Pedestrian accidents frequently lead to severe, life-altering injuries due to the lack of physical protection for those on foot. Despite the seriousness of these injuries, recovering compensation through a claim can often be challenging, as insurance companies may dispute liability or undervalue claims.
At Vaziri Law Group, our pedestrian accident lawyers in Los Angeles are committed to helping injured pedestrians secure fair compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
With over $1 billion recovered in settlements and verdicts and more than 200 years of combined legal experience, our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers have built a reputation for delivering results. Contact us today to learn more.
Our California Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Explain Pedestrians’ Rights
Under California law, motorists have a duty of care toward pedestrians. This means they have a legal obligation to drive reasonably safely and ensure the safety of pedestrians.
Here are some of the important laws that protect your rights as a pedestrian crossing in California:
Crosswalks
Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950 (a), motorists must stop and yield the right of way to pedestrians while walking in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Vehicle Code Section 21970 prevents drivers from stopping in a crosswalk, thereby preventing pedestrians from using the crosswalk.
Remember, you can seek compensation even if you were not walking in a crosswalk during the accident. You still have the right to take legal action.
Use of sidewalks
Pedestrians have the legal right to use sidewalks unimpeded. The driver must always yield to pedestrians whenever another motor vehicle crosses a sidewalk. This is also true when a driver pulls out of an alley or parking lot. In such cases, drivers should yield to pedestrians as well.
Los Angeles
rideshare accident lawyer
Frequent Factors in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can occur in a variety of ways, frequently due to driver negligence. Drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely, yet negligent actions often leave pedestrians at serious risk by:
- Engaging in distracted driving: Many pedestrian accidents occur because drivers are distracted by their phones, navigation systems, or other electronic devices. This lack of attention means drivers may only see pedestrians on crosswalks or on the roadside after it is too late.
- Speeding: Drivers who exceed speed limits have less time to react to pedestrians, especially in urban areas where pedestrians are more common. High-speed collisions are more likely to result in drastic or fatal pedestrian injuries.
- Failing to yield at crosswalks: Even though laws require drivers to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, violations of this rule are a common cause of accidents. Drivers who ignore these laws endanger pedestrians who are legally crossing the road.
- Driving drunk: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are less likely to be aware of their surroundings, making it difficult to react appropriately to pedestrian movements. Impaired driving remains a leading cause of all road accidents involving pedestrians.
Pedestrian accidents often leave victims with life-changing injuries and financial burdens, but pursuing justice and fair compensation is possible. At Vaziri Law Group, our Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorneys are prepared to hold negligent drivers accountable and advocate for your rights.
What sets Vaziri Law Group apart is our commitment to investing more time, resources, and personalized client care than many competitors. This dedication has earned us referrals from some of the largest law firms, particularly in high-stakes cases.
What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in accidents, often suffering serious injuries that require immediate attention and careful follow-up. Taking the right actions after an accident is essential to protect your health, document the incident, and preserve your ability to file a claim for compensation.
Seeking guidance from an experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney can make all the difference. The immediate actions you take after an accident can also have a bearing on your personal injury claim.
Our pedestrian accident attorney in Los Angeles suggests taking the following actions as soon as possible:
- Ensure safety: Move to a safe place if you can. Avoid further injury by staying clear of traffic or other hazards.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries, like internal injuries or concussions, might not be immediately apparent. Always seek medical attention after any type of accident. A medical professional can assess your condition.
- Call 911: Report the accident immediately. Request both police and emergency medical services if there are any injuries.
- Document the accident scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, skid marks, street signs, and the immediate area. This documentation can be essential for your claim.
- Gather witness information: Collect contact information from any witnesses. Witness statements can strengthen your case by corroborating your account of the accident.
- Report the incident to your insurance: Inform your insurance company about the accident, but be cautious about the details you provide until you speak with an attorney.
- Consult with a pedestrian injury lawyer: Contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer who can advise you on the next steps and help protect your legal rights.
rideshare accident lawyer
get a free consultation
Pedestrian Accidents Often Lead to Serious, Life-Threatening Injuries
We see a variety of common pedestrian accident injuries. They include these common pedestrian injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries: These injuries can range from mild concussions to grievous brain damage. Brain injuries often result from the pedestrian’s head striking the vehicle or the ground.
