Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles was built for cars, not people. Wide arterials designed for speed. Crosswalks that take forever to reach. Drivers who treat pedestrians as obstacles. The result: LA is one of the deadliest cities in America for people on foot.

When a car hits a pedestrian, the outcome is predictable. The car weighs 4,000 pounds. The pedestrian weighs 150. There’s no protective shell, no airbag, no crumple zone absorbing impact. Just flesh and bone against steel and glass.

Pedestrians struck by vehicles suffer catastrophic injuries—traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, shattered limbs, internal organ trauma. Many don’t survive. Those who do face months or years of recovery, permanent disability, and lives fundamentally changed.

Insurance companies still look for ways to blame victims. They claim you jaywalked, that you weren’t paying attention, that you were wearing dark clothing. They minimize injuries and lowball settlements, betting you’ll accept rather than fight.

Cohen Injury Law Group represents pedestrian accident victims throughout Los Angeles County. As a Los Angeles personal injury law firm with decades of experience, we fight for people injured by negligent drivers. Wayne R. Cohen has tried cases for more than three decades. He holds drivers accountable for the devastation they cause.

We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation. If you need a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer, call us for a free consultation.

The Pedestrian Safety Crisis In Los Angeles

Los Angeles has a pedestrian fatality problem that city officials have acknowledged but failed to solve:

The numbers are devastating. According to LADOT’s Vision Zero initiative:

• Approximately 250 people die in LA traffic annually
• Pedestrians and cyclists account for over half of those deaths
• 6% of streets account for 65% of deaths—the High Injury Network
• Pedestrian deaths have remained stubbornly high despite safety campaigns

Speed kills. The relationship between vehicle speed and pedestrian survival is stark. According to NHTSA research:

• At 20 mph, 90% of struck pedestrians survive
• At 30 mph, survival drops to 50%
• At 40 mph, only 10% survive

LA’s wide arterials encourage speeds far above what’s safe for areas with pedestrian activity.

Hit-and-run capital. Los Angeles leads the nation in hit-and-run deaths. Nearly half of fatal crashes in LA involve a driver who fled. Pedestrians are especially vulnerable—easier to leave behind than a crashed vehicle.

The California Office of Traffic Safety consistently ranks LA County worst in the state for pedestrian fatalities.

California Pedestrian Laws

Understanding your legal rights as a pedestrian:

Crosswalk rights. Under Vehicle Code Section 21950, drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks. Every intersection has a legal crosswalk, whether marked or not.

Pedestrian duties. Vehicle Code Section 21954 requires pedestrians outside crosswalks to yield to vehicles. But this doesn’t eliminate driver responsibility—drivers must still exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians.

Right-of-way at signals. Pedestrians facing a “Walk” signal have the right of way. Drivers turning must yield to pedestrians lawfully in the crosswalk.

Comparative fault. Under California Civil Code Section 1714, you can recover even if you share some fault. If you were 20% at fault for jaywalking, you still recover 80% of damages.

Driver duties. Even when pedestrians violate laws, drivers must exercise due care. A driver who sees a pedestrian in the road must try to avoid hitting them. “They were jaywalking” isn’t a complete defense to running someone down.

LA’s Most Dangerous Streets For Pedestrians

Data from TIMS and LADOT’s High Injury Network identify where pedestrian deaths concentrate:

Venice Boulevard. Wide lanes, high speeds, heavy pedestrian activity. One of the deadliest streets in Los Angeles for all road users.

Western Avenue. Runs north-south through dense neighborhoods. Bus stops, commercial activity, inadequate crossings create constant conflict.

Vermont Avenue. Similar pattern—arterial through pedestrian-heavy areas, wide lanes encouraging speed.

Figueroa Street. Through South LA and Downtown. High pedestrian activity, transit connections, dangerous crossing conditions.

Sunset Boulevard. Through Hollywood and into the Westside. Nightlife, tourist pedestrians, speeding vehicles.

Central Avenue. Historic South LA corridor with high pedestrian fatality rates.

Broadway. Downtown and South LA. Dense pedestrian activity, delivery trucks, transit conflicts.

Van Nuys Boulevard. Valley arterial with pedestrian crashes throughout its length.

Pacific Coast Highway. From Malibu through the South Bay. High speeds, distracted driving, beach access creating pedestrian conflicts.

Hollywood Boulevard. Tourist crowds, distracted pedestrians, aggressive drivers.

These streets share common features: wide lanes, high speeds, limited safe crossing options, and heavy pedestrian demand.

