Westwood Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Were you injured in a pedestrian accident in Westwood?
We help injured clients understand their rights after a pedestrian accident in Westwood.

If you have been struck by a vehicle while walking in Westwood, an attorney can help you pursue compensation from the driver or other party whose negligence caused the accident. Our Westwood, CA pedestrian accident lawyer at Cohen Injury Law Group handles pedestrian injury claims on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Founding attorney Wayne R. Cohen has represented personal injury clients since 1991. Contact our office for a free consultation.

Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Westwood, CA

A pedestrian accident case is a personal injury claim brought by someone who was struck and injured by a motor vehicle while walking, jogging, or standing near a roadway. Under California law, drivers owe a duty of care to pedestrians and must yield the right of way at marked and unmarked crosswalks. When a driver breaches that duty and a pedestrian is hurt, the injured person has the right to pursue compensation through the driver’s insurance or through a civil lawsuit.

Westwood’s high pedestrian volume, particularly around UCLA’s campus, Westwood Village, and the commercial corridors along Wilshire and Westwood Boulevards, creates daily exposure to dangerous road conditions for people on foot. The combination of heavy vehicle traffic, frequent rideshare pickups and drop-offs, and limited pedestrian infrastructure on several key streets makes collisions a persistent problem. A pedestrian accident attorney in Westwood, CA can investigate how the crash occurred, establish driver liability, and pursue full compensation for the injured person.

Types of Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle in Westwood

Pedestrian crashes follow recognizable patterns, and the circumstances of the collision determine how fault is established and what evidence is needed. According to NHTSA pedestrian safety data, over 7,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes nationwide in 2024 alone. We handle pedestrian accident cases across Westwood, including:

• Crosswalk accidents. A driver who fails to yield to a pedestrian in a marked or unmarked crosswalk is typically at fault under California law. These crashes are common at busy intersections throughout Westwood Village and along Wilshire Boulevard.
• Intersection accidents. Pedestrians crossing with a walk signal are struck by drivers making left or right turns who fail to check for foot traffic before completing the turn. Signal timing, sight lines, and driver distraction all play a role.
• Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents. A driver who strikes a pedestrian and leaves the scene creates additional difficulty for the injured person seeking compensation. California law still provides avenues for recovery, including uninsured motorist coverage and, in some circumstances, civil claims against the driver if they are later identified.
• Parking lot accidents. Drivers backing out of spaces, cutting through rows, and failing to watch for pedestrians in parking lots and parking structures cause a significant number of pedestrian injuries each year. Visibility is often limited, and speeds may seem low, but the injuries can still be severe.
• Vehicles leaving the roadway. A driver who loses control, jumps a curb, or drives onto a sidewalk can strike pedestrians who had no reason to expect a vehicle in that space. These incidents frequently involve impaired driving, medical emergencies, or excessive speed.
• Distracted driving pedestrian accidents. Texting, phone use, and in-vehicle distractions are a leading contributor to pedestrian crashes. When a driver’s attention is on a screen rather than the road, pedestrians in crosswalks and along roadways are at significant risk.
• DUI-related pedestrian accidents. Impaired drivers pose one of the greatest threats to pedestrian safety. Alcohol and drug impairment reduce reaction time, impair judgment, and make it harder for drivers to see and respond to pedestrians.
• Rideshare vehicle pedestrian accidents. Uber and Lyft drivers picking up and dropping off passengers near busy commercial areas and campus entrances create hazards for pedestrians. Sudden stops, illegal U-turns, and double-parking in traffic lanes increase the risk of a collision.

Why Choose Cohen Injury Law Group as My Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Westwood, CA?

A Personal Injury Firm Built on Plaintiff-Side Advocacy

Wayne R. Cohen founded Cohen Injury Law Group. He graduated with distinction from the University of Michigan and earned his law degree cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law. Wayne’s legal commentary has been cited by the LA Times, CNBC, USA Today, and the ABA Journal, and he teaches as a Professorial Lecturer at GWU Law School. He has represented personal injury clients since 1991, building more than 35 years of plaintiff-side experience. Over his career, attorney Wayne Cohen has recovered millions of dollars for clients with serious injuries.

Nicholas E. Cohen is the firm’s Managing Partner. He graduated from USC and Loyola Law School Los Angeles and manages the firm’s day-to-day caseload and client relations.

