Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

How can a pedestrian accident lawyer help in your case? Under California Civil Code § 1714, a personal injury lawyer can help prove that a driver’s or another party’s negligence caused your injuries and pursue compensation on your behalf. They evaluate your case, investigate the circumstances of the accident, gather evidence, determine liability, and negotiate with insurance companies throughout the claims process.

If you’ve been hit by a negligent driver while walking along the streets of Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Koreatown, or anywhere else in Los Angeles, you may be facing medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about what comes next. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options on how to recover your losses.

At Jacoby & Meyers, we know how devastating a pedestrian accident can be. Since 1972, our firm has been standing up for injured individuals and their families, fighting for accountability, financial recovery, and peace of mind.

• Over $2 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements for our clients
• Client testimonials showcase our 50+ years of client-focused representation for car accident and injury victims throughout Los Angeles and California.
• Our team is available to answer your call 24/7 and provide free initial consultation.
• The awards and affiliations featured on our page is proof of our longstanding commitment to personal injury law.
• We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation.

Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.

Consult with a pedestrian accident lawyer at Jacoby & Meyers to learn more about how we can help.

What Our Clients Have To Say

What should you do after a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles?

After a pedestrian accident, seek medical attention, report the accident to the Los Angeles Police Department or at the local Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department station, and preserve as much evidence as possible. Taking these steps can help protect both your health and your ability to pursue a claim.

Whether you were struck while crossing Beverly Boulevard, walking along Sunset Boulevard, waiting at a Los Angeles Metro stop, or in another part of LA, documenting what happened as soon as possible can help preserve important information.

• Seek Medical Treatment First: Your health comes first. If you have serious injuries, call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor, getting evaluated by a medical professional can help identify injuries that may not appear right away.
• Call the Police: Contact responding law enforcement agencies so the accident can be documented. A police report may contain important information about the collision, the parties involved, and other details that may help during the claims process.
• Gather Evidence at the Scene: If you are able to do so safely, take photographs or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, the vehicle involved, traffic signals, and surrounding conditions. If anyone witnessed the accident, obtain their contact information.

Taking these steps will not only protect your health but also ensure that your legal rights are preserved.

What challenges do injury victims face soon after a Los Angeles pedestrian accident?

Soon after a pedestrian accident, injured victims often have to balance medical treatment with insurance communications, gathering records, and other steps involved in the claims process. While recovering from their injuries, they may also need to coordinate with the Los Angeles Police Department or local Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department station, the California Department of Motor Vehicles, healthcare providers, and insurance companies.

Pedestrian accident victims often face challenges such as:

• Getting a copy of the police report: Reports from the Los Angeles Police Department may take a week or longer to become available.
• Filing an SR-1 Form: California law may require an SR-1 form to be submitted to the California DMV within 10 days after a motor vehicle accident involving injuries or qualifying property damage.
• Ongoing medical treatment: Serious injuries may require emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, or follow-up appointments while claim deadlines continue to run.
• Insurance company investigations: Insurance companies may begin investigating the accident soon after it is reported and attempt to dispute liability or minimize the value of the claim.
• Limited evidence from the scene: Because pedestrians are often seriously injured upon impact, they may be unable to take photographs, collect witness information, or document the accident before being transported for medical care.

Understanding these challenges can help injured pedestrians preserve important information and better manage the claims process while focusing on their recovery.

What are the common injuries in pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles?

Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries because pedestrians have little to no physical protection during a collision. Even at lower speeds, victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal injuries, or internal bleeding that require emergency treatment and long-term care at medical facilities such as Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and other hospitals throughout Los Angeles.

Common pedestrian accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Concussions and more serious brain trauma caused by head impact with a vehicle, the pavement, or surrounding objects.
• Spinal injuries: Damage to the neck or back, including herniated discs and spinal cord injuries that can affect mobility or cause permanent impairment.
• Fractures: Broken bones involving the legs, hips, arms, ribs, pelvis, or face that may require surgery and rehabilitation.
• Internal injuries: Organ damage or internal bleeding that may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening without prompt diagnosis and treatment. 
• Soft tissue injuries: Laceration, sprains, strains, muscle tears, and deep bruising that can limit movement and interfere with daily activities.

