$36.0M
Recovery for a pedestrian who suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a vehicle.
Personal Injury
California Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Were you struck by a vehicle while walking in California? At Wilshire Law Firm — an award-winning, nationally recognized team — our attorneys help injured pedestrians pursue full compensation. Contact us 24/7 for a free case review with a legal professional — there are no fees unless you get paid.
- $3B+RECOVERED
- 7X"BEST LAW FIRM" AWARDS
- 24/7AVAILABILITY & SUPPORT
- 500+LEGAL PROFESSIONALS
Understanding Your Pedestrian Accident Case
Explore essential resources on your rights, your options, and what to expect — everything you need to navigate the legal process, all in one place.
Wilshire Law Firm is an award-winning, nationally recognized team that has recovered compensation for thousands of injured Californians. Our attorneys investigate the crash, obtain traffic-camera and police records, work with accident-reconstruction experts, and handle every conversation with the insurance companies so you can focus on healing. There are no fees unless you get paid.
Take five steps to protect your health and your claim: (1) seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor, because pedestrian injuries are often internal or delayed; (2) call 911 and make sure a police report is created; (3) photograph the scene, the vehicle, the roadway, and your injuries; (4) collect the driver's insurance information and the names of any witnesses; and (5) speak with a pedestrian accident lawyer before giving a recorded statement to any insurer.
Injured pedestrians in California can generally recover both economic and non-economic damages. These commonly include current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation and physical therapy, lost wages and lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering. In cases involving a fatality, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. Because every case is unique, a legal professional can review your losses during a free case review.
Most pedestrian accidents trace back to preventable driver negligence. The leading causes we see include distracted driving, failing to yield at crosswalks, speeding, driving under the influence, disregarding traffic signals, and unsafe left or right turns. Poor lighting, missing sidewalks, and dangerous intersection design can also contribute. Establishing which driver — or entity — was negligent is central to your claim, and our attorneys handle that investigation for you.
Liability usually rests with the driver who failed to exercise reasonable care, but more than one party may be responsible. Depending on the facts, a claim may involve the at-fault motorist, a commercial employer whose driver was on the job, a rideshare company, or a government agency responsible for a dangerous roadway or malfunctioning signal. Identifying every liable party is important because it can determine the insurance coverage available to you.
In most California pedestrian accident cases you generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1). Claims against a government entity — for example, for a dangerous crosswalk or defective signal — have much shorter deadlines, often requiring a formal claim within six months. Because missing a deadline can end your case, it's best to speak with a legal professional early.
Meet Our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Nationally-Recognized Powerhouse, Fighting for the Justice You Deserve
Our award-winning attorneys have recovered billions for clients while taking on insurance companies and major corporations.
Colin M. Jones, Esq.Senior Partner and Senior Trial Attorney, Chair of the Personal Injury Litigation Department
Jennifer P. Burkes, Esq.Senior Partner & Strategic Advisor, Personal Injury Litigation Department
Mary Lee Caruso, Esq.Senior Partner
Ryan Casey, Esq.Senior Partner and Trial Attorney
Tae-Yoon Kim, Esq.Senior Partner
Alivia E. Abreu, Esq.Partner
Shervin G. Ghanoongooi, Esq.Partner
Christopher Goodroe, Esq.Partner
Nathan A. GuestPartner and Trial Attorney
Brian M. Jacobson, Esq.Partner
Ariella Perry, Esq.Partner$28.5M
Recovery for victims of a rear-end collision involving a commercial truck.
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Recovery for a victim who suffered a traumatic brain injury due to unsafe property conditions.
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Recovery for a victim injured in a motorcycle accident.
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Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Each case is unique and evaluated on its own facts.
How Do I Know If I Have a Pedestrian Accident Claim in California?
Three factors determine whether you have a valid pedestrian accident claim — fault, damages, and proof. Fault means a driver's (or other party's) negligence caused the collision. Damages are your losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Proof includes the police report, photos, traffic-camera footage, and witness statements. California's statute of limitations applies, so contact Wilshire Law Firm's pedestrian accident attorneys for a free case evaluation.
Start Your Free Pedestrian Accident Case Review
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Record breaking results
Winners of #1 Settlements in California
Our attorneys have recovered billions of dollars, including some of the biggest settlements in California.
17#1 Settlements in California, 2022–2024*
TopVerdict #1TopVerdict.com #1 settlements
1–1 of 17
#1 Truck v. Pedestrian Accident Settlement
2024
#1 Multi-Vehicle Accident Settlement
2024
#1 Equipment Malfunction Settlement
2024
#1 Car v. Stationary Object Collision Settlement
2024
#1 Bus v. Passenger Accident Settlement
2024
#1 Whistleblower Retaliation Settlement
2023
#1 Underinsured Motorist Settlement
2023
#1 Slip & Fall Accident Settlement
2023
#1 Negligent Security Settlement
2023
#1 Ladder Accident Settlement
2023
#1 Hotel Premises Liability Settlement
2023
#1 Car v. Car Collision Settlement
2023
#1 Bicycle Accident Settlement
2023
#1 Pregnancy Discrimination Settlement
2022
#1 Age/Disability Discrimination Settlement
2022
#1 Wrongful Termination Settlement
2022
#1 Meal & Rest Breaks Settlement
2022
*#1 settlements in California have been awarded by TopVerdict.com. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Pedestrian Accident FAQs
Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
We've answered the most common ones below. If yours isn't here, call us — we're available 24/7.
California drivers generally must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks and must exercise reasonable care to avoid hitting anyone on foot. Pedestrians also have some duties, such as not suddenly leaving a curb into traffic, so fault can be shared. The specific crosswalk and right-of-way statutes should be confirmed by an attorney for your case.
Yes. Under California's pure comparative negligence rule from Li v. Yellow Cab Co., an injured pedestrian can still recover even if crossing outside a crosswalk contributed to the collision, with damages reduced by their share of fault. Drivers and insurers often blame the pedestrian, so strong evidence is important.
When a pedestrian is killed, California law allows specific surviving relatives — generally a spouse or domestic partner, children, and certain other heirs — to bring a wrongful death claim under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 377.60. Recoverable losses can include funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of the loved one's companionship. An attorney can confirm who is eligible to file in your family's situation.
Most pedestrian injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the incident under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1, and wrongful death claims follow the same general two-year period. If a government entity is involved, a six-month claim deadline can apply first. Deadlines have exceptions, so confirm yours promptly with an attorney.
Compensation may still be available through the uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your own auto policy, which can apply even to a pedestrian struck in a hit-and-run. This coverage is governed by Cal. Ins. Code § 11580.2, and police may also be able to identify a fleeing driver. An attorney can review your coverage and next steps. If a driver struck you, our guide on hiring a car accident lawyer explains what to look for.