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Walking in Los Angeles shouldn’t be a dangerous activity, but with crowded streets, distracted drivers, and busy intersections, pedestrians often find themselves at risk. A moment’s negligence by a driver can lead to life-changing injuries or, tragically, the loss of a loved one. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial burden can feel overwhelming, leaving victims unsure of where to turn.
At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we understand how devastating pedestrian accidents can be—not just for the person injured but for their entire family. We’ve seen the frustration that comes with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and insurance companies refusing to play fair. When you’re already facing so much, the last thing you need is to fight this battle alone.
That’s where we come in. With years of experience and a track record of winning significant settlements and verdicts, our team is here to take the weight off your shoulders. At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we have won over 5,000 cases and recovered more than $100 million for clients.
We’ll handle the legal complexities, investigate every detail of your case, and fight relentlessly to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Don’t let someone else’s negligence derail your life. Contact Countrywide Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation. We’re ready to listen, support, and fight for you every step of the way. Call us now or fill out our online form to take control of your future.
Pedestrian accidents are among the most devastating types of traffic accidents, often resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities. In places like Los Angeles, where pedestrian activity is high, these incidents are alarmingly common.
Pedestrian accident victims frequently face significant challenges, including medical expenses, lost income, and the need for long-term care. Here are some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents. Motor vehicle drivers who text, eat, adjust their GPS, or engage in other distractions are less likely to notice pedestrians crossing the street or walking along the road.
When drivers fail to focus on their surroundings, it increases the likelihood of a pedestrian collision, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic.
Speeding is another significant factor in pedestrian accidents. Drivers traveling at high speeds have less time to react to a pedestrian crossing the road, leading to severe injuries or fatalities. In urban areas like Los Angeles County, where pedestrian activity is prevalent, speeding in high-traffic zones can turn a minor oversight into a catastrophic event.
Pedestrian accident statistics show that the severity of injuries sustained in a pedestrian crash increases dramatically with vehicle speed. Spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and broken bones are common pedestrian accident injuries resulting from speeding incidents.
Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way at marked or unmarked crosswalks. California pedestrian laws mandate that drivers must stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, but not all motor vehicle drivers adhere to these rules. Pedestrians, especially in busy areas of Southern California, rely on drivers to respect traffic signals and yield appropriately.
Failure to yield can result in a pedestrian collision, leaving victims with serious injuries, including internal injuries, physical pain, and emotional trauma.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a major cause of pedestrian accidents. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and decreased awareness, making it more likely for them to strike pedestrians. Many pedestrian accidents involving impaired drivers result in fatal injuries or lifelong disabilities for the injured pedestrian.
Poorly designed intersections, lack of proper pedestrian crossing signals, and inadequate lighting are significant contributors to pedestrian accidents. In many areas of Los Angeles, unsafe infrastructure creates a hazardous environment for pedestrians.
For example, intersections without clearly marked crosswalks or adequate lighting can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, especially at night.
City planners and property owners may also be held liable in pedestrian accident cases if their negligence in maintaining safe infrastructure contributed to the accident.
The injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents are often severe due to the vulnerability of pedestrians compared to motor vehicles. Common pedestrian injuries include:
California law provides strong protections for pedestrians. Pedestrians generally have the right of way in specific situations, particularly at crosswalks. However, pedestrians also have a duty of care to ensure their own safety by obeying traffic signals and avoiding dangerous behavior.
The California Vehicle Code (CVC) serves as the foundation for pedestrian rights and responsibilities. Key provisions include:
Under California law, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing at both marked and unmarked crosswalks. An unmarked crosswalk is the continuation of a sidewalk across an intersection, even if no lines are painted on the road. Motor vehicle drivers are required to stop for pedestrians within these areas, allowing them to cross safely.
However, this right is not absolute. Pedestrians are expected to use reasonable care, such as waiting for a safe gap in traffic before entering a crosswalk. Failure to yield by drivers is a leading cause of pedestrian collisions, often resulting in serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. In such cases, the at-fault party may be held liable through a pedestrian accident claim.
Jaywalking, or crossing a street outside of designated crosswalks, is prohibited under California law. Pedestrians must use crosswalks when they are available and follow traffic control devices. In 2023, California introduced new legislation reducing penalties for jaywalking in situations where it is safe to cross, recognizing the need for flexibility in urban environments.
While jaywalking does not absolve drivers of their duty to avoid collisions, it can complicate liability claims. California’s comparative negligence rule allows injured pedestrians to seek compensation even if they share partial fault, but their damages may be reduced proportionally.
Both drivers and pedestrians are required to exercise a reasonable duty of care to prevent accidents:
Violations of these duties often lead to legal claims, as injured pedestrians or their families seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress.
California law imposes severe penalties for drivers involved in hit-and-run accidents. Drivers are legally required to stop and provide assistance if they are involved in a collision with a pedestrian, regardless of fault. Failure to do so is a criminal offense, with penalties including:
Hit-and-run accidents frequently lead to pedestrian accident injury lawsuits. Victims or their families may also be able to pursue criminal restitution alongside civil claims for damages.
Pedestrian accidents can result in devastating injuries, significant financial burdens, and complex legal disputes over liability. Determining who is at fault in a pedestrian accident case is critical to securing compensation for the injured party.
Liability often depends on whether the driver, pedestrian, or a third party acted negligently, and California’s pure comparative negligence rule allows multiple parties to share fault.
Liability in pedestrian accident cases often hinges on proving negligence. Both drivers and pedestrians have a duty of care to act responsibly and avoid causing harm to others. When either party breaches this duty, they may be held liable for resulting damages.
