Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Did you know that in 2021, Los Angeles had over 4,000 pedestrian injury and fatality cases? If you’ve been hit by a negligent driver, you’re probably dealing with mounting medical bills, lost income, and the stress that follows a serious crash. In moments like this, having an experienced Los Angeles accident attorney on your side can make a meaningful difference.

At Jacoby & Meyers, we understand how devastating a pedestrian accident can be. For more than 50 years, our Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers have represented injured individuals and their families—seeking accountability, financial recovery, and peace of mind.

If you’re ready to take the next step, our team is here to guide you. We can help build your claim, communicate with the insurance companies, and pursue the driver’s accountability—so you can focus on healing. Call today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.

Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers for Your Pedestrian Accident Case?

Lawyers aren’t just legal professionals—they’re advocates dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you pursue recovery. Choosing a pedestrian accident lawyer who genuinely cares about your well-being and understands the impact of this experience on your life is important.

Here’s why families in Los Angeles turn to us during difficult times:

Extensive Experience: With five decades of experience handling pedestrian cases, we have worked with clients across a wide range of accident scenarios.
No Fees Unless We Win: You won’t pay upfront attorney’s fees. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning fees are collected only if compensation is recovered.
California Law Focus: We handle cases under California personal injury and pedestrian accident laws and are familiar with the legal standards that apply.
Comprehensive Support: From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we manage the legal process so you can focus on recovery.
Client-Focused Representation: We prioritize clear communication and compassionate service. You are more than just a case file to us.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Los Angeles

If you’re involved in a pedestrian collision, taking immediate steps can help protect both your health and your legal rights:

Seek Medical Treatment First: Your health is the top priority. Call 911 if you sustain serious injuries. Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical care promptly. Delaying treatment may affect both your recovery and the documentation of your injuries.
Call the Police: Request that Los Angeles law enforcement respond to the scene and prepare a police report. Police reports can help record crucial information, such as whether the driver was intoxicated, driving with a suspended license, or operating an unregistered car, which may prove liability.
Gather Evidence at the Scene: If you are physically able, we recommend collecting evidence at the accident scene to help build your pedestrian accident case. This can include photos or videos of the accident, information on the parties involved, and contact details of any witnesses nearby.
Contact Pedestrian Accident Lawyers: Once you have received medical care, speaking with an attorney can help you understand your rights and available legal options.

Taking these steps can help preserve important evidence and support any potential claim.

Can I File a Personal Injury Claim for a Pedestrian Accident?

A perA personal injury claim allows pedestrian accident victims to seek compensation for injuries and related losses. Generally, you may pursue a claim if another party’s actions caused the crash and you suffered damages.

To help you know if you can file a claim for a pedestrian accident, try considering these questions:

Did another person’s actions cause the accident?
Were you injured
Did you sustain any other measurable losses from it?
Do you have evidence to support your claim?

If you answer yes to these questions, you may have grounds to file a claim. However, if you doubt your answers, an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can evaluate your specific situation and explain your legal options.

What Is Negligence and How Do I Prove It?

Negligence occurs when someone fails to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would in a similar situation. For example, if a driver chooses to speed, they act negligently because any sensible person knows that speeding is illegal and dangerous.

Now, let’s say that a speeding driver hits a pedestrian walking in a marked crosswalk, causing leg injuries. In this case, the driver’s negligence may make them responsible for the accident. As an injured victim, the pedestrian may file a personal injury claim to seek compensation.

When filing a personal injury claim, you must clearly show that a person’s negligence directly caused the accident and your injuries. In the example above, the injured pedestrian can pursue a case if they have a police report and witness testimony supporting that the crash resulted from the driver’s behavior.

Other types of evidence that can help support a personal injury claim include:

Photos of the accident
CCTV or surveillance footage showing the events leading to the collision
Statements of witnesses
Your medical records related to the injuries from the accident

If you’re unsure how to gather this evidence or feel you don’t have enough, a personal injury lawyer can assist. They can help collect and organize the necessary proof and pursue compensation for your medical bills, injuries, and other documented losses.

Understanding California Pedestrian Laws

A typical accident scenario would be this: one of the involved parties—either you or the driver—violates a traffic law, resulting in a crash. This is why, if you want to seek compensation, you must first understand your responsibility as a pedestrian and whether you may have disregarded it.

You need to consider California pedestrian laws before filing a claim.

Duty of Care

In Los Angeles, pedestrians must exercise a “duty of care” when crossing streets or walking in areas with traffic. This means that you, as a pedestrian, must take reasonable steps to protect yourself and others from harm.

You can do this by:

Obeying traffic signals
Using crosswalks
Avoiding sudden movements that obstruct traffic, such as stepping into traffic
Being aware of your surroundings before crossing
Avoiding distractions while walking
Walking sober

Right-of-Way

According to Vehicle Code Section 21950, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at intersections in both marked and unmarked crosswalks.

However, this does not relieve pedestrians of your responsibility to ensure safety. You cannot suddenly step into traffic in a way that creates an immediate hazard.

Jaywalking

Under Assembly Bill No. 2147 or the Freedom to Walk Act, jaywalking is permitted as long as there are no foreseeable risks or immediate dangers when crossing a street or intersection.

But what do foreseeable risks mean? “Foreseeable risks” in the context of jaywalking refers to potential dangers that a reasonable person could predict while crossing the street. This may include:

Oncoming traffic: Crossing in front of approaching vehicles may create a foreseeable danger.
Insufficient visibility: Crossing at night, in poor weather, or in poorly lit areas may reduce visibility.
Blind spots: Jaywalking near a curve, incline, or obstruction that limits visibility.
High-speed areas: Crossing streets where vehicles travel at higher speeds.

Remember, just because jaywalking may be permitted does not mean it is safe in every situation. Pedestrians are still expected to exercise reasonable caution and follow safety rules when crossing the road.

With these traffic laws in mind, you may begin to evaluate whether you are liable or partially responsible for an accident. However, many pedestrian crashes involve conflicting facts, and determining liability can require careful legal analysis.

Who Is Responsible for a Pedestrian Crash?

Liability is the legal term for holding someone accountable for harm caused by negligence or carelessness. In a pedestrian accident, depending on the circumstances, either the pedestrian or the driver can be held responsible.

When is the Pedestrian Liable?

Remember that, similar to drivers, pedestrians have a legal duty to help ensure everyone’s safety when sharing the road. If the pedestrian collision results from your carelessness, you may be found liable for the damages.

For example, you were jaywalking when a car hit you. During the investigation, it was discovered that you crossed the street even though you saw an oncoming vehicle approaching. If you knew the risks but decided to cross anyway, and that decision contributed to the accident, you may be considered responsible.

Other scenarios where pedestrians may be liable include:

Walking in bike lanes when sidewalks or pedestrian routes are available
Crossing outside a crosswalk when nearby intersections are controlled by traffic signals or police officers
Walking against the traffic signal or “Don’t Walk” sign at an intersection
Crossing outside a crosswalk in the presence of nearby vehicles
Texting while walking
Walking while intoxicated

If you are found partially responsible, California’s comparative fault rules may reduce your compensation based on your percentage of fault.

When is the Driver Liable?

Drivers may be responsible for a crash if they fail to exercise their duty of care and their actions cause a pedestrian accident. If you are injured due to a driver’s negligence, they may be held financially responsible for the damages resulting from the crash.

For example, if a drunk driver hits a pedestrian, the driver’s decision to drive under the influence may establish negligence if it directly caused the collision.

Drivers who engage in the following actions may be liable for a pedestrian accident:

Driving while intoxicated
Distracted driving
Speeding
Driving while drowsy
Failing to use headlights at night

Proving liability can be difficult, especially if you were seriously injured. A pedestrian accident attorney can investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and work to establish responsibility.

What Damages Can I Be Paid For?

The value of your compensation depends on the extent of the damages you suffer in a pedestrian accident. For example, if the accident results in an arm injury, compensation may include medical expenses and wages lost while you were unable to work.

Legal claims also consider long-term impacts. If an injury results in a permanent disability that affects your future employment, future lost income may be considered. Emotional distress, such as anxiety or depression resulting from the accident, may also be included where supported by evidence.

There are generally three categories of damages:

Economic Damages

These are financial losses that can be documented, such as:

Medical expenses, including treatment, equipment, and rehabilitation
Future medical needs related to your accident injuries
Lost wages from time off work
Future income loss if your injury affects your ability to work long-term
Property damage, where applicable

Non-Economic Damages

These cover non-monetary losses, which can be harder to quantify, such as:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of companionship or affection

Punitive Damages

In certain cases involving particularly reckless or intentional conduct, a court may award punitive damages as an additional penalty.

Non-economic damages can be challenging to calculate because they do not come with receipts or invoices. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help evaluate these factors and present them appropriately in your claim.

Do I Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in California?

When you work with a pedestrian accident attorney after an injury, you’ll find that most pedestrian accident cases in California are based on negligence. While some cases may involve intentional acts (battery), most involve careless or reckless driving rather than deliberate harm.