Types Of Pedestrian Accidents

Different collision patterns create different legal issues:

• Crosswalk accidents. Driver fails to yield to pedestrian in crosswalk. Clear liability in most cases—pedestrians have the right of way.
• Left-turn collisions. Driver focuses on finding a gap in traffic and hits pedestrian in crosswalk. One of the most common and dangerous patterns.
• Right-turn-on-red accidents. Driver looks left for traffic, turns right, and strikes pedestrian crossing from the right. Driver never saw the victim.
• Backing accidents. Vehicles backing out of driveways or parking spaces strike pedestrians. Drivers have a duty to check behind them.
• Parking lot accidents. Complex traffic patterns, distracted drivers looking for spaces, pedestrians loading groceries. Significant pedestrian exposure.
• Hit-and-run accidents. Driver flees after striking pedestrian. LA’s hit-and-run crisis makes these tragically common. Investigation, UM coverage, and alternative recovery strategies become critical.
• DUI accidents. Drunk drivers have impaired reaction times and poor judgment. They don’t see pedestrians until impact. DUI involvement strengthens claims and may support punitive damages.
• Distracted driving accidents. Drivers looking at phones instead of the road. Pedestrians become invisible.
• Speeding accidents. At higher speeds, drivers have less time to react and impacts are more severe. Speed-related pedestrian deaths are common.
• Bus-related accidents. Pedestrians struck by buses or while crossing to reach transit stops.

Pedestrian Accident Injuries

The human body can’t withstand vehicle impact:

• Traumatic brain injuries. Pedestrians often land head-first on pavement or windshields. TBIs range from concussions to permanent cognitive impairment. The CDC classifies TBI as a leading cause of death and disability.
• Spinal cord injuries. Impact forces damage spines. Paralysis—paraplegia or quadriplegia—affects thousands of pedestrian accident survivors.
• Broken bones. Legs, pelvis, arms, ribs. Pedestrians suffer multiple fractures in single impacts. “Bumper fractures” to lower legs are characteristic of pedestrian crashes.
• Internal organ damage. Blunt trauma damages organs. Internal bleeding can be fatal without emergency intervention.
• Degloving and crush injuries. Extreme trauma to soft tissue. May require amputation.
• Facial injuries. Impact with windshields causes facial fractures, lacerations, eye injuries. Permanent disfigurement is common.
• Psychological trauma. PTSD, anxiety, fear of streets and intersections. Pedestrian accidents are terrifying experiences.
• Wrongful death. Pedestrian accidents frequently kill. Fatality rates far exceed those in vehicle-to-vehicle crashes.

The Hit-and-Run Crisis

Los Angeles has a hit-and-run problem that devastates pedestrians:

• LA leads the nation in hit-and-run fatalities
• Nearly half of fatal crashes involve fleeing drivers
• Pedestrian victims are especially likely to be left at the scene
• Many hit-and-run drivers are impaired, unlicensed, or uninsured

When the driver flees, options include:

Investigation. Surveillance cameras, witness statements, debris analysis, vehicle parts left at the scene. LAPD has a dedicated hit-and-run unit, but closure rates are low.

Uninsured motorist coverage. Your own UM policy may cover hit-and-run injuries. Check your auto policy.

Crime victim compensation. The California Victim Compensation Board provides limited assistance for medical expenses and lost wages.

A pedestrian accident attorney pursues all available recovery options when drivers flee.

What To Do After A Pedestrian Accident

Protecting your rights requires action:

At The Scene

1. Don’t move if you have potential spinal injuries. Wait for paramedics to stabilize you.
2. Call 911. Get police and EMS to the scene. A police report documents the accident.
3. If the driver stopped, get their information. Name, phone, license, insurance. Ask witnesses to help if you’re too injured.
4. If the driver fled, note anything you can. Vehicle description, partial plate, direction of travel. Ask witnesses immediately.
5. Photograph everything. If you’re able, document the scene, vehicle damage, your position, traffic controls.
6. Get witness contact information. Names and phone numbers.

After The Scene

1. Accept emergency medical transport. Pedestrian accident injuries are serious. Don’t refuse ambulance transport to save money.
2. Get comprehensive medical evaluation. Injuries may not be immediately apparent. Follow up with specialists.
3. Document your recovery. Photograph injuries as they develop. Keep a journal of pain and limitations.
4. Preserve your clothing and shoes. They may show impact evidence.
5. Don’t give recorded statements to the driver’s insurance. They’re looking for ways to blame you.
6. Contact a pedestrian accident attorney. Free consultations let you understand your options.

Damages In Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Cases

Pedestrian accident victims can recover substantial compensation:

Medical expenses. Emergency care, trauma surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, medications, medical equipment, home care. Pedestrian injuries require extensive treatment. Future medical costs often exceed past costs.

Lost income. Wages lost during recovery. For permanently disabling injuries, lifetime lost earning capacity.

Pain and suffering. Physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life. California has no cap on these damages. The California Civil Jury Instructions guide calculations.

Disability. Permanent impairments affecting mobility, independence, and daily activities.

Disfigurement. Scarring from injuries or surgical interventions.

Loss of consortium. Spouses can claim for loss of companionship and intimacy.

Wrongful death. If the accident is fatal, families recover funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship under Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60.

Punitive damages. In cases involving drunk driving, road rage, or intentional conduct, punitive damages may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Claims

Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Jaywalking?

