Los Angeles saw 1,524 pedestrian accidents in 2022, according to California traffic safety data. That’s more than four people hit by cars every single day. If you’ve experienced a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to deal with the aftermath on your own. Here’s what to do next and how to get a free consultation with our team.
High-Risk Zone for Pedestrians in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County reported 3,519 pedestrian crashes in 2022, making it one of the most dangerous regions for people on foot in California. Many of these collisions happen at high-risk locations such as congested intersections, freeway on-ramps, school zones, and busy transit hubs. In most cases, these accidents are caused by drivers who speed, fail to yield, or become distracted behind the wheel.
Several intersections and corridors in Los Angeles County are considered high-risk areas for pedestrians, including:
- Alameda St & 6th St (Downtown Los Angeles)
- Alameda St & Cesar Chavez Ave (Downtown Los Angeles)
- Vermont Ave & Beverly Blvd (East Hollywood)
- Fairfax Ave & Santa Monica Blvd (West Hollywood)
- Pico Blvd & Robertson Blvd (Pico-Robertson area)
- Sepulveda Blvd (near the I‑405 corridor)
- Melrose Ave & San Vicente Blvd (Beverly Grove/West Hollywood)
- Wilshire Blvd & Ocean Ave (Santa Monica)
These locations have consistently reported high numbers of pedestrian injuries and fatalities. Many are near schools, where students cross daily, or near public transit stops with a constant flow of foot traffic.
Despite safety improvements, such as lower speed limits and added signage, collisions continue to occur due to driver negligence, poor visibility, and inadequate roadway design.
If your pedestrian accident happened at a location known for frequent collisions or traffic violations, it could strengthen your injury claim by showing a pattern of danger in the area. City crash data, traffic camera footage, and historical incident records can all be used to show that the area poses a known danger, strengthening your case for full compensation.
Let our legal team help you investigate the scene and pursue the justice you deserve.
Your Rights as a Pedestrian in California
If you were hit by a car while walking, it’s important to know that California law offers strong protections for pedestrians. Drivers are legally required to watch for people on foot and yield the right of way, even if they weren’t in a marked crosswalk at the time of the accident.
You might assume you don’t have a case if you were partly at fault, such as crossing mid-block or outside a signal. But under California’s comparative fault law, you can still recover compensation. For example, if you’re found 20% responsible, you can still receive 80% of your total damages.
Understanding your rights early can make a big difference in your recovery. Delaying action or trying to figure things out on your own can lead to missed deadlines or lost evidence. Speak with our pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and build a stronger claim.
Top Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles
Every day, drivers and pedestrians share the roads, but not always safely. In a city as crowded as Los Angeles, all it takes is a moment of distraction for a serious accident to happen. Most pedestrian crashes occur because drivers fail to follow the rules of the road or aren’t paying attention.
Here are some of the most common causes we see in pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles:
- Texting or distracted driving
- Speeding near crosswalks or residential areas
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Running stop signs or red lights
- Driving while drunk or high
- Making fast turns without checking for pedestrians
If any of these apply to your situation, the driver may be legally responsible for your injuries.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Los Angeles
Getting hit by a car is a traumatic and overwhelming experience. In those first few moments, your body may be in shock, and your mind racing. But the steps you take immediately after the accident and in the days that follow can have a lasting impact on both your physical recovery and your ability to file a strong legal claim.
Here’s what to do after a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles to protect yourself and your case:
- Call 911 – Always report the accident, even if you think your injuries are minor. A police report creates an official record and can help support your claim later.
- Seek medical care right away – Some injuries, like concussions or internal trauma, may not show symptoms immediately. Early treatment also strengthens your case.
- Collect the driver’s information – Get their name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance information.
- Speak with witnesses – Ask for names and contact info in case their statements are needed to support your version of events.
- Take photos – Capture the accident scene, your injuries, any damage to personal belongings, and the vehicle involved.
- Request a copy of the police report – This document can serve as crucial evidence when filing your claim.
- Call a pedestrian accident lawyer – A legal professional can deal with insurance companies, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
You don’t have to figure everything out alone. Our legal team can guide you through every step and take the pressure off while you focus on healing.
Mistakes to Avoid After a Pedestrian Accident
After a serious crash, it’s natural to feel confused or overwhelmed. But even small mistakes in the hours or days following an accident can harm your case and reduce your chances of receiving fair compensation. Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do.
Avoid these common mistakes after a pedestrian accident:
- Don’t say “I’m fine” or minimize your injuries at the scene. This can be used later to argue you weren’t really hurt.
- Don’t delay medical treatment. Gaps in care can raise doubts about the cause or seriousness of your injuries.