Understanding California Pedestrian Laws 

California pedestrian laws help determine who may be responsible for a pedestrian accident. Because liability often depends on whether drivers or pedestrians followed the rules of the road, understanding these laws can be important when pursuing a claim.

Duty of Care 

Under California Civil Code § 1714, pedestrians must exercise reasonable care for their own safety while walking near or crossing roadways. This includes:

• Obeying traffic signals
• Using crosswalks
• Avoiding sudden movements that obstruct traffic, such as stepping into traffic
• Being aware of the surroundings before crossing
• Avoiding distractions while walking
• Not walking on the road while impaired

Right-of-Way 

According to Vehicle Code Section 21950, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within marked or unmarked crosswalks. However, pedestrians are also expected to use reasonable care and avoid creating an immediate hazard by suddenly entering the roadway.

Jaywalking 

California’s Freedom to Walk Act (AB 2147) allows pedestrians to cross outside of a crosswalk when it can be done safely. However, crossing in front of approaching traffic, in areas with limited visibility, or on high-speed roads may still be considered unsafe and may affect how fault is determined after an accident.

Understanding these laws can help explain how liability is evaluated after a pedestrian accident. In many cases, responsibility may be shared between multiple parties, making a thorough investigation important before a claim is resolved.

Who may be liable for your injuries after a pedestrian accident?

Liability for a pedestrian accident is determined under California Civil Code § 1714 and may lie with the pedestrian, the driver, or both, depending on who acted negligently or failed to follow California traffic laws. These cases often involve disputed liability, arguments over shared fault, and conflicting claims.

When may a pedestrian be liable? 

Pedestrians have a duty to use reasonable care while walking near or crossing roadways. A pedestrian may share responsibility for an accident if they:

• Cross against a traffic signal or “Don’t Walk” sign
• Step into the path of oncoming traffic and create an immediate hazard
• Walk while distracted or impaired
• Disregard other applicable pedestrian traffic laws
  

If a pedestrian is found partially responsible, the amount of compensation available may be reduced under California’s comparative negligence rules.

When may a driver be liable? 

Drivers may be held liable when a pedestrian accident results from negligent or unlawful conduct, including:

• Failing to yield the right-of-way
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Fatigued or reckless driving
• Failing to use headlights or exercise reasonable care in low-visibility conditions

Determining who is responsible for a pedestrian accident can be difficult, depending on the available evidence and specific circumstances surrounding the collision. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help investigate the collision and establish liability.

What are the recoverable damages you may be entitled to?

For pedestrian accident claims, the recoverable damages available under California Civil Code §§ 3281–3294 generally include economic damages, non-economic damages, and, in limited cases, punitive damages.

Economic Damages 

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

• Medical expenses, including treatments, equipment, and aids
• 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

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 cases where the at-fault party acted recklessly or intentionally, the court may award punitive damages as an extra penalty under California Civil Code § 3294 to punish the action and prevent it from happening again.

Because pedestrian accident damages can involve both immediate and long-term considerations, careful evaluation is essential before resolving a claim.

Our Personal Injury Case Results

Our personal injury attorneys have recovered over $2 billion in settlements on behalf of local accident victims in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area. Some of our personal injury case results include:

Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome. Amounts listed are gross recoveries before attorney fees and costs.

What is the deadline for filing a pedestrian accident claim?

Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, most pedestrian accident claims must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. For special cases involving a government entity, such as a city-owned vehicle or unsafe public property, a government claim generally must be submitted within six months and must comply with specific notice and procedural requirements.

Delaying action can jeopardize your claim, so it is important to act promptly and avoid missing important legal deadlines.

Pitfall Alert: What if I was not able to get the information of the driver?

If you were unable to obtain the driver’s information at the scene, you may still be able to get it by coordinating with the responding law enforcement agency, such as the Los Angeles Police Department or the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, once the accident has been documented.

