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California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident involving a pedestrian, it’s time to seek help.

A Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case

Pedestrian crashes often result in serious injuries, requiring extensive medical treatment and months or years of recovery. After an accident, it’s easy to feel like life will never go back to normal.

You don’t have to face this trial alone. The Advocates are experienced pedestrian accident lawyers who are committed to assisting you throughout your entire recovery. We will take on the at-fault party’s insurance company to get you the financial compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been injured by a negligent driver in Los Angeles, San Diego, or elsewhere in California, it’s time to call The Advocates to get started on your pedestrian accident claim. Contact us today for a free consultation.

The Next Steps In Your California Pedestrian Accident Case

Injury

Immediately after being bitten, assess your injuries

Hire Attorney

Contact The Advocates as soon as possible to begin the road to recovery

Treatment

Seek medical attention as soon as you can

Medical Records

Keep track of any and all treatment you receive during recovery

Finish Treatment

Once you’ve completed treatment, your case can move forward

Demand

Your Advocate will send a demand letter to the other party

Frequently Asked Questions

You will pay nothing out-of-pocket when you hire an Advocate.

Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees.

Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that our attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of your settlement. We don’t get paid unless we win your case and you receive a settlement.

For more information on how settlements and payment work, please see our contingency fee information page.

Not every accident requires an attorney. However, if the accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, which can be lengthy and complex.

Your attorney will build your case, keep track of your medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Studies have shown that accident victims who hire a personal injury lawyer can receive settlements up to 3.5 times larger than if they settled on their own.

The best way to know if you have a case is to speak with an attorney. The Advocates offer free consultations—you can speak with a qualified legal team to understand what your case is worth without paying a dime. Once you have decided to hire an Advocate, we will investigate your accident to firmly establish liability.

Every personal injury case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to accident claims. The length of the claims process will depend on the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the other party to settle, the court’s caseload, and more.

In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to a few years. It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to get your case started. Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, after which you will lose your right of action.

When you hire The Advocates, we will begin investigating your accident immediately while you finish medical treatment. Once all evidence and medical records have been compiled, your attorney will send a demand letter to the other party’s insurance company. At this point, negotiations will begin.

In many cases, a settlement can be reached during negotiations. If the other party refuses to make a fair offer, you may choose to file a suit. In the litigation phase, your attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge, jury, and/or arbitrator.

A Team of Legal Professionals Assigned to Your Case 

For nearly 30 years, The Advocates have helped thousands of personal injury victims receive the compensation and care they deserve after their accidents, and we are prepared to do the same for you. 

We can help you:

  • Understand the claims process
  • Access medical care
  • Investigate your accident
  • Build your case
  • Negotiate with insurance adjusters
  • Take your case to court if necessary

We only get paid if we win your case!

Hable con un profesional

California Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Man in black outfit walks across crosswalk while car makes a right turn. Motion blur

California pedestrian accident statistics

  • California’s pedestrian fatality rate is nearly 25% higher than the national average.
  • Nearly 150 pedestrians were killed in Los Angeles alone in 2021.
  • In 2021, pedestrians made up more than 25% of all traffic fatalities in California.
  • Most pedestrian accidents happen when it is dark outside.
  • Nationwide, a pedestrian is killed in an accident about every 71 minutes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
  • About 7 in 10 pedestrian accident victims are male.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents

  • Speeding
  • Cell phone use
  • Failure to stop at traffic signals and stop signs
  • Jaywalking
  • Poor visibility
  • Lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure
  • Impaired driving or walking
Close-up Of Woman Typing Text Message On Mobile Phone

Common pedestrian accident injuries 

Because pedestrians are far more vulnerable than motorists in the event of an accident, they often face catastrophic injuries. Some common injuries that injured pedestrians face include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Broken or missing teeth
  • Internal organ damage
  • Lacerations and bruising

California Pedestrian Laws and Information

senior man walking along city crosswalk

Where can pedestrians cross the street?

California Vehicle Code §21950 states that motor vehicles must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing in a marked crosswalk or in an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. 

A pedestrian still has a duty of care for their own safety—they may not step or run in front of a car that is so close the driver will not have time to stop. 

A pedestrian may not unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a crosswalk.

Where should pedestrians walk when there is no sidewalk?

If no sidewalk is present, pedestrians should take care to stay as far away from traffic as possible. Walk against the flow of traffic (typically on the left side of the road).

Woman walks a on the shoulder of a country road
Business people discussion

What is the statute of limitations for a pedestrian accident?

Like most other legal actions, personal injury cases are subject to a statute of limitations. This acts as a time limit for bringing about a claim. After the period of time has passed, the plaintiff loses their right of action.

Under California law, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years.

What should I do after a pedestrian accident?

If you have been injured as a pedestrian, take the following steps to protect your right to a claim:

  • Move out of traffic if possible.
  • Check for injuries and call 911 if necessary.
  • File a police report.
  • Exchange names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance information with the motorist.
  • Get contact information of any witnesses.
  • Notify your own auto insurance provider of the accident.
  • Seek medical attention, even if you do not believe you are injured.
  • Consider contacting a personal injury attorney.

Do not apologize or admit fault for the accident. An investigation may prove that you are not liable.

Man talks on the phone in his office.
health insurance form, paperwork and questionnaire

What damages can I seek in a pedestrian accident case?

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident, you may be able to seek some of the following damages in a pedestrian accident lawsuit:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Funeral and burial expenses (in the case of wrongful death)

A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and determine the worth of your case. Ultimately, your settlement offer will depend on the severity of your injuries, how much treatment you require, and whether you were partially liable for the accident.

When Should I Hire a California Pedestrian Attorney?

If you are facing injuries, emotional distress, and financial damages after your accident, it is a good idea to contact a personal injury lawyer. