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Committed a hit-and-run
• Drove with a known history of reckless or aggressive driving

These damages are relatively rare, but they send a message that gross negligence or criminal disregard for others on the road will not be tolerated. Although not awarded in every case, they can significantly increase the total compensation when applicable.

What Are The Pedestrian Rights in California?

Additional Factors that May Affect Your Recovery

Fault and Comparative Negligence

California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were jaywalking and found 20% at fault, and your damages total $100,000, you would still receive $80,000.

Insurance Policy Limits

If the driver who hit you carries only the minimum insurance coverage, your ability to recover damages may be limited. However, if you have underinsured motorist coverage (UIM), that may help bridge the gap. Your personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and recover the maximum amount possible in your circumstances.

Legal Representation

Statistically, claims handled by skilled personal injury attorneys result in higher payouts. That’s because a good lawyer builds a strong case, calculates all damages properly, and pushes back against lowball offers.

The Average Payout for a Pedestrian Accident in Los Angeles

• Minor injury claims (e.g., bruises, sprains): $15,000 – $50,000
• Moderate injuries (e.g., broken bones, surgery): $75,000 – $200,000
• Severe injuries (e.g., TBI, paralysis): $300,000 – $1 million+
• Hit-and-run claims (with punitive damages): $100,000 – $2 million

FAQs About Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Compensation

What is the deadline for filing a pedestrian accident claim in California?

California law generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the claim is against a government agency (like a city bus or public entity), you must file a government claim within 6 months. The statute of limitations has other exceptions that could affect your case’s timeline, so be sure to work with a personal injury lawyer who can explain and protect your rights.

What if I was jaywalking or partially at fault?

Many accidents have complex causes. Under California’s pure comparative negligence law, pedestrians can recover damages when they are partly at fault for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. Such cases can be complex an

Can I get compensation if the driver fled the scene?

Yes. Hit-and-run victims can seek compensation through their uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if the driver isn’t identified. There may be other options depending on your specific case, so be sure to contact a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer. 

How long will my personal injury case take to settle?

Most pedestrian accident claims take a few months to settle, depending on the complexity of the case and the severity of injuries. If the case goes to trial, it may take a year or longer to settle or decide. Cases that go to court usually involve catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, or disputed liability.

Do I have to go to court to get compensated?

The vast majority of pedestrian accident claims are settled out of court through negotiation with the at-fault party’s insurance company. However, if the insurance company refuses to pay what’s fair, a pedestrian accident lawsuit may be the only way to recover full damages.

How to Maximize Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident

You only get one shot at a settlement. Here’s how to make sure you get every dollar you deserve:

• Seek immediate medical care: Prompt medical attention protects your health and strengthens your case with early documentation.
• Follow through on treatment: Attend every appointment, take prescribed meds, and stick with rehab. Skipping appointments and treatments gives the insurance company opportunities to dispute the legitimacy of your claim.
• Document everything: Save medical bills, receipts, time off work, and a journal of your recovery.
• Collect evidence: Photos of injuries, the accident scene, traffic signs, and witness contact info
• Don’t post on social media: Insurance companies may use any statements or photos you use online to minimize or deny your personal injury claim.
• Avoid recorded statements: Don’t speak to the at-fault driver’s insurance provider without a lawyer. 
• Consult a qualified attorney: Legal representation drastically increases your chances of a full, fair recovery. Unfortunately, many injury victims accept lowball offers from insurance companies without understanding the full scope of their damages. 

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Most personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles – including those at Wilshire Law Firm – work on a contingency fee basis. That means:

• You pay nothing upfront
• You don’t pay out-of-pocket expenses while your case is active
• Your lawyer only gets paid if you win or settle
• You only pay if we win your case. Your fee is a percentage of the final settlement or verdict, which you and your lawyer will discuss in your initial consultation.

Contingency fee arrangements ensure that you can access a top-performing personal injury attorney without worrying about the cost. It also means your lawyer has every incentive to fight for your highest possible payout.

Call Wilshire Law Firm – Obtain the Compensation You Deserve

Los Angeles roads weren’t built with walkers in mind. And when things go wrong, pedestrians often pay the highest price.

If you’ve been hit by a car in Los Angeles, you’re not just dealing with pain and confusion – you’re dealing with a legal system that can be overwhelming when you’re on your own. You need someone who knows how to handle insurance companies, calculate long-term damages, and aggressively push for maximum compensation.

At Wilshire Law Firm, we’ve helped thousands of injured clients in Los Angeles County and throughout California obtain the justice and compensation they deserve. Whether your accident happened in Koreatown, Studio City, Inglewood, or anywhere in between, we’re ready to fight for you.

Call Wilshire Law Firm today at (213) 335-2402 or use our online form to schedule a free consultation. Let’s talk about your case – and let’s start getting your life back on track.

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