However, obtaining this information may require waiting for the official police report or following other procedures, which can delay the claims process. When it is safe and possible, try to obtain the driver’s contact and insurance information before leaving the accident scene.

Why do you need a pedestrian accident lawyer in Los Angeles?

A pedestrian accident lawyer can help investigate the accident, establish liability, protect your rights when dealing with insurance companies, and pursue compensation for your injuries. Because pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries and disputed liability, legal representation can be valuable throughout the claims process.

Opponent Playbook

Insurance companies often investigate pedestrian accident claims soon after a collision and may use different strategies to reduce the amount they pay. Common tactics include:

• Shifting blame to the pedestrian by claiming they were distracted or crossed outside a designated crosswalk.
• Pressuring injured victims to accept an early settlement.
• Downplaying the severity of the injuries or damages.
• Arguing that the injuries were caused by a pre-existing medical condition rather than the accident.
• Questioning the need for ongoing medical treatment or future care.

Working with a pedestrian accident lawyer can help protect your claim by: 

• Addressing insurance tactics: Responding to attempts to shift blame, minimize injuries, or resolve claims before the full impact is understood. 
• Building liability evidence: Collecting reports, preserving video footage, coordinating witness statements, and reviewing contested facts with appropriate experts. 
• Managing legal requirements: Handling deadlines, record requests, and procedural standards that can affect the strength of a claim. 
• Handling communications: Managing negotiations and legal proceedings so you can focus on medical treatment and recovery.

With an attorney working on your case, you have someone with a legal perspective, well-versed in both California law and how insurance companies approach these cases, looking after your rights to fair compensation.

What does a pedestrian accident claim look like?

Pedestrian accident claims follow the same process as most other motor vehicle accident claims. It usually begins with a case evaluation, followed by an investigation and evidence gathering, insurance negotiations, and, if a fair agreement cannot be reached, litigation.

• Case Evaluation: Meeting with a pedestrian accident lawyer to review the circumstances of the accident and determine the best approach for your claim.
• Investigation and Case Building: Gathering evidence, reviewing police reports, medical records, witness statements, and other information to establish liability and document your damages.
• Insurance Negotiations: Presenting the claim to the insurance company and negotiating a settlement based on the available evidence. 
• Settlement and Litigation: If the parties reach an agreement, the claim is resolved through settlement. If not, the claim may proceed through the Los Angeles Superior Court, where it may ultimately be decided at trial.

With an attorney handling the legal aspects of your claim, you can focus on your medical treatment and recovery while your case is managed on your behalf.

What should you look for when choosing a pedestrian accident attorney in Los Angeles?

When choosing a pedestrian accident attorney, look for experience handling pedestrian injury cases, a strong track record, local knowledge, a solid reputation, and the resources to take a case to trial when necessary. Remember that the attorney you choose will be responsible for investigating your claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing your interests throughout the legal process.

Asking the following questions can help you evaluate whether an attorney is the right fit for your case.

How long have you been handling pedestrian accident cases in Los Angeles?

Years of experience handling cases like yours can make a difference when choosing an attorney. Lawyers who have represented pedestrian accident victims for many years are often more familiar with the legal challenges, insurance company tactics, and evidence needed to build a strong claim.

Jacoby & Meyers has been serving injured pedestrians throughout the Los Angeles communities for over 50 years, helping thousands of clients fight for fair compensation.

What are the results of the cases they handled?

Learning about a law firm’s past case results can give you a better understanding of its experience handling pedestrian accidents and other serious personal injury claims. While every case is different, reviewing previous results can help you evaluate whether the firm has experience with cases similar to yours.

At Jacoby & Meyers, we have helped injured clients across California recover more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements, including multi-million-dollar outcomes in serious and catastrophic injury cases.

Do they have the knowledge and resources to handle the challenges that come with pedestrian accident cases?

Pedestrian accidents often involve disputed liability, extensive medical evidence, and insurance company investigations. An attorney should understand California law, local court procedures, and the evidence needed to build a strong claim.

Familiarity with Los Angeles roads, intersections, law enforcement agencies, courts, and insurance carriers can be an advantage throughout the claims process.

Do they have a strong reputation in personal injury law?

A law firm’s reputation can reflect its experience, professionalism, and commitment to the clients it represents. Recognition from legal organizations, positive client experiences, and respect within the legal community can provide added confidence when choosing an attorney.

Jacoby & Meyers attorneys have earned recognition from legal organizations and are respected for representing injured clients throughout California.

Are they prepared to take your case to court?

Many pedestrian accident claims are resolved through settlement. However, when a fair agreement cannot be reached, it is important to choose a law firm prepared to pursue litigation. Insurance companies often consider a firm’s willingness and ability to take a case to court when evaluating settlement offers.

How do communications and fees work?

Before signing with an attorney, ask who will handle your case, how often you will receive updates, and how attorney fees and case-related costs will be paid.

Jacoby & Meyers handles pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. Attorney fees are generally paid only if compensation is recovered. Depending on the circumstances, clients may still be responsible for certain case-related costs.

Client Stories

Our clients’ shared experiences reflect how Jacoby & Meyers approach every case: with clear communication, experienced guidance, and client-focused attention throughout the legal process.

“I had an excellent experience with Jacoby and Meyers. Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and always available to answer my questions. Gloria handled my case with expertise and care, ensuring everything went smoothly from the start. I truly appreciate her dedication and attention to detail. If you need a reliable and trustworthy law firm, I highly recommend them!

• Daniela Altamirano

“Recently, I was hit by a vehicle while walking my dog in a crosswalk, and it quite literally turned my world upside down. I was suggested to look into speaking to an injury lawyer, so I decided to call Jacoby & Meyers, and I’m so glad I finally did. I had the pleasure of working with Isabella (Bella), and I can’t thank her enough for her support during a challenging time. She provided me with peace of mind by expertly managing all my medical appointments and ensuring I wasn’t overwhelmed by bills. Thanks to her efforts, I was able to focus on my recovery without the stress of being overwhelmed by bills. It was such a relief to know that I had someone fighting for my best interests. My only regret is not contacting Jacoby & Meyers sooner. Isabella has made a significant difference in getting my life back on track, and I highly recommend her services to anyone in need of legal assistance.“

• Esther S.

Disclaimer: Testimonials are voluntary statements from former clients. They are not intended to create expectations about outcomes and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of results.

Case Results

At Jacoby & Meyers, we work to pursue the full value of our clients’ claims through careful preparation, strategic negotiation, and, when necessary, litigation. The case results below reflect some of the significant verdicts and settlements our attorneys have won for injured clients across California.

• $19 million – Ride-share Passenger v. Auto / Quadriplegic
• $17.5 million – Bicycle v. Truck / Paraplegic
• $11.9 million – Wrongful death v. Truck
• $11 million – Motorcycle v. Truck / Paraplegic
• $9.24 million – Auto v. Pedestrian / Spinal cord injury
• $6.7 million – Auto v. Pedestrian
• $6 million – Auto v. Pedestrian

Disclaimer: Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Areas We Serve

Jacoby & Meyers serves injured pedestrians throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding communities, including:

• Downtown Los Angeles
• West Los Angeles
• Santa Monica
• Beverly Hills
• Burbank
• Pasadena
• Torrance
• Santa Clarita
• Pomona

Our firm has offices throughout California, allowing us to represent injured pedestrians across the state, including:

• Orange County
• San Jose
• San Francisco
• San Diego
• San Bernardino
• Sacramento
• Ontario
• Oakland
• Los Angeles
• Fresno 
• Escondido
• Brea
• Long beach
• Bakersfield

Local Resources

Emergency Rooms

• Los Angeles General Medical Center 1200 N State St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
• Harbor-UCLA Medical Center– 1000 W. Carson St., Torrance, CA 90509
• Olive View-UCLA Medical Center -14445 Olive View Dr. Sylmar, CA 91342
• Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center– 1401 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015
• Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center – 1300 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Urgent Care Centers