- Broken bones: Pedestrians may suffer broken legs, arms, or hips due to the force of the crash. Recovery can involve surgery, casting, and physical therapy.
- Spinal cord injuries: These injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis. The trauma can damage vertebrae or sever the spinal cord.
- Lacerations and abrasions: Contact with the vehicle or road can cause significant skin injuries. These injuries may require stitches and can lead to infection if not properly treated.
- Internal injuries: The force of impact can cause internal bleeding and organ damage. These injuries require immediate medical attention and can be life-threatening.
- Psychological trauma: Beyond physical injuries, many pedestrians suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression after an accident. Mental health support and counseling may be needed.
- Death: Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents can sometimes be fatal due to the extreme jolt and vulnerability of the pedestrian. Our Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers can handle damages caused by wrongful death on your behalf.
Contact us today if you have been involved in a serious pedestrian collision or car accident.
Our Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Demonstrate Liability
It is wrong to think that a driver who hits you will be held automatically liable for your losses or serious injury. As the plaintiff in a personal injury case, the burden of proof is on the injured pedestrian. An accident victim must prove that the driver was at fault or negligent.
Our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys thoroughly investigate each case to establish liability. While drivers are often at fault, other parties may also share responsibility depending on the circumstances of the accident. Potentially liable parties could include:
- Negligent drivers: Drivers who are distracted, speeding, impaired, or fail to yield to pedestrians are frequently the primary cause of pedestrian accidents.
- Vehicle owners: In some cases, the owner of the vehicle involved in the accident may be held liable under negligent entrustment laws if they allowed an unqualified or reckless driver to operate their vehicle.
- Government entities: Poorly designed intersections, defective traffic signals, inadequate signage, or unsafe road conditions may make a city or municipality liable for the accident. Claims against government entities require specific procedures and shorter filing deadlines.
- Manufacturers: If a vehicle defect, such as faulty brakes or malfunctioning headlights, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of the vehicle or its parts could be held accountable.
- Other third parties: In some cases, other parties, such as rideshare companies, delivery companies, or contractors responsible for dangerous road construction zones, may share liability.
At Vaziri Law Group, our Los Angeles pedestrian injury lawyer leaves no stone unturned when investigating your case. We gather evidence, consult with experts, and build a compelling claim to pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
Whether dealing with negligent drivers, government entities, or other responsible parties, our team has the experience and resources to hold them accountable.
Call now for a free consultation
with a Los Angeles injury lawyer
Our Los Angeles Attorneys Can Assess the Value of Your Pedestrian Accident Claim
Determining the value of a pedestrian accident claim requires a thorough assessment of multiple factors. Pedestrian accidents often result in significant injuries and financial losses, but each case is unique.
An experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney can carefully evaluate the details of your accident, injuries, and expenses to ensure your claim reflects the full extent of your damages.
At Vaziri Law Group, our pedestrian accident attorneys are dedicated to pursuing fair compensation that addresses both immediate and long-term needs. Factors that impact the value of your personal injury claim include:
- Severity of injuries: Serious injuries often lead to higher compensation due to increased medical expenses, prolonged recovery periods, and greater physical and emotional pain and suffering.
- Long–term effects: When injuries result in permanent disability or ongoing care needs, compensation may include future medical costs, long-term care expenses, and loss of future earning capacity.
- Contributory negligence: California’s comparative fault law allows compensation to be reduced if the pedestrian contributed to the accident. A skilled attorney will work to limit any reductions by demonstrating the driver’s negligence.
- Economic losses: Compensation often includes reimbursement for documented financial losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Providing detailed records and receipts is crucial to substantiate these claims.
- Quality of legal representation: The experience and skill of your attorney can significantly affect the outcome of your case. A knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer will build a strong case, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, and take the case to trial if necessary.
Evaluating a pedestrian accident claim is a detailed process that requires careful attention to every element of your case. At Vaziri Law Group, we are committed to delivering results by dedicating the time and resources necessary to pursue fair verdicts and settlements for our clients, with case results to prove it.
Potential Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrian accidents can have far-reaching consequences, leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial challenges. When someone else’s negligence is responsible for your accident, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for the full range of losses you’ve experienced.
