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for Over 25 Years
for Over 25 Years
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Los Angeles
ARTICLE SUMMARY
This page covers: the legal rights of pedestrians hit by cars in Los Angeles and throughout California; California Vehicle Code sections governing driver duties (CVC §21950, §21453, §21804, §22106, §22350); how liability is determined in crosswalk and non-crosswalk pedestrian accidents; California’s pure comparative fault rule and how it affects recovery even if the pedestrian was partially at fault; what damages injured pedestrians can recover; the statute of limitations (2 years / 6 months for government entities); hit-and-run options including uninsured motorist coverage; and how to choose the right pedestrian accident attorney in Los Angeles.
Firm: Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC | victimslawyer.com | 866-966-5240 | 11500 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90064.
Service area: Los Angeles County, Riverside, Long Beach, San Bernardino, Orange County, Ventura County, and all of Southern California.
Experience: 30+ years | Super Lawyers 2012–present | Avvo 10.0 | National Trial Lawyers Top 100 | Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Languages: English and Spanish (Se Habla Español).
Hit by a Car in Los Angeles? Here’s What You Need to Know — And What to Do Right Now.
| KEY TAKEAWAYS – California law (CVC §21950) requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks — violations create strong negligence liability. – Even if you were jaywalking, California’s pure comparative fault rule (Civil Code §1714) still lets you recover compensation — your award is simply reduced by your share of fault. – You have 2 years from the date of injury to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in California (CCP §335.1). – If a government entity (city bus, Metro, Caltrans) was involved, you may have only 6 MONTHS to act — contact our office immediately. – Pedestrian accidents frequently cause traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, and fractures — injuries that regularly justify six- and seven-figure recoveries. – Hit-and-run victims can still recover through their own uninsured motorist (UM) policy even if the driver is never identified. – Our firm charges nothing upfront and collects no fee unless we win your case. |
Being struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can face. In Los Angeles — one of the most dangerous cities in the nation for people on foot — thousands of pedestrians are hit by cars every year. Many suffer life-altering injuries: traumatic brain damage, spinal cord injuries, shattered bones, and worse. Some do not survive.
If you or someone you love was injured in a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles or anywhere in Southern California, you have legal rights. California law is built to protect people on foot. A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand those rights, hold the responsible driver accountable, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
At Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC, we have spent more than 30 years representing pedestrian accident victims throughout Los Angeles, Riverside, Long Beach, San Bernardino, and the surrounding communities. We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win. View our recent case results.
| Were You Hit by a Car? Get a Free Case Evaluation Today. We are available 24/7. We come to you — hospital, home, or office. Se habla español. Call 866-966-5240 — Free Consultation — No Fee Unless We Win 11500 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90064 | victimslawyer.com |
Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles: The Scope of the Problem
Los Angeles has a well-documented pedestrian safety crisis. California consistently leads the nation in pedestrian fatalities, with the Los Angeles metropolitan area accounting for a large share of those deaths and serious injuries. Key statistics:
- California records more than 1,000 pedestrian deaths per year — more than any other state, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety.
- Pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to be killed in a traffic collision than drivers or vehicle occupants (NHTSA).
- Persons 65 years of age and older account for approximately 20% of all fatal pedestrian accidents.
- For children between the ages of 5 and 15, being struck by a car is the leading cause of fatal motor vehicle collisions. See our page on child pedestrian accidents in California.
- Alcohol or drug impairment is a factor in approximately 48% of all pedestrian accidents resulting in injury or death.
- Speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield at crosswalks are among the leading causes of pedestrian crashes in LA. See: Top Causes of Los Angeles Pedestrian Accidents.
The problem is getting worse, not better. Read our analysis of the shocking rise in pedestrian deaths in Los Angeles and review detailed Los Angeles pedestrian injury and fatality data on our dedicated statistics pages.
California Laws That Protect Pedestrians
California has extensive statutes designed to protect people on foot. Violations of these laws constitute negligence per se — meaning liability is established as a matter of law when a driver breaks them.
CVC §21950 — Driver Duty to Yield at Crosswalks
California Vehicle Code §21950 requires every driver to yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing within any marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. This is the foundational statute in most pedestrian accident cases. A driver’s failure to yield is not merely evidence of negligence — it is negligence per se.
CVC §21453 — Failure to Stop on Red / Right-Turn Violations
California Vehicle Code §21453 requires drivers to come to a complete stop before turning right on a red light and to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk before proceeding. One of the most common causes of pedestrian injuries in Los Angeles is drivers who roll through red lights without stopping, especially when turning right. See our page on rolling stop pedestrian accidents for more on this specific scenario.
CVC §22106 — Backing Vehicles
California Vehicle Code §22106 prohibits backing a vehicle unless it can be done safely. This applies to vehicles backing out of driveways, parking spaces, and alleys — a frequent cause of injury to children and pedestrians. See our guide to California parking lot accidents.
CVC §21804 — Entering a Roadway Across a Sidewalk
California Vehicle Code §21804 requires any driver entering a highway from private property, a parking lot, or an alley to yield to all traffic on the highway. This covers vehicles crossing sidewalks to enter traffic — a common scenario near commercial buildings and driveways in LA.
CVC §22350 — Basic Speed Law
No person may drive faster than is reasonable and prudent given road conditions. In pedestrian-heavy areas — school zones, business corridors, residential streets — a driver traveling at or below the posted speed limit can still be negligent if that speed was unsafe for actual conditions.
CVC §21954 — Pedestrians Crossing Outside Crosswalks
When a pedestrian crosses outside a crosswalk, they must yield to vehicles. However, drivers still have a duty to exercise due care to avoid hitting any pedestrian anywhere on the road. Crossing mid-block does not eliminate the driver’s duty of care.
IMPORTANT: “Jaywalking” Does NOT Automatically Bar Your Claim.
Many pedestrian accident victims assume that if they were not in a marked crosswalk, they cannot recover. This is a myth. California follows pure comparative fault (Civil Code §1714). Even if you were 30% at fault for crossing mid-block, you can still recover 70% of your total damages. A pedestrian found 30% responsible for a $500,000 injury still recovers $350,000.
Do not let an insurance adjuster convince you that partial fault means no compensation.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles
The vast majority of pedestrian accidents are caused by driver negligence. Our firm has prosecuted hundreds of pedestrian accident claims over 30 years. Read more about the top causes of LA pedestrian accidents.
| Cause | Legal Significance |
| Failure to yield at crosswalk (CVC §21950) | Negligence per se — strongest liability argument |
| Distracted driving / cell phone use (CVC §23123.5) | Phone records are discoverable evidence; direct negligence |
| Rolling through red light without stopping (CVC §21453) | Traffic violation = negligence per se; see our rolling stop page |
| Speeding (CVC §22350) | Reduces reaction time; compounds injury severity |
| Drunk or impaired driving | Civil liability + possible punitive damages; criminal case as evidence |
| Backing without looking (CVC §22106) | Common in parking lots, driveways; frequent child injury cause |
| Left-turn failure to check for crossing pedestrians | Turning driver had duty to verify crosswalk was clear |
| Poor nighttime visibility / inadequate lighting | May involve third-party liability (property owner, municipality) |
| Vehicle crossing sidewalk to enter traffic (CVC §21804) | Covers driveway and parking lot egress accidents |
Related: Los Angeles pedestrian accidents in intersections | Pedestrian accident statistics
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Because pedestrians have no physical protection from a vehicle collision, the injuries in these cases are often catastrophic. When a car strikes a pedestrian, the lower body absorbs the initial impact — typically around the knees and thighs — sending the victim up onto the hood or forward onto the pavement. The resulting injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI is one of the most common and most serious consequences of a pedestrian accident. Impact with the vehicle, hood, or pavement can cause concussion, brain contusion, diffuse axonal injury, or hemorrhage. TBI can cause permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes, seizures, and an inability to return to work. These cases regularly result in seven-figure settlements. Our firm has extensive experience handling brain injury claims in Los Angeles.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Vertebral fractures from the force of a vehicle strike can damage the spinal cord, causing partial or complete paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia). These catastrophic injuries require lifetime care and regularly justify multi-million dollar claims. See our spinal cord injury page for more information.
Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries
Pedestrians commonly suffer fractures to the legs, hips, pelvis, knees, arms, and ribs. Our $935,000 case result (described below) involved a victim who sustained major injuries to both knees and a shoulder requiring surgery. Hip fractures in elderly pedestrians can be life-threatening. Complex fractures typically require surgery, implanted hardware, and months of physical rehabilitation.
Internal Organ Injuries
The blunt force of a vehicle impact can lacerate or rupture the spleen, liver, kidneys, and bowel. These injuries may not present immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening without rapid diagnosis and surgery.
Soft Tissue, Nerve, and Ligament Injuries
Torn ligaments, nerve damage, and deep muscle injuries can cause chronic pain and long-term functional limitations even when they do not appear on initial X-rays. These injuries significantly affect settlement value when properly documented.