• Care Fast Urgent Care- Burbank – 353 N Pass Ave Ste D Burbank, CA 91505
• First Aid Urgent Care – 7204 Foothill Blvd, Tujunga, CA 91042
• Edward R. Roybal Comprehensive Health Center – 245 S. Fetterly Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90022
• H. Claude Hudson Comprehensive Health Center – 2829 South Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90007
• Ladera Urgent Care – 5311 W Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Local Courthouses

• Airport Courthouse – 11701 S. La Cienega, Los Angeles, CA 90045
• Central Arraignment Courthouse – 429 Bauchet St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
• Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center – 210 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Disclaimer – We do not endorse these companies or profit from listing them on our website.

Frequently Asked Questions in a Pedestrian Accident Case

Can I still file a claim if I am partially at fault for the accident?

In California’s pure comparative fault system, you can file a personal injury claim even if you’re partly to blame for the accident. For example, if you’re 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of the compensation. On the other hand, the other party can also claim compensation based on their percentage of fault.

Consulting an injury lawyer is crucial to ensure you’re receiving the right amount. They will evaluate the total damages, determine how much you’re entitled to based on your share of the fault, and negotiate with the insurance company to pursue fair compensation.

Can I settle my case even before I’m fully recovered?

You can, but settling too early is often risky. Pedestrian injuries may worsen over time or require future treatment that isn’t immediately apparent. Once a settlement is accepted, you generally cannot seek additional compensation later.

Careful case evaluation helps determine whether your condition has stabilized and whether future medical needs, limitations, or complications have been properly considered before accepting an offer.

How long will my pedestrian accident claim take?

The timeline varies depending on injury severity, recovery progress, and whether liability is disputed. Some claims resolve in months, while others take longer if negotiations stall or litigation becomes necessary.

The process often moves more efficiently when deadlines are tracked, documentation is organized, and insurer delays are addressed promptly. Legal support with these steps can help prevent unnecessary slowdowns.

What if the driver fled the scene or was uninsured? 

Hit-and-run and uninsured driver cases are common in Los Angeles. Compensation may still be available through uninsured motorist coverage or other applicable insurance policies.

Legal guidance can help identify all potential sources of recovery and handle communications with insurers when the at-fault driver cannot be located.

What if I need to go to trial?

Although many pedestrian accident cases settle, a trial may be necessary when liability is disputed or when settlement offers do not reflect the evidence. A trial allows both sides to present testimony, documents, and expert opinions so fault and damages can be formally decided.

Preparing for trial involves extensive planning, evidence development, and procedural work. An experienced pedestrian attorney ensures the case is presented clearly and effectively, while allowing you to remain focused on your recovery.

Experienced Legal Representation for Serious Injury Cases

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles, understanding your rights and options is an important first step. Jacoby & Meyers has decades of experience handling serious pedestrian injury cases and is available to explain your options and answer your questions with clarity. 

Call today or submit our contact form to request a free case evaluation from our Los Angeles pedestrian injury lawyers and start your case.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts.

Attorney Review & Office Information

Attorney Review Disclosure
This content has been reviewed by California-licensed attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable California law. Legal services are provided by attorneys licensed to practice in the State of California.

Los Angeles Office
Jacoby & Meyers
2000 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1150S
Los Angeles, CA 90067

24/7 Hotline: (213) 296-0792

Other Injury Cases We Take On

• Car Accidents 
• Personal Injury
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Slip and Fall Accidents
• Dog Bites
• Scooter Accidents
• Premises Liability
• Hit and Run Accidents
• Construction Accidents
• Boat Accident
• Bicycle Accidents
• Paraplegia Injury
• Brain Injuries
• Catastrophic Injuries
• Burn Injuries
• Wrongful Death
• Laceration Injury
• Orthopedic Injury
• Whiplash Injury
• Amputations
• Broken Bone Injuries
• Neck and Back Injuries
• Neck Injuries
• Quadriplegia Injury
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Back Injury
• Rideshare Accidents