Victim of a pedestrian accident?

If an LA driver’s carelessness caused you harm, California law gives you the right to hold them financially accountable.

This right allows you to pursue compensation for every loss you have suffered—from hospital bills and lost income to the physical pain and personal disruption the accident has caused. Proving your case requires showing the driver was negligent, documenting the full scope of your injuries, and ensuring insurance companies honor their obligations.

You should not have to manage a legal claim while trying to heal. Your focus needs to be on your recovery. 

As pedestrian accident attorneys, we handle the paperwork, the deadlines, and the negotiations so you can concentrate on getting better. If you have questions about what to do next, we’re here to offer guidance. 

Call Sweet James Accident Attorneys for a free, no-obligation review of your case at (800) 900-0000.

Key Takeaways for Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Claims

1. A driver’s failure to use reasonable care is the foundation of your claim. California law requires drivers to be aware of their surroundings and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and this legal duty forms the basis for holding them responsible for your injuries.
2. You have a limited time to act, so do not delay. You generally have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit, but if a government employee or vehicle was involved, that deadline shrinks to just six months to file an initial claim.
3. Even if you were partially at fault, you could still recover compensation. California law allows for shared responsibility, meaning your final award would be reduced by your percentage of fault, but it does not prevent you from making a claim.

Why Choose Sweet James Accident Attorneys?

When you are recovering from a serious injury, you need a law firm with a history of delivering results. Our attorneys have recovered over $2 billion for accident victims, applying a determined approach to every case we accept.

We believe that expert legal guidance should not add to your financial strain. That is why we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Our Commitment to You:

• A Free Case Review: We listen to your story and give you a straightforward assessment of your legal options, with no cost or commitment.
• No Win, No Fee: Our payment is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If we do not win, you owe us nothing.
• Personalized Attention: A dedicated team will work on your claim, and we are always available to answer your questions. We are here 24/7, with Spanish-speaking staff ready to assist.

Our record in pedestrian accident cases speaks for itself. We have secured significant outcomes for clients in situations just like yours, including:

• $6.5 million for a pedestrian versus an automobile.
• $6.1 million in another pedestrian accident claim.
• $3.6 million for a pedestrian struck by a car.

These results have earned our firm more than 600 five-star reviews on Google and Yelp. Our founder, James Bergener, is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum—an honor reserved for less than 1% of U.S. trial lawyers.

From our office at 16133 Ventura Blvd, Suite 700, located in the Financial District near Downtown LA, we serve clients across Los Angeles.

What Compensation Can You Pursue After Being Hit by a Car?

The purpose of a personal injury claim is to restore your financial stability by covering the losses the accident caused. The value of your claim will depend on the severity of your injuries and how they have altered your life and a car accident lawyer can help you understand what compensation you may be entitled to.

Compensation falls into two main categories.

Economic Damages: The Measurable Costs

These are the concrete, calculable expenses stemming from the accident. Our team gathers every bill, receipt, and pay stub to build a complete picture of your financial losses.

• Medical Expenses: This covers everything from the ambulance ride and emergency room treatment to future surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any necessary medical devices.
• Lost Wages: We seek reimbursement for the income you have already lost because you were unable to work.
• Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If your injuries permanently limit your ability to earn an income or force you into a lower-paying job, this damage covers that long-term financial impact.

Non-Economic Damages: The Human Cost

These damages address the non-financial ways the accident has affected your well-being. Though there is no bill for this type of harm, it is just as real and deserves recognition.

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you have experienced and may continue to experience.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: This applies when your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, social activities, or daily routines you once valued.
• Disfigurement or Scarring: Acknowledges the permanent physical changes the accident caused.

How Does Shared Fault Affect a Pedestrian Claim in California?

California uses a “pure comparative negligence” system. It is a legal rule that means you may still recover damages even if you are partially to blame for the accident.

For example, if a court finds you 20% at fault for what happened, your total compensation award is reduced by 20%. Insurance companies know this rule well. Their investigators will conduct a thorough review of the incident, looking for any evidence to argue you were at fault—perhaps by claiming you were distracted or crossed outside a crosswalk.

Our job is to anticipate these arguments and build a case that keeps them accountable. We work to ensure no amount of blame is unfairly shifted to you.

Where Do Most Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles was built around the automobile, creating dangerous conditions for anyone traveling on foot. While a pedestrian collision may happen anywhere, some areas see these incidents more frequently due to high traffic volume, poor road design, or a mix of factors.

A Look at the Statistics

In recent years, Los Angeles has seen a disturbing rise in pedestrian deaths. According to the Los Angeles Times, pedestrian fatalities reached their highest point in over two decades. In one recent year, 337 people died in traffic collisions on city streets, with pedestrians accounting for 176 of those deaths.

Many of these accidents happen at night when visibility is low or in unmarked crosswalks where drivers do not expect to see someone crossing.

Common Hotspots for Pedestrian Accidents in LA

Our firm handles cases from all over the city, but we frequently see accidents in areas where dense commercial activity meets heavy foot traffic.

• Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA): The mix of office workers, residents, and tourists creates a high-risk zone. Intersections around the Financial District, South Park, and the Historic Core are common sites of injury.
• Hollywood: Streets like Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard are filled with tourists, but they also serve as major thoroughfares for impatient drivers.
• Koreatown & Mid-Wilshire: As some of the densest neighborhoods in the nation, busy corridors like Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue are notoriously dangerous for pedestrians.
• Valley Intersections: Wide boulevards in the San Fernando Valley, such as Ventura and Lankershim, encourage higher speeds that make road crossings treacherous.

Proving Negligence: The Heart of Your Pedestrian Accident Claim

The success of your claim hinges on the legal principle of negligence. In simple terms, we must demonstrate that the driver failed to act with reasonable care and that this failure led directly to your injuries.

All drivers in California have a legal duty to exercise caution and remain aware of their surroundings to avoid harming others. This duty is especially important when it comes to pedestrians, who are far more vulnerable in a collision.

What Does Driver Negligence Look Like?

A driver’s carelessness may appear in many forms. We investigate every accident to pinpoint the exact cause. Common examples include:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, programming a GPS, or attending to anything other than the road.
• Failure to Yield: California Vehicle Code § 21950 requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Speeding: Driving faster than the posted limit, or faster than is safe for current conditions, reduces reaction time and multiplies the force of impact.
• Impaired Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Ignoring Traffic Signals: Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign is a frequent cause of intersection accidents.
• Unsafe Turns: Many pedestrians are struck by drivers making left or right turns who fail to check the crosswalk before proceeding.

Building the Case: How We Piece Together the Story of Your Accident

Our team knows what to look for and how to assemble the facts into a compelling narrative that insurance companies and juries can understand.

This is what we do while you focus on your recovery.

The Evidence We Gather

A strong case is built on a foundation of solid proof. We use a variety of resources to establish how the accident happened and who was at fault.

• The Official Police Report: While not always admissible in court, the accident report provides a starting point, containing the officer’s initial observations, witness information, and any citations issued.
• Eyewitness Statements: We contact anyone who saw the accident to get their account of what happened before their memories fade.
• Photos and Video Footage: We look for nearby security cameras, traffic cameras, or even doorbell cameras that might have captured the incident. We also analyze photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
• Electronic Data: Many modern vehicles are equipped with an Event Data Recorder (EDR), similar to an airplane’s “black box.” This device may record data on the car’s speed, braking, and steering in the seconds before a crash. We may also use cell phone records to determine if a driver was distracted.
• Expert Testimony: In some cases, we hire accident reconstruction experts to analyze the evidence and scientifically explain how the collision occurred. We also work with medical experts who can explain the severity and long-term impact of your injuries.

A Word on the Driver’s Insurance Company

Soon after the accident, you will likely get a call from an adjuster from the driver’s insurance company. Their job is to investigate the claim, and what you say can significantly shape the outcome.

Remember, insurance providers are businesses that must balance paying valid claims with protecting their profits. Some insurers might make a quick settlement offer, frequently before the full extent of your injuries and long-term medical needs are even known. As bills mount, it is easy to feel pressured into accepting a low offer just to get some relief.

You are not required to give the other driver’s insurance company a recorded statement. In almost every situation, it is better not to.

• Don’t: Discuss who was at fault, minimize your injuries by saying “I’m fine,” or guess about any details you are unsure of.
• Do: Politely decline to provide a recorded statement and inform the adjuster that your attorney will be in contact.

Letting a personal injury lawyer manage these conversations is the safest approach. We handle all communications with the insurance company, shielding you from tactics designed to weaken your claim. We make sure any settlement talks are based on a full and accurate valuation of your losses.

What Can You Do to Support Your Claim?

While we manage the legal work, there are a few things you can do from home to help strengthen your position.

1. Follow Your Doctor’s Plan: Adhere to your prescribed treatment, whether that means attending physical therapy, taking medication, or showing up for follow-up appointments. This demonstrates that you are actively participating in your own recovery.
2. Keep a Journal: Every day, write down a few notes about your pain levels, any physical limitations you are experiencing, and how the injuries are disrupting your daily life. This can become a powerful record of your non-economic damages.
3. Collect Your Documents: Keep a dedicated folder for every bill, receipt, and letter related to the accident. This includes medical bills, pharmacy receipts, and pay stubs that show your lost wages.
4. Be Careful with Social Media: It is best to avoid posting updates, photos, or comments about the accident or your recovery online. Insurance companies look at social media profiles for anything that can be used to argue your injuries are less severe than you claim.
   

   Take the First Step

   You are likely facing decisions you never expected to make, and you do not have to make them alone. The most important thing you can do right now is get clear, honest information about your legal rights.

   We are here to provide direction. Let us take on the legal process so you can dedicate your energy to healing. 

   Call our team for a free, no-pressure consultation at (800) 900-0000.