If you need a personal injury lawyer in Westwood, CA, Cohen Injury Law Group represents pedestrians and other injured plaintiffs exclusively. We do not represent drivers, insurance companies, or defendants. Every pedestrian accident case is handled on a contingency basis.

What Is Important to Understand About a Pedestrian Accident Case?

Damages, Liability, and Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Cases

Pedestrian accidents produce some of the most severe injuries in all of personal injury law. A person on foot has no protection when struck by a vehicle traveling at even moderate speeds. Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal organ injuries, and road rash are common outcomes. In the most serious cases, a pedestrian accident results in death, and the family may pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver.

Economic damages in a pedestrian accident case include emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, prescription medication, and income lost while recovering. If the injuries are permanent, future medical expenses and lost earning capacity are also recoverable. Noneconomic damages account for pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent scarring, and the impact the injuries have had on the person’s daily activities and quality of life.

California follows a comparative fault rule, meaning that if the pedestrian was partially responsible for the accident, the damages award is reduced by the pedestrian’s percentage of fault. The claim is not eliminated, however, even if the pedestrian bears some share of responsibility.

What Are Important Aspects of a Pedestrian Accident Case?

Several factors can shape the outcome and value of a pedestrian accident claim, and addressing them early in the process strengthens the case.

• The driver’s conduct at the time of the crash is the primary liability question. Whether the driver was speeding, running a red light, texting, or under the influence of alcohol will determine how fault is established.
• Where the pedestrian was walking matters. A pedestrian struck in a crosswalk with a walk signal has a strong presumption in their favor. A pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk may still recover damages, but the comparative fault analysis becomes more involved.
• Medical treatment should begin immediately. Pedestrian injuries are frequently more severe than they initially appear, and prompt documentation connects the injuries to the crash.
• The police report is a foundational piece of evidence. It records the officer’s observations, any citations issued, and witness statements taken at the scene.

What Is the Pedestrian Accident Case Timeline?

Pedestrian accident cases generally follow a predictable path, though the timeline varies depending on the severity of the injuries and the complexity of the liability issues.

• Emergency medical treatment and stabilization come first. Pedestrian injuries often require surgery, hospitalization, and extended rehabilitation before the full extent of the damage is understood.
• Your attorney gathers the police report, medical records, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and any other available evidence to build the case.
• After you reach maximum medical improvement, your attorney calculates the total value of the claim and sends a demand to the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier.
• If the insurer offers a fair settlement, the case resolves. If not, your attorney files a lawsuit, and the case proceeds through discovery, depositions, and trial.
• Under CCP 335.1, California provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including pedestrian accident cases.

What Should You Bring to Your Pedestrian Accident Consultation?

Collecting your documentation before the initial meeting allows your attorney to evaluate the strength of your claim and begin building the case.

• The police report filed at the scene of the accident
• Photographs of the accident location, your injuries, and any visible vehicle damage
• Medical records and bills from emergency treatment and follow-up care
• Documentation of lost wages or missed work
• Contact information for any witnesses to the accident

Your attorney will review these materials, explain how California pedestrian accident law applies, and outline what to expect from the process going forward.

What Are Important California Legal Resources for Pedestrian Accident Cases?

California law provides protections for pedestrians and establishes the legal framework for pursuing compensation when a driver’s negligence causes injury or death. The following resources are a starting point for locating the applicable law.

• CCP 335.1 establishes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California, including pedestrian accident cases.
• California Civil Code 1714 defines the general duty of care that drivers and all other persons owe to pedestrians and other road users.
• The California Courts Self-Help Center provides information on filing a personal injury lawsuit and what to expect during the civil litigation process.
• NHTSA’s pedestrian safety page publishes national data on pedestrian fatalities and injuries and provides safety guidance for both pedestrians and drivers.
• NHTSA’s pedestrian safety research documents crash patterns, risk factors, and evidence-based countermeasures for reducing pedestrian injuries and deaths.

Reach Out to Cohen Injury Law Group to Schedule a Consultation

If you were struck by a vehicle while walking in Westwood, CA, Cohen Injury Law Group can help you pursue compensation from the at-fault driver. We handle pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation. Your first consultation is free. Contact us to schedule a case review.