Drivers are often at fault in pedestrian accidents when they violate traffic laws or fail to exercise reasonable care. Common examples of driver negligence include:
While drivers are frequently at fault, pedestrians can also contribute to accidents through their own negligence. Examples of pedestrian negligence include:
California’s pure comparative negligence rule allows injured parties to recover compensation even if they are partially at fault for the accident. However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, if a pedestrian is awarded $100,000 in damages but is found to be 30% at fault for jaywalking, they would receive $70,000. This rule ensures that liability is fairly distributed based on each party’s actions.
In some cases, third parties may share liability for a pedestrian accident. Identifying all potentially liable parties is essential to maximizing compensation.
If the at-fault driver was performing job duties at the time of the accident, their employer might be held liable under the legal principle of vicarious liability. For instance, if a delivery driver hits a pedestrian while making deliveries, the employer could be responsible for damages.
Government entities may be liable for pedestrian accidents caused by unsafe road conditions or faulty traffic signals. Examples include:
Filing a claim against a government agency involves specific procedures and shorter deadlines, making it critical to consult an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer.
Victims of pedestrian accidents can seek compensation for a wide range of economic and non-economic damages. In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded.
Economic damages are quantifiable losses that directly result from the accident. These include:
Non-economic damages address the emotional and psychological impact of the accident. These damages are more subjective and include:
Punitive damages are rare and reserved for cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct, such as a driver operating under the influence or engaging in reckless behavior. These damages are intended to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct in the future.
Proving liability in pedestrian accident cases requires substantial evidence and legal expertise. Key steps in building a strong case include:
Victims should work with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer who can navigate California’s legal system, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent their interests in court.
In Los Angeles, where pedestrian accidents are common due to high traffic and foot traffic, knowing how to respond can make a significant difference in your recovery and ability to seek compensation.
The first priority after a pedestrian accident is your health. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries, such as internal injuries or traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms right away but can worsen if left untreated. Prompt medical care ensures that your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated and provides medical records that will serve as key evidence in your claim.
Report the accident to law enforcement, regardless of its severity. The police will create an official accident report, which documents details of the incident, statements from parties involved, and any citations issued. This report can play a crucial role in proving fault in your pedestrian accident case. Be sure to request a copy of the report for your records.
If you are able to safely, collect as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. Key evidence includes:
Documenting these details helps establish what happened and strengthens your pedestrian accident claim.
Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident, even if you feel partially responsible. Avoid making any recorded statements to the driver’s insurance company without first consulting a personal injury lawyer. Insurance adjusters may use your words against you to minimize or deny your claim.
After seeking medical care and gathering evidence, consult an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer will help:
Many pedestrian accident lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they recover compensation for you.
Acting quickly after a pedestrian accident is critical for both legal and practical reasons. California imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims, and missing these deadlines can jeopardize your ability to seek compensation.
The statute of limitations in California sets the timeframe for filing a claim:
Failing to file within these timeframes typically results in the loss of your legal right to pursue compensation, regardless of the strength of your case.
Missing the statute of limitations means:
Timely action allows your legal team to gather and preserve critical evidence, such as surveillance footage, witness statements, and accident reports. Evidence and testimonies become less reliable over time due to factors like fading memories or lost documentation.
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer will act quickly to:
Pedestrian accidents can result in life-altering injuries, overwhelming medical expenses, and complex legal battles. Hiring a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer ensures that victims have an advocate to guide them through the legal process, protect their rights, and secure fair compensation. Here’s how an experienced attorney can assist in a pedestrian accident case.
A Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer begins by assessing the specifics of your case to determine its strength and the potential compensation you may recover. During this evaluation, they will:
This initial assessment helps the lawyer provide a realistic estimate of the compensation you may be entitled to, including economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering).
Strong evidence is essential for building a successful pedestrian accident case. Your lawyer will gather and preserve the necessary documentation to prove negligence and establish the extent of your damages. This process often includes:
An attorney will revisit the scene of the accident, taking photographs and measurements to recreate what happened. They may also:
Many pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles occur in areas with surveillance cameras. Your lawyer can subpoena video footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or private residences to provide visual evidence of the collision.
Medical records are critical in documenting the severity of your injuries and the associated costs. A lawyer may also work with:
By gathering and presenting this evidence, your lawyer ensures that your claim is well-supported and ready to withstand scrutiny.
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts by offering lowball settlements or disputing the extent of your injuries. A pedestrian accident lawyer protects you from these tactics and ensures you receive fair compensation by:
If negotiations with the insurance company fail to result in a fair settlement, a pedestrian accident lawyer is prepared to take your case to court. This involves:
Your attorney will build a compelling case by organizing evidence, identifying key witnesses, and preparing legal arguments that demonstrate the at-fault party’s negligence. They’ll also file all necessary court documents and handle pretrial motions.
In court, your lawyer will present your case to a judge or jury, cross-examine witnesses, and argue for the highest possible compensation. Their experience with trial proceedings and familiarity with local Los Angeles courts give you a significant advantage.
Selecting the right attorney is a crucial step in ensuring your case is handled effectively. Here are the key qualities to look for and questions to ask during a consultation.
Before hiring a lawyer, schedule a consultation to discuss your case. Key questions include:
By asking these questions and assessing their responses, you can ensure the lawyer is a good fit for your needs.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The physical, emotional, and financial toll of an accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and uncooperative insurance companies. During this challenging time, having an experienced legal team by your side can make all the difference.
At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we specialize in helping pedestrian accident victims get the justice and compensation they deserve. Our compassionate and skilled attorneys are ready to listen to your story, evaluate your case, and fight relentlessly to protect your rights. From negotiating with insurance companies to building a strong case for court, we handle every detail so you can focus on healing.
Time is critical in these cases, so don’t wait to seek help. Contact Countrywide Trial Lawyers by calling 844-844-9119 today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.