Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

A pedestrian (any person walking or crossing streets, sidewalks, or crosswalks) has the right to a safe environment. When a pedestrian is injured due to someone else’s negligence, they may face losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, emotional trauma, and more.

A driver who strikes a pedestrian as they are walking or crossing the street may, in some cases, be deemed negligent and held liable, especially if the driver was intoxicated or texting and driving. In this case, a pedestrian accident lawyer in Los Angeles can help recover compensation to cover any damages.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s imperative to seek medical treatment immediately and consult an experienced Los Angeles injury lawyer. The team at BANA LAW has recovered over $300 million for thousands of clients. We will help you face any legal claims resulting from the accident, and there’s no fee unless we win.

How Our Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Will Work to Prove Fault

A number of safety measures and traffic laws are designed to protect pedestrians from motorists. Unfortunately, negligent drivers can sometimes fail to obey these crucial regulations, resulting in life-changing accidents.

While pedestrians are instructed to be mindful when walking or crossing busy thoroughfares, a driver who fails to pay attention may not see the pedestrian until it’s too late to avoid an accident.

It is important to note that fault is assessed by determining the facts around the accident. Such a determination will rely on key witness testimony and additional evidence signaling how and why the accident occurred. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Los Angeles can assist you in gathering evidence and building your case.

California Laws Applicable to Pedestrian Accidents

There are statutes that apply to the interaction of pedestrians and motor vehicle drivers, including those addressed below. For further explanation of the following statutes, please speak with a skilled pedestrian accident attorney:

• California Vehicle Code §21954(a) states that any pedestrian crossing a roadway outside of a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must give the right-of-way to approaching vehicles that are close enough to pose an immediate danger.
• California Vehicle Code §21954(b) does not exempt drivers from their responsibility to use reasonable care and ensure the safety of pedestrians on the roadway. In other words, a motor vehicle driver is not allowed to hit a pedestrian if they can avoid it.
• California Vehicle Code §21950 states that a driver must give the right-of-way to any pedestrian who is crossing the street in a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. This statute clearly gives pedestrians the right-of-way at crosswalks.

Damages in California Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents often result in physical and emotional trauma, staggering medical bills, and lost wages. The severity of pedestrian injuries can range from minor cuts, bruises, or broken bones to serious medical issues that could impact the rest of your life.

Victims of pedestrian accidents are entitled to seek damages to cover the costs incurred. Some potential claims include:

• Lost wages and income
• Loss of future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Past and future medical bills
• Future medical bills and rehabilitation expenses (including emergency medical care)
• Emotional distress
• Wrongful death

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Los Angeles, CA

If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, seek medical attention immediately. A paramedic team should be called to the scene to avoid any unnecessary movement that may make your injuries worse.

If you don’t need to visit the emergency room, you should at least schedule a visit with your primary care physician or visit an urgent care clinic. This can ensure that you don’t have any latent injuries like a concussion.

It’s also crucial to call law enforcement, who can assess the damage on the scene while speaking with anyone who witnessed the crash. Taking these steps will ensure that the facts of the accident are properly recorded so accident victims can easily recover for their losses.

Types of Pedestrian Accident Injuries We Can Represent

At BANA LAW, we understand that pedestrian accidents often lead to devastating and life-altering injuries. Our dedicated legal team is here to help victims pursue justice and the financial recovery they deserve. We represent clients who have suffered from a wide range of injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Head trauma can cause long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges.
• Spinal cord injuries: Severe trauma to the spine may result in partial or complete paralysis.
• Broken bones and fractures: Common in pedestrian collisions, these injuries often require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
• Internal organ damage: Internal organ injuries like internal bleeding or damage to vital organs can be life-threatening without immediate medical attention.
• Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and ligament tears can cause ongoing pain and limited mobility.
• Lacerations and abrasions: Deep cuts and road rash injuries can leave permanent scars or lead to infections.
• Wrongful death: In the most tragic cases, pedestrian accidents result in fatal injuries, leaving families with unimaginable loss.