Working with an experienced Los Angeles pedestrian hit by a car lawyer can help you recover damages and hold the at-fault party accountable. Types of compensation can include:
- Medical expenses: This includes emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy. For serious injuries, future medical care and rehabilitation costs may also be included.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income. For permanent or long-term disabilities, damages may also cover reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages can address physical pain, emotional distress, and mental suffering caused by the accident. This also includes compensation for scarring, disfigurement, or permanent injuries that impact your self-esteem and daily life.
- Loss of quality of life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities or living independently, you may recover damages for the loss of quality of life, including mobility issues or inability to perform daily tasks.
- Home modifications: For injuries resulting in long-term disability, compensation may cover necessary home modifications to accommodate reduced mobility, such as wheelchair ramps or bathroom adjustments.
- Property damage: Victims can be reimbursed for personal property damaged in the accident, such as clothing, electronics, or other belongings.
At Vaziri Law Group, we understand that pedestrian accidents can lead to far-reaching consequences that require a detailed evaluation of your losses. Our team works with expert witnesses, including medical professionals, vocational specialists, and life care planners, to accurately assess the full extent of your injuries and future needs.
rideshare accident lawyer
get a free consultation
Why Choose Vaziri Law Group?
Since 2006, Vaziri Law Group has delivered exceptional legal representation to injured individuals, recovering over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts with more than 200 years of combined experience. Our focus is on achieving fair case results for clients while providing unmatched support throughout the legal process.
Personalized Attention
We prioritize quality over quantity, intentionally limiting our caseload to give each client the time, care, and resources they deserve. This client-centered approach has earned us referrals from leading law firms, particularly for complex cases like premises liability, catastrophic injuries, and commercial litigation.
Supporting Diverse Communities
Our multilingual team serves Los Angeles’ diverse communities, including our San Gabriel office, which reflects our dedication to multicultural representation. We ensure all clients feel understood and valued.
Advanced Technology and Accessibility
We use modern tools like AI to improve efficiency and outcomes while offering remote consultations via Zoom, e-signatures, and settlement liens to simplify the process for our clients.
Proven Trial Expertise
Our attorneys, including members of the prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), are recognized for their skill in high-value cases, from pedestrian injuries to trucking accidents.
FAQs Answered by a Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Who Is Usually at Fault in Pedestrian Collisions?
The driver is usually at fault for not yielding the right of way, speeding, or other negligent driver behaviors. However, pedestrians can also be partly at fault if they are jaywalking or not paying attention.
How Can a Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me Help?
A Los Angeles, CA, pedestrian accident lawyer can provide crucial support in building a strong case against negligent parties. They will investigate the accident thoroughly, gather evidence like police reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements, and work with experts to establish liability.
Your attorney will also handle negotiations with insurance companies, advocating for compensation that reflects the full extent of your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If an agreement cannot be reached, they are prepared to take your case to court to fight for a fair outcome.
Can I Claim Damages if I Was Partially at Fault in a Pedestrian Accident?
Yes, you can still claim damages even if you were partially at fault in pedestrian accident lawsuits since California follows a comparative fault rule. Still, your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation.
What Should I Do if the Driver Who Hit Me Was Uninsured?
If the driver who hit you was uninsured, you can turn to your own uninsured motorist coverage if you have it. If not, your attorney can explore other avenues for compensation, such as suing the driver directly.
Can I Recover Compensation if the Accident Was Fatal to a Family Member?
Yes, if a family member died in a pedestrian accident, you could file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for medical costs incurred before death, funeral expenses, lost future income, and loss of companionship.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the pedestrian accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If the case involves a government entity, the deadline is much shorter, typically six months. Consulting an attorney promptly can help you meet these deadlines.
Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Injury Lawyers in Los Angeles, California
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it would be in your best interest not to take the first offer from the insurance company. Never rush into a settlement. You might regret it later.
Our team of experienced California pedestrian accident lawyers at the Vaziri Law Group consists of skilled negotiators and litigators with a reputation for success. We have handled all types of personal injury lawsuits and pedestrian accident cases. Let us go to work for you.
We’ve secured verdicts and settlements for our injured pedestrians and clients, adding up to millions of dollars. If you have suffered severe injuries in a California pedestrian accident, call us for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.