Compensation for Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles: What You May Be Able to Recover

Pedestrian accidents tend to cause severe injuries because a person on foot has none of the protection a vehicle provides. Even a low-speed collision can result in broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or internal organ injuries that require surgery and long-term rehabilitation. Because the physical, emotional, and financial toll is often significant, understanding what compensation may be available generally matters from the very start. Wondering how your injuries factor into a claim? A free case review can help.

Pedestrians hurt by a negligent driver may generally seek both economic and non-economic damages. In most cases, that can include medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation), lost wages and reduced future earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering for the physical and emotional impact of the crash. Where injuries are catastrophic, future care costs and assistive devices may also be part of a claim. Because every situation is different, it may help to review your specific losses with a legal professional.

The value of a pedestrian accident claim generally depends on the severity of the injuries, how clearly liability can be shown, the available insurance limits, and how the injuries affect daily life. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, so if a pedestrian is found partly at fault, any recovery may be reduced by their percentage of responsibility rather than barred entirely. Because insurers often dispute these points, having someone review the facts can make a real difference. Curious what your case may involve? Reach out for a free case review.

California law generally requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks under Vehicle Code §21950. At the same time, Vehicle Code §21954 provides that pedestrians crossing outside of a crosswalk must generally yield to vehicles, which is one reason fault is not always one-sided. Lower speed limits in residential and school zones and restrictions on handheld device use while driving are also designed to protect people on foot. Because these rules interact with the facts of each crash, a legal professional can help sort out how they apply to you.

In most California personal injury cases, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit under Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. Different, and often much shorter, deadlines can apply when a government entity is involved — for example, if a dangerous roadway or public vehicle contributed to the crash a claim may need to be presented within roughly six months. Because missing a deadline can jeopardize your right to compensation, it generally helps to talk with a legal professional early. Not sure which deadline applies? Ask during a free case review.

After a pedestrian accident, the most important step is generally to seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor. When possible, it also helps to report the crash to police, gather the driver’s information, photograph the scene, and collect witness contact details. Try to preserve records of your treatment and any missed work, and be cautious about giving recorded statements to insurers before you understand your rights. Here are some steps that may protect a future claim — and a legal professional can walk you through the rest.

Our Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorneys can review your case at no cost.

If the crash was fatal, our California fatal pedestrian accident lawyers can help your family.