BANA LAW is committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and fighting for the full compensation our clients deserve. Call our Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers 24/7 to schedule your free consultation.

How Long Do You Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Injury Claim?

In Los Angeles, California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a pedestrian accident is generally two years from the date of the injury. This means that if you were hurt in a pedestrian accident, you must file your lawsuit within two years or risk losing your right to pursue compensation.

If the accident resulted in a death, the deceased person’s family typically has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.

Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering damages, no matter how strong your case may be. To protect your rights, it’s best to contact BANA LAW as soon as possible after your accident so our team can begin building your case before time runs out.

FAQs: Recovering Your Losses After a Pedestrian Accident

While everyone’s accident will play out differently, there are some topics that we get asked about more than others. Here are the answers to some of our clients’ most-asked questions.

When Can You Seek Compensation for a Pedestrian Accident?

The laws that apply to pedestrian accidents are the same laws that apply to accidents between motor vehicles. If someone else (e.g., a negligent driver) is to blame for your injuries, you are entitled to seek just compensation under California law.

From speeding to distracted driving, there are numerous forms of driver negligence, and a thorough investigation will reveal whether you have a claim for damages.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Pedestrian Accidents?

Yes, auto insurance covers pedestrian accidents. If you were hit by a negligent driver, their policy should cover your accident-related losses. If the driver who hit you fled the scene, is uninsured, or only has minimal auto insurance coverage, then you may be able to file a claim under your auto insurance policy as well.

Depending on the circumstances involved in your accident, the extent of your injuries, and the coverage available, you may be able to file a claim for medical payments (MedPay), uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, or both.

You are covered under the UIM provisions of your policy even if you were not in your car at the time of an accident, including when you are a pedestrian. (In California, an insurance company cannot raise your rate or deem you uninsurable in the future for utilizing your UIM benefits and obtaining compensation from your UIM.)

Do You Need to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Los Angeles?

Yes, if you were hit by a car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, or scooter, it will be important for you to speak with a pedestrian accident attorney about your legal rights. Even if you are clearly entitled to insurance coverage, recovering your losses could still prove challenging.

By working with an experienced attorney in Southern California, you can make sure that you seek and secure the full compensation available in your case.

How Much Can You Recover for a Pedestrian Accident?

The amount you can recover after a pedestrian accident depends on the extent and effects of your injuries. Generally speaking, if the driver was at fault in your accident, you can seek full compensation for all of your accident-related losses.

This includes both financial losses (e.g., medical bills and lost wages) and non-financial losses (e.g., pain and emotional trauma). At BANA LAW, our pedestrian accident lawyers in Los Angeles can use our experience to determine how much you are entitled to recover and fight for full compensation on your behalf.

What Can You Do to Maximize Your Financial Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident in Los Angeles?

The best way to maximize your financial compensation is by consulting with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney right away. Not only is it important to investigate your accident promptly, but it will also help you avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your recovery.

Our Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers can get to work on your case right away, and we can help you understand what mistakes you need to avoid.

What if the Insurance Company Says I Was At Fault?

Frequently, the insurance companies will attempt to deny coverage for pedestrian accidents by blaming the victims for their own injuries.

If the insurance companies accuse you of being at fault, you will need to rely on the advice and representation of an experienced attorney. Make sure your lawyer works at a reputable injury law firm, as this will help you secure maximum compensation.

An experienced personal injury lawyer will review the facts of your case, obtain evidence, locate witnesses, and video of the collision to prove the adverse driver was at fault.

Work With Our Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Attorneys to Recover Compensation

An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Los Angeles can help recover compensation for any harm you’ve experienced after an accident. If you’ve been involved in an accident, reach out to an attorney to begin the process.

A quick and efficient resolution will depend on having the right team in place. Reach out to us 24/7 to schedule your free consultation. Then, visit our blog to learn more about recovering compensation with a personal injury claim.