Wrongful Death
When a pedestrian accident causes death, the family has the right to file a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure §377.60. Our firm represents surviving spouses, children, and other eligible family members in these deeply difficult cases. Learn more about wrongful death claims in California.
Related sub-topics: Child pedestrian accidents | Auto vs. wheelchair accidents | Los Angeles joggers and runners injury attorneys | Pedestrian school zone accidents
| RECENT CASE RESULT $935,000 Settlement Our client was run over by a vehicle in a parking structure. He sustained major injuries to both knees and his shoulder, requiring surgery on all three. He was unable to perform the manual labor his job required for months following the incident. We immediately dispatched an investigator to the scene, photographed and diagrammed the area, and obtained surveillance video from a nearby business. We coordinated with treating physicians to document both current and future medical needs, arranged financial support while his claim was pending, and ultimately secured $935,000 in gross proceeds for him and his family. Past results do not guarantee, predict, or warrant a similar outcome in your case. All cases require individual evaluation. View more results on our case results page. |
See more of our pedestrian accident results and verdicts →
What Compensation Can a Pedestrian Accident Victim Recover?
California law allows injured pedestrians to seek full economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault driver and any other responsible parties.
Economic Damages — Your Financial Losses
- Emergency medical care, hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation
- Future medical expenses — ongoing treatment, physical therapy, home care
- Lost wages during your recovery period
- Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to prior work
- Home modification costs for wheelchair access, ramps, and accessibility equipment
- In-home nursing or personal care assistance costs
Non-Economic Damages — The Human Cost
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium (available to spouses and domestic partners)
Punitive Damages
In cases involving a DUI driver, intentional misconduct, or extreme recklessness, California courts may award punitive damages on top of compensatory damages. These are designed to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct.
What Is a Pedestrian Accident Case Worth in Los Angeles?
Settlement values depend on injury severity, degree of fault, available insurance, and the long-term impact on your life. Cases involving traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, or wrongful death regularly settle for $500,000 to several million dollars. Significant fracture cases with extended recovery typically range from $100,000 to $500,000. Minor soft tissue cases may settle for $50,000 to $150,000.
The only reliable way to understand what your specific case is worth is a case evaluation with an experienced attorney.
Read our detailed guide: Average Pedestrian Accident Settlement Values in California →
How Long Do You Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in California?
Missing a filing deadline can permanently eliminate your right to any compensation. Know these deadlines before you do anything else.
| Situation | Deadline | Governing Law |
| Injury caused by a private driver or party | 2 years from date of accident | CCP §335.1 |
| Injury caused by a government entity (Metro bus, city vehicle, Caltrans) | 6 months to file a government tort claim; then 6 months to sue if denied | Gov’t Code §911.2 |
| Victim is a minor (under 18 at time of accident) | 2 years after turning 18 (age 20) | CCP §352 |
| Victim was mentally incapacitated at time of accident | Deadline tolled during incapacity | CCP §352 |
| Wrongful death claim (pedestrian fatality) | 2 years from date of death | CCP §335.1 |
| Claim against school district or public school | 6 months to file government tort claim | Gov’t Code §911.2 |
⚠ GOVERNMENT ENTITY WARNING — 6-MONTH DEADLINE
If your accident involved an LA Metro bus, MTA vehicle, City of Los Angeles vehicle, school bus, Caltrans roadway defect, or any other government-owned entity or property, you likely have only 6 MONTHS from the date of the accident to file a formal Government Tort Claim. Missing this deadline will permanently bar your lawsuit — even if you file within the standard 2-year window.
Do not wait. Call 866-966-5240 today.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Los Angeles
The steps you take in the hours and days after a pedestrian accident can significantly affect the strength and value of your claim:
- Call 911 immediately. Request police and an ambulance. A police report documenting the driver’s information, road conditions, and witness accounts is critical evidence.
- Seek emergency medical evaluation — even if you feel okay. Traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding often do not produce immediate symptoms. A delay in treatment also gives insurers a basis to argue your injuries are unrelated to the accident.
- Document the scene. Photograph the vehicle, the driver, license plate, the crosswalk or street, skid marks, traffic signals, and your visible injuries.
- Collect witness information. Full names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened.
- Do not give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Their adjusters are trained to reduce your claim. You are not legally obligated to speak with them before consulting an attorney.
- Preserve all physical evidence. Keep damaged clothing and personal items exactly as they are. Do not clean, repair, or discard anything.
- Track all medical treatment, expenses, and missed work. Keep every bill, record, prescription, and written communication from your healthcare providers.
- Contact a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Surveillance footage gets overwritten within days. Contact Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC immediately to protect your rights.
Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents: You Still Have Options
Hit-and-run crashes represent a disproportionate share of pedestrian fatalities in Los Angeles. If a driver struck you and fled the scene, you are not without recourse:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: If you or a household family member has auto insurance with UM coverage, you can make a claim for your injuries even if the driver is never identified. This is one of the most important and underused protections available to pedestrian hit-and-run victims. Learn more about uninsured motorist claims in California.
- Surveillance and traffic camera investigation: Our team will canvass the scene for traffic cameras, doorbell cameras, and business surveillance systems that may have captured the vehicle or driver.
- Third-party liability: Was a road defect, malfunctioning traffic signal, or negligent property owner a contributing factor? Multiple parties may share liability even when the driver cannot be identified.
Pedestrian Accidents Involving Government Vehicles and Road Defects
Your claim may involve a government entity if:
- You were struck by an LA Metro bus, school bus, city vehicle, or other publicly owned vehicle
- A dangerous road condition — broken crosswalk signal, defective sidewalk, missing curb cut, inadequate lighting — contributed to the accident. See our guide to sidewalk accident claims in California.
- A poorly designed intersection increased your risk. See our report on the most dangerous intersections in Los Angeles.
Suing a government entity requires filing a formal Government Tort Claim within 6 months under Government Code §910 et seq. This deadline is strict and unforgiving. If a government entity may be responsible for your accident, contact our office immediately — delays are fatal to government entity claims.
Why Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer vs. Handling It Yourself?
Insurance companies know that pedestrian accident injuries are severe and settlements are large. They deploy teams of adjusters and defense attorneys whose job is to minimize what they pay you. Going up against them alone is a significant disadvantage.
| Without an Attorney | With Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC |
| Risk accepting a quick lowball offer before understanding full injury extent | We wait until maximum medical improvement before valuing your case |
| Unaware of all available compensation sources | We identify every source of recovery: liability, UM/UIM, umbrella policies, premises liability |
| No access to expert witnesses or accident reconstruction | We retain biomechanical engineers, medical experts, and crash reconstructionists as needed |
| Miss government claim deadlines permanently barring recovery | We handle all government tort filings and track every deadline |
| Insurance company uses your recorded statements against you | We manage all insurer communications and protect your statements |
| No leverage to push insurer toward fair settlement value | 30+ years of trial experience creates credibility insurers respect and respond to |
About Our Pedestrian Accident Legal Team
Steven M. Sweat, lead attorney and founder, has represented injured pedestrians and their families throughout Southern California for over 30 years. He is:
- Recognized by Super Lawyers continuously since 2012
- Rated 10.0 (Superb) on Avvo — Top Attorney designation
- Member, National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- Member, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- BBB A+ Rated
- Bilingual services available — se habla español
Our firm operates on a pure contingency fee basis. We advance all litigation costs. You owe us nothing unless and until we achieve a recovery for you — no exceptions, no fine print.
Serving Pedestrian Accident Victims Throughout Southern California
We represent pedestrian accident victims across greater Los Angeles and throughout Southern California, with office locations in Los Angeles, Glendale, West Covina, Ontario, Palmdale, Huntington Beach, Torrance, Santa Fe Springs, and Chula Vista.
| Region | Key Service Areas |
| Los Angeles City & County | Hollywood, Wilshire Corridor, Downtown, South LA, East LA, San Fernando Valley, Westside, Compton, Inglewood, Hawthorne |
| Riverside County | Riverside, Corona, Moreno Valley, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Indio, Rancho Mirage |
| San Bernardino County | San Bernardino, Ontario, Fontana, Rialto, Victorville, Rancho Cucamonga |
| Long Beach / Harbor Area | Long Beach, Signal Hill, Carson, Torrance, San Pedro, Wilmington |
| Orange County | Huntington Beach, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Fullerton |
| Ventura County | Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Camarillo, Simi Valley |
| Inland Empire / High Desert | Bakersfield, Lancaster, Palmdale, Victorville, Apple Valley |
Frequently Asked Questions — Pedestrian Accident Claims in California
What Should I Do Immediately After Being Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian?
Call 911, request police and medical assistance, and stay at the scene. Photograph the driver, vehicle, license plate, and scene conditions. Collect witness contact information. Seek emergency medical evaluation even if you believe your injuries are minor — TBI and internal injuries are frequently not apparent immediately. Then contact a pedestrian accident attorney before speaking with any insurance company. Do not give recorded statements without counsel.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Jaywalking or Not in a Crosswalk?
