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Walking around California’s busy streets can be fun, but it’s not always safe. Cars, bikes, and even scooters zoom by, and sometimes accidents happen.
If a vehicle hits you while you’re walking, it can be scary and confusing. You might get hurt, have doctor bills, or feel worried about what to do next.
At Banafshe Law Firm, we help people in California who get hurt in pedestrian accidents. We’ve won serious injury cases, like $4.5 million for an auto accident, so we know how to make things right. This guide explains what to do if you’re in a pedestrian accident, using California laws to keep you informed.
Stay Safe First
If a car hits you while you’re walking, the first thing is to stay safe. If you can, move to the sidewalk or somewhere away from traffic. If you’re hurt and can’t move, stay still and ask someone nearby to help. Don’t try to walk away or touch the vehicle—it might have cameras that record what happened, which can help later.
California law says pedestrians should walk carefully, like staying close to the edge of the road if there’s no sidewalk (California Vehicle Code § 21956). But even if you’re following the rules, accidents can happen. Your safety comes first, so focus on getting out of danger.
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Call for Help
Right after the accident, call 911. Tell them a vehicle hit you and if you’re hurt. The police will come to check things out and write a report. This report is super important because it says what happened, like where you were and what the driver did. If you need a doctor, ask for an ambulance. Even if you feel okay, some injuries, like a sore back, might show up later.
If the driver stops, don’t argue with them. Just wait for the police to handle it. California law says drivers must be careful around pedestrians, especially in crosswalks (California Vehicle Code § 21950), so the police will figure out who’s at fault.
Check for Injuries
While waiting for help, see if you’re hurt. Maybe you have a scrape, a bruise, or your leg hurts. Check if anyone else, like a friend walking with you, is okay, too. Don’t say, “I’m fine!” if you’re not—small injuries can turn into major problems. For example, a headache might mean you need a doctor to check your head.
California defines a pedestrian as anyone walking or using things like wheelchairs for mobility (California Vehicle Code § 467). No matter how you’re getting around, your health matters. Write down how you feel so you remember later.
"I felt very protected, especially the way Ryan answered any question I had. I was very happy with the results of my case."
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Take Pictures
If you’re okay and it’s safe, grab your phone and take pictures.
Snap photos of:
- The vehicle that hit you (especially any damage).
- The street or crosswalk where it happened.
- Any injuries, like cuts or bruises.
- Traffic signs or lights nearby.
Pictures are like proof. They show what happened and can help figure out who’s to blame. For example, if you were in a crosswalk, photos can show you were following California law, which says drivers must stop for you.
"Our goal is to remove the stress of the case from you, so you can focus on treating your injuries and begin your road to recovery."
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Find Witnesses
Sometimes, other people see the accident, like someone waiting at a bus stop or another walker. Ask them politely, “Did you see what happened?” If they say yes, get their name and phone number. Their story can help prove the driver wasn’t careful. Be nice and say, “Thank you. Can I call you later if I need to?”
Witnesses are helpful because California law says pedestrians outside crosswalks must watch for cars, but drivers still have to be careful (California Vehicle Code § 21954). A witness might say the driver was speeding or not looking, which supports your case.
See a Doctor
After the police come and you’re safe, go to a doctor. Even if you feel okay, get checked out. Some injuries, like a sprained ankle or neck pain, don’t hurt right away but can get worse. A doctor will make sure you’re okay and give you papers about your visit. Keep those papers—they show you got hurt and needed help.
If you’re hurt, you might need money for doctor bills or time off work. Banafshe Law Firm can help you get that money. We’ve won cases like $5.25 million for a wrongful death, so we know how to fight for you.
Call Banafshe Law Firm
Now it’s time to get legal help. At Banafshe Law Firm, we’re California personal injury lawyers who help people who are injured in pedestrian accidents all over California. Call us for a free consultation—that means we talk to you for free to plan how to help. We’re available 24/7, and we speak Spanish too—Hablamos Español!
We know pedestrian accidents can be difficult. Sometimes drivers say it’s your fault, but California law says they have to watch out for you, especially in crosswalks. Our lawyers, like P. Ryan Banafshe and Katherine M. Shrager, will look at the accident, talk to witnesses, and use your pictures to build a strong case. We’ve helped people get money for things like hospital bills, fixing stuff that broke, or feeling scared after the crash.
Understand Your Rights
As a pedestrian, you have rights, but you also have rules to follow. For example:
- In crosswalks, cars must stop for you, but you can’t jump out suddenly.
- Outside crosswalks, you need to watch for cars that are close.
- If there’s a pedestrian tunnel or bridge, you should use it to stay safe.
Sometimes, accidents happen because of dangerous roads, like a broken crosswalk. A court case called Bonanno v. Central Contra Costa Transit Authority said a city might be responsible if a road is unsafe and causes an accident (30 Cal. 4th 139). However, other cases, like Huerta v. City of Santa Ana, said roads aren’t always to blame if drivers don’t follow the rules (39 Cal. App. 5th 41). We’ll check if the road or driver caused your accident to get you the most help.
Our California Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help You After a Pedestrian Accident
At Banafshe Law Firm, our California personal injury lawyers make things easy:
- Free Talk: We listen to your story for free and figure out what to do.
- We Visit You: You don’t need to come to us—we’ll meet you at home or the hospital.
- We Fight: Our team talks to insurance companies and, if needed, goes to court to get you money.
We don’t charge you unless we win—that’s our No Fees Unless We Win Guarantee. We also pay for things like court costs, so you don’t worry about money.
If you’re hurt in a pedestrian accident, we’re here. Our offices are in Los Angeles (1875 Century Park East Suite 1500, Los Angeles, CA 90067) and Fresno (855 M Street Suite 950, Fresno, CA 93721), but we help everyone in California. Contact us online or call 855-917-0735 to get what you deserve.
"We use over 100 years of combined legal experience to help our clients get the maximum compensation available under the circumstances."
NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN GUARANTEE
NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN GUARANTEE
