Pedestrian Accident

Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Speak With an Experienced Lawyer With Over 50 Years of Service to Injury Victims 

A pedestrian has no airbags, seatbelts or protective frame to absorb the impact of a collision. When a car, truck, bus, or motorcycle strikes someone on foot, the resulting injuries can be severe, life-changing, or fatal. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in California, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other accident-related losses. An experienced California pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, determine who may be liable and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us now for a FREE consultation and case evaluation. 

For the last 50 years, our experienced personal injury attorneys have been helping injured individuals and families navigate personal injury and wrongful death claims. As a family-owned California law firm, we understand the physical, emotional and financial challenges a pedestrian accident can cause. Reach out today for a FREE consultation. We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case.

Pedestrian Accidents in California: The Scope of the Problem

California is a state of walkers, runners, commuters, students and visitors. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), which compiles data from state highway safety offices, 1,067 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in California in 2024 (final data). GHSA’s preliminary count for 2025, published in July 2026, is 828 pedestrian deaths, a decline of about 22 percent from 2024. Even at that lower level, hundreds of families lose a loved one on California roads every year and thousands more people are seriously injured.

Pedestrian crashes happen on busy boulevards in Los Angeles and San Diego, on arterial roads in the Bay Area and Sacramento, in Central Valley towns, in beach communities, near campuses and schools and in parking lots everywhere. The common thread is simple: a heavy vehicle, a person with no protection, and a driver who failed to see or yield.

Where and How Pedestrian Accidents Happen

• In crosswalks, when a driver fails to yield or runs a red light
• At intersections, especially when a driver turns right or left into a pedestrian who has the walk signal
• On streets without a crosswalk, where a driver is speeding or not paying attention
• On sidewalks, when a vehicle jumps a curb
• In driveways and parking lots, when a driver backs up or pulls out carelessly
• On roads with poor lighting, missing sidewalks or confusing crossings
• In school zones and near transit stops, where children and commuters are present
• By buses, delivery vehicles and large trucks with large blind spots
• By rideshare and delivery drivers distracted by apps and navigation

Distraction, speeding, impairment, failure to yield and poor visibility at night or in bad weather are among the most common causes.

California Laws That Protect Pedestrians

• Crosswalk right-of-way (Vehicle Code section 21950): drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing in marked crosswalks and unmarked crosswalks at intersections and must use due care for pedestrians on the roadway.
• Pedestrian responsibility: pedestrians may not suddenly leave a curb and walk into the path of a vehicle that cannot yield (Vehicle Code section 21950(c)) and those crossing outside a crosswalk must yield to vehicles but drivers must still exercise due care (Vehicle Code section 21954).
• Safe speed (Vehicle Code section 22350): a driver may not drive faster than is reasonable and prudent for conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit.
• Hit-and-run (Vehicle Code sections 20001 and 20003): a driver involved in a crash with injury must stop, give identifying information and provide aid.

A violation of these safety laws can be strong evidence of negligence and that evidence can drive the outcome of a claim.

Some Injuries That Might Happen in Pedestrian Accidents

• Traumatic brain injury and concussion
• Spinal cord injury and paralysis
• Broken bones in the legs, pelvis, hips, arms and ribs
• Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
• Road rash, deep wounds and scarring
• Crush injuries and amputations
• Psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress and anxiety
• Wrongful death

Many injuries, including concussions and internal injuries, do not show their full effects immediately. Prompt medical care protects your health and your claim.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

• The driver, including drivers who were distracted, speeding, impaired or failed to yield
• The vehicle owner, in some circumstances
• Employers and companies, such as delivery, trucking and rideshare companies, when a driver was working
• Government entities, for dangerous conditions such as poorly designed crossings, broken signals or missing lighting (Government Code section 835)
• Property owners, for unsafe driveways, garages and parking lots
• Vehicle manufacturers, if a defect such as faulty brakes contributed

Claims involving government entities, such as cities or public transit agencies, may require a written claim within six months (Government Code section 911.2). Missing that deadline can end a claim before it starts.

If the Driver Has No Insurance or Fled the Scene

Many pedestrian victims are surprised to learn they may be covered by their own insurance. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can apply to pedestrians, including through a policy held by a relative who lives with you, even if you do not own a car. Hit-and-run claims have special reporting requirements, so speak with an attorney quickly. Learn more on our uninsured motorist claims page.

Our consultation is absolutely FREE and there is NO FEE until you win, so please contact us now for your FREE consultation and case evaluation.

Compensation in a California Pedestrian Accident Case

Depending on the facts, compensation may include:

• Past and future medical expenses: ambulance, hospital, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, psychological treatment, dental care and medication
• Lost earnings and loss of earning capacity, including time off work that was paid through sick leave or vacation, since a responsible party generally should not benefit because you had earned benefits
• Pain, suffering and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life, such as no longer being able to walk, run or play with your children
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Property damage, such as a damaged phone, glasses or bicycle
• Wrongful death damages for families, including funeral costs, loss of financial support and loss of companionship

California law limits recovery of past medical expenses to the amounts actually paid or incurred (Howell v. Hamilton Meats & Provisions, Inc. (2011) 52 Cal.4th 541), which is one of many details an attorney can explain. In a wrongful death case, the surviving spouse, domestic partner, children and certain other family members may bring the claim (Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60).

How Insurers Respond to Pedestrian Claims

Insurance adjusters often argue that the pedestrian was crossing illegally, was distracted by a phone, was wearing dark clothing, or suddenly stepped into the road. They may also dispute how severe the injuries are. Early settlement offers rarely reflect long-term needs. Thorough evidence and medical documentation make these arguments much harder to sustain.

California Deadlines for Pedestrian Accident Claims

• Personal injury: two years from the date of injury (Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1).
• Wrongful death: generally two years from the date of death (Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1).
• Property damage: generally three years (Code of Civil Procedure section 338).
• Claims against a government entity: written claim usually due within six months (Government Code section 911.2).
• Uninsured motorist claims: generally two years from the accident (Insurance Code section 11580.2).

Special rules can extend some deadlines, such as for injured children, but you should never assume an exception applies. Please do not risk losing or waiving any of your rights.

How Walch Law Helps Pedestrian Accident Victims

We are a family-owned firm and we treat clients like family. We take the pressure off you by:

• Investigating the crash and preserving evidence, including surveillance and vehicle data
• Helping you find the medical care you need, including specialists, often with providers who treat on a medical lien basis so payment can wait until your claim resolves
• Identifying every insurance policy and responsible party, including your own uninsured motorist coverage
• Handling insurers and protecting you from tactics that undervalue claims
• Working with medical, engineering and economic experts when needed
• Negotiating a fair settlement, or filing suit and taking the case to trial when necessary
• Representing families who have lost a loved one in a pedestrian crash

Why Hire an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney?

Pedestrian cases can involve disputed fault, multiple insurance policies, government claim rules and catastrophic injuries with long-term costs. An experienced lawyer can protect your rights while you focus on healing. Our firm has handled thousands of personal injury and wrongful death cases over 50 years. Every case is different and we can’t guarantee a result, but experience and preparation matter.

A pedestrian accident can leave you or someone you love facing painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about what comes next. You do not have to navigate this difficult time alone. Walch Law has helped injured people and families for over 50 years. We are here to listen to your concerns, explain your legal options, and help you take the next step toward recovery.

• Toll-Free: 866-INJURY-2 (866-465-8792) — After-hours assistance: Dial “1”
• Local: 818-222-3400 — After-hours assistance: Dial “1”
• Online: Complete our quick contact form
• Email: info@WalchLaw.com

We serve injured individuals and families throughout California, including Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Beverly Hills, Ventura, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County and surrounding communities. We work on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case.