Yes. California’s comparative negligence system allows recovery even if you share fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility—not eliminated. Even if you were jaywalking, the driver may bear most of the fault for speeding, distraction, or failing to exercise due care.

What If The Driver Says They Didn’t See Me?

That’s negligence, not an excuse. Drivers must watch for pedestrians. “I didn’t see them” means they weren’t paying attention. We use this admission against them.

What If The Driver Fled The Scene?

Hit-and-runs are tragically common in LA. Options include: investigation to identify the driver, your own uninsured motorist coverage, crime victim compensation, and other alternatives. A pedestrian accident attorney pursues all avenues.

How Long Do I Have To File A Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?

Two years from the accident under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. Claims against government entities (dangerous road conditions) require administrative claims within six months under the California Government Claims Act.

What If The Accident Happened In A Parking Lot?

Property owners have duties to maintain safe premises. Drivers still must exercise care. Parking lot accidents are valid claims—liability depends on specific circumstances.

Can I Sue The City For Dangerous Road Design?

Potentially. If dangerous conditions contributed—missing crosswalks, inadequate signals, obstructed sight lines—the government entity responsible may share liability. Government claims have strict six-month deadlines.

What If I Was Hit On A Freeway?

Pedestrians generally aren’t allowed on freeways, but that doesn’t eliminate driver liability. If you were stranded due to a breakdown or accident, you still deserve care. Comparative fault may apply.

Do I Need A Lawyer For A Pedestrian Accident?

The severity of pedestrian injuries makes legal representation valuable. Insurance companies minimize claims. Medical costs and lost wages mount quickly. An experienced Los Angeles car accident attorney handling pedestrian cases protects your interests and typically recovers more than unrepresented victims.

How Much Are Pedestrian Accident Cases Worth?

Catastrophic injuries warrant substantial compensation. Minor injuries might settle for $50,000-$100,000. Serious injuries—TBI, spinal cord damage, amputations—can be worth millions. Wrongful death cases depend on the victim’s age, income, and family situation.

What If The Driver Was Uninsured?

Your own uninsured motorist coverage applies. California law encourages UM coverage precisely because of the uninsured driver problem. If you don’t have UM, you can sue the driver personally, but collecting may be difficult.

What If I Was Wearing Dark Clothing At Night?

Visibility matters, but drivers are responsible for watching the road. Headlights exist for a reason. You may face comparative fault arguments, but that doesn’t eliminate the driver’s liability for hitting you.

What If The Driver Was Texting?

Distracted driving strengthens your case significantly. Phone records can prove distraction. California law prohibits handheld phone use under Vehicle Code Section 23123.

Can I Recover If I Was Intoxicated?

Intoxication may establish comparative fault, but doesn’t eliminate the driver’s responsibility. If you were in a crosswalk with the right of way, the driver still should have yielded.

What Should I Do About Medical Bills While My Case Is Pending?

Use your health insurance. Keep track of what’s paid and what you owe. Your attorney can work with medical providers on liens and negotiate bills as part of settlement.

How Long Will My Pedestrian Accident Case Take?

Serious cases take longer because you shouldn’t settle before understanding long-term prognosis. Expect one to two years for significant injuries. We don’t rush settlements that undervalue catastrophic claims.

Local Resources For Pedestrian Accidents In Los Angeles

Law Enforcement:

• LAPD – 911 for emergencies, (877) 275-5273 non-emergency
• CHP – State highway accidents
• LA County Sheriff – Unincorporated areas
• LAPD Hit-and-Run Detail – For hit-and-run investigation status

Traffic Safety:

• LADOT Vision Zero
• California Office of Traffic Safety
• TIMS Crash Data

Victim Assistance:

• California Victim Compensation Board – For crime victims including hit-and-run

Legal Resources:

• California Courts Self-Help Guide
• LA County Superior Court

Why Hire Cohen Injury Law Group For Your Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Case?

We fight for pedestrian rights. In a city built for cars, pedestrians need advocates. We don’t accept the assumption that walking is inherently dangerous—drivers have responsibilities.

We handle catastrophic injuries. Pedestrian accidents cause the worst injuries. We work with medical experts, life care planners, and economists to document lifetime damages.

We pursue hit-and-run cases. When drivers flee, we find alternatives—investigation, UM coverage, victim compensation. We don’t give up because the driver ran.

Trial experience. Insurance companies know which pedestrian accident attorneys will actually litigate. Wayne R. Cohen has tried cases for over three decades.

No fee unless we win. Contingency only. We advance all costs.

What our clients say:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I cannot recommend Nick enough. He is extremely supportive of the clients he works with, and approaches each case with precision and care. I trust Nick with any type of legal advice.”

Read more reviews on Google.

Schedule A Free Consultation With A Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Attorney

If you were hit by a vehicle while walking in Los Angeles County, we’ll evaluate your case for free. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation.

We represent pedestrian accident victims throughout Los Angeles—from Downtown to the Valley, from the Westside to the South Bay.

Pedestrians deserve safe streets. When drivers fail them, we hold those drivers accountable.

Contact our Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers today for a free consultation.