- Don’t talk to the driver’s insurance company without legal advice. Adjusters are trained to get you to say things that hurt your claim.
- Don’t post details about the crash on social media. Even innocent posts can be taken out of context.
- Don’t accept a quick settlement offer. You may not yet know the full extent of your injuries or future medical needs.
Taking the wrong step early on can cost you thousands in lost compensation or even your entire claim. Reach out to our team today, and let us help you avoid these pitfalls from the start!
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Pedestrian Injuries That May Lead to a Personal Injury Claim
When a car hits a person, the results can be devastating. Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no protection; no seatbelts, airbags, or steel frames. Even low-speed crashes can lead to serious injuries that take months or years to heal.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Head trauma or concussions
- Broken bones or fractures
- Spinal cord injuries or back pain
- Cuts, bruises, and road rash
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Emotional trauma or PTSD
If you’re in pain or having trouble returning to your normal life, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses.
Who Pays for Your Injuries After a Pedestrian Accident?
One of the most pressing concerns for injured pedestrians is determining who is financially responsible for their losses. In most cases, the driver’s liability insurance is responsible for paying for the damage they cause to others, including medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.
Under California law, all drivers are now required to carry minimum liability insurance of $30,000 for bodily injury or death per person, $60,000 for bodily injury or death per accident, and $15,000 for property damage to ensure they can compensate others when they are at fault in a crash.
However, if the driver is uninsured or leaves the scene of the accident, injured pedestrians may still have options for recovery. Many individuals are able to access compensation through their own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, provided through their auto insurance policy. This type of coverage can apply even if the at-fault driver is never identified.
Because insurance policies can be complex and difficult to interpret, it is beneficial to consult with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. Legal counsel can review available coverage, handle all communications with the insurance companies, and pursue the maximum compensation you are legally
Types of Compensation Available After a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accidents often result in significant financial strain and a prolonged recovery process. Filing a strong personal injury claim can provide the compensation necessary to address both immediate and future expenses. It may help restore your physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
You may be able to recover money for:
- Emergency and ongoing medical care
- Lost wages if you missed work
- Future income if you can’t return to your job
- Pain and suffering
- Mental health treatment
- Property damage (like broken glasses or electronics)
Every case is different. That’s why it’s important to speak with an experienced attorney who can calculate the full value of your claim.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
After a pedestrian accident, time matters. In most California personal injury cases, you only have 2 years from the date of the crash to file a claim. If a government vehicle was involved, such as a city truck or public bus, you must file a specific claim within 6 months.
Waiting too long can cause you to lose your right to any compensation. Protect your rights by speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Can You File a Claim Without Insurance?
You can still file a pedestrian injury claim even if you don’t have car insurance. In California, pedestrians are fully protected under the law, and you do not need to carry auto insurance to pursue compensation if you’ve been hit by a vehicle. Your right to file a claim is based on the driver’s responsibility, not your own insurance status.
If the driver is at fault, their liability insurance is typically responsible for covering your medical costs, lost income, and other related damages. And if the driver is uninsured or leaves the scene, you may still be eligible for compensation through uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which might be available through an auto insurance policy held by someone in your household.
Even without your own insurance, you are not without options. Our experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers can help you understand your rights, identify available coverage, and pursue the full compensation you deserve. Reach out today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you move forward.
How Our Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help You
If you’ve been hit by a car while walking, you may be facing medical bills, time off work, or pressure from insurance adjusters. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but you don’t have to handle it on your own.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Los Angeles are here to protect your rights and guide you through every step of the process. Here’s how we can help:
- Investigate the crash and determine who is legally responsible
- Handle all communication with the insurance companies so you don’t have to
- Calculate the full value of your claim, including future medical needs and pain and suffering
- Negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to court if necessary
- Help you avoid common mistakes that could hurt your claim
The earlier you contact us, the more we can do to build a strong case on your behalf. Call today for a free consultation and let us start fighting for the compensation you deserve.
$15 Million Won for Pedestrian Accident Victim
When a pedestrian was seriously injured by a car, our legal team stepped in and fought for maximum compensation. The result: a $15 million settlement that helped our client rebuild their life.
Talk to a Lawyer After a Pedestrian Accident in Los Angeles
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we understand how life can change in an instant after a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles. You may be facing painful injuries, emotional trauma, and growing medical expenses, all while trying to figure out your legal options. For over 20 years, our team has helped injured pedestrians across Los Angeles hold negligent drivers accountable and recover the compensation they need to heal and move forward. You don’t have to go through this process alone.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let our experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers guide you with care, clarity, and proven results.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should consult with an experienced attorney for advice on your specific situation.