An attorney can assess the details of your accident and determine the appropriate legal approach. Beyond identifying the legal foundation of your claim, a lawyer may assist you in the following ways:

When you reach out to a lawyer, they will assess the details of your accident and determine the most effective legal path based on the type of case you have. Beyond identifying the legal foundation of your claim, your attorney can assist you in the following essential ways:

Expertise and Experience: A pedestrian accident lawyer understands legal procedures, documentation requirements, and how to present a claim effectively.
Proving Liability: Establishing fault can be challenging. An attorney can gather and evaluate evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts when necessary.
Pursuing Compensation: A lawyer can assess your economic and non-economic losses and negotiate with insurance companies to seek a resolution that reflects your documented damages.
Managing the Legal Process: With deadlines and procedural requirements involved, having legal representation can help ensure filings are completed properly and on time.
Guidance and Support: Beyond legal strategy, an attorney can provide clarity about your options and next steps during a difficult time.

When you contact Jacoby & Meyers, our legal team will work to gather sufficient evidence to support your claim. Once a strong case is built, we will pursue a resolution aimed at addressing your medical bills, lost wages, and other related damages.

Clarity Powered by Experience
Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts. Through a free consultation, we can explain the legal process and discuss the potential value of your claim so you can make informed decisions.

Negotiation for Settlements
We are familiar with insurance company tactics, including settlement offers that may not fully reflect a claim’s value. Our team works to negotiate for compensation that aligns with your documented losses.

Health Advocacy
Even a minor injury can worsen without the proper care. Through our trusted medical network, we can assist with getting the necessary treatment, as well as helping keep medical costs in check.

Securing Your Future
The financial and emotional toll of a pedestrian accident can be significant. We focus on pursuing compensation that considers both current expenses and long-term effects, including ongoing medical care or reduced earning capacity.

Questions You Might Have After Your Pedestrian Accident

Does Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim Have a Deadline?

Filing a personal injury claim in Los Angeles, CA, follows a strict timeline. According to the California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1, you must file a personal injury claim within two years from the accident date. However, this timeline can vary—property damage claims, for example, may give you up to three years.

Given these deadlines, it’s important to consult with a pedestrian accident attorney to ensure you take the proper legal steps. Delaying action could affect your ability to pursue compensation, so acting promptly is essential.

How Will a Lawyer Help Me Manage My Medical Bills?

Pedestrian accidents often lead to serious injuries, making immediate medical treatment a top priority. However, the cost of medical care can quickly become overwhelming, even for those with health insurance. After your initial ER or hospital visit, it’s important to consult with one of our Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers.

Once you hire us, we’ll help you explore options for managing your medical bills. Here are some options for managing medical expenses:

Auto Insurance: Your car insurance may include medical payment coverage if you’re struck as a pedestrian, and the at-fault driver’s insurance may also cover your costs. Consult with our lawyers before accepting any offers to ensure you understand your options.
Health Insurance: While health insurance may cover part of your treatment, out-of-pocket expenses may remain. Our lawyers can help you understand how a settlement may interact with your health coverage.
Medical Liens: We may be able to help arrange medical care on a lien basis, meaning you won’t pay upfront, and medical providers are paid from any settlement or judgment.

When you work with us, you won’t have to worry about paying attorney’s fees upfront. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation. We also offer free consultations so you can understand your legal rights and options without financial risk.

What Happens If I’m Partly to Blame for the Accident?

California follows a pure comparative fault system. This means you can still file a personal injury claim even if you’re partly to blame for the accident. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, you may still recover 80% of the total damages awarded.

Consulting an injury lawyer is important to help ensure your share of fault is fairly evaluated. An attorney can review the total damages, assess your potential recovery based on your percentage of fault, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

What Common Pedestrian Injuries Do Victims Experience?

Pedestrian accidents can result in minor to catastrophic injuries. Here are some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries victims may experience:

Fractures and broken bones
Head and brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Internal injuries
Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
Soft tissue injuries
Psychological trauma

Pedestrian accidents can have serious, long-lasting consequences. Seeking immediate medical attention and consulting with a pedestrian accident lawyer can help protect both your health and your legal rights.

How a Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help You Pursue a Comprehensive Recovery

At Jacoby & Meyers, our pedestrian accident lawyers work to help clients recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by the accident. Insurance companies may attempt to pay less than the full value of a claim, which is why having legal representation can be important.

Before agreeing to any terms from the insurance company, consider scheduling a free consultation with one of our attorneys. We believe you deserve a thorough evaluation of your claim to help you pursue the recovery available under the law. The experienced team at Jacoby & Meyers can review your accident and discuss a personalized case strategy.

Without legal representation, you may risk accepting less than you may be entitled to recover. Speaking with an attorney can help you better understand your rights and options moving forward.

This article was written in collaboration with experienced personal injury lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers.

Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me

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Los Angeles, CA 90067
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