Yes. California follows pure comparative fault under Civil Code §1714. If you were 25% at fault for crossing outside a crosswalk and suffered $400,000 in damages, you recover $300,000. The insurance company may argue contributory fault to reduce your claim — an experienced attorney will counter this argument with evidence of the driver’s primary negligence.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in California?
Generally 2 years from the date of injury under CCP §335.1. However, if a government entity — LA Metro, City of Los Angeles vehicle, school bus, Caltrans road defect — was involved, you may have only 6 months to file a Government Tort Claim under Government Code §911.2. If you are unsure which deadline applies, contact our office immediately.
What if the Driver Who Hit Me Fled the Scene (Hit and Run)?
You may still recover through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if you or a household family member carries it. Our team will also investigate surveillance footage and witnesses to attempt to identify the vehicle. Do not assume you have no options — contact us before concluding your case cannot be pursued.
How Much Is a Pedestrian Accident Settlement Worth in Los Angeles?
Settlements depend on the severity of your injuries, degree of liability, available insurance coverage, and the long-term impact on your ability to work and enjoy life. TBI and paralysis cases regularly resolve for $500,000 to several million dollars. Significant fracture and surgical cases typically range from $100,000 to $500,000. We provide free case evaluations so you can understand what your specific claim may be worth before making any decisions.
Does My Health Insurance Cover Pedestrian Accident Injuries?
Health insurance may cover immediate treatment costs, but your insurer has subrogation rights — the right to seek reimbursement from your eventual settlement. We negotiate with health insurers to reduce subrogation claims and maximize your net recovery. The at-fault driver’s auto liability insurance is the primary compensation source in most pedestrian accident cases.
Can I Sue if a Family Member Was Killed in a Pedestrian Accident?
Yes. California Code of Civil Procedure §377.60 permits certain family members — spouses, domestic partners, children, and in some circumstances parents and siblings — to file a wrongful death lawsuit. A survival action may also be available for damages the deceased would have been entitled to. Our firm handles wrongful death cases throughout California with experience and sensitivity.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Attorney?
Nothing upfront. We represent pedestrian accident clients on a contingency fee basis — we only get paid if we recover money for you, and we advance all litigation costs. If we do not win, you owe us nothing. Call 866-966-5240 for a completely free, no-obligation case evaluation.
| Speak with a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer — Free, Confidential, No Obligation. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We travel to hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and your home. Se habla español. Call 866-966-5240 — Free Consultation — No Fee Unless We Win 11500 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90064 | victimslawyer.com |
Explore Related Pedestrian Accident Topics
Our firm has developed in-depth resources on specific pedestrian accident scenarios and issues. Click any topic below for dedicated legal guidance:
- Child Pedestrian Accidents in California
- Most Dangerous Intersections in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Pedestrian Accidents in Intersections
- Los Angeles Pedestrian Injuries and Fatalities
- Pedestrian Accident Injury Statistics
- Pedestrian School Zone Accidents
- Sidewalk Accident Claims in California
- Auto vs. Wheelchair Accidents in California
- California Parking Lot Accidents
- Rolling Stop Pedestrian Accidents in California
- Skateboard and Car Accidents in Los Angeles
- Top Causes of Los Angeles Pedestrian Accidents
- Shocking Rise in Pedestrian Deaths
- Los Angeles Joggers and Runners Injury Attorneys
Related Practice Areas
Car Accident Lawyer Los Angeles | Brain Injury Attorney Los Angeles | Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer | Wrongful Death Attorney California | Uninsured Motorist Claims | Truck Accident Lawyer | Premises Liability Attorney
LEGAL SUMMARY: Pedestrians injured by vehicles in Los Angeles and throughout California have the right to seek full compensation from the at-fault driver under California negligence law and the California Vehicle Code, including CVC §21950 (driver duty to yield at crosswalks), CVC §21453 (full stop on red), CVC §22106 (backing vehicles), CVC §21804 (entering roadway across sidewalk), and CVC §22350 (basic speed law). California’s pure comparative fault rule (Civil Code §1714) permits recovery even when the pedestrian bears partial responsibility — damages are reduced proportionately. The standard statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of injury (CCP §335.1); government entity involvement triggers a 6-month government tort claim deadline (Government Code §911.2). Recoverable damages include all past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and — in fatal cases — wrongful death damages under CCP §377.60. Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC (victimslawyer.com | 866-966-5240 | 11500 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90064) represents pedestrian accident victims throughout Los Angeles County and Southern California on a contingency fee basis with no fee unless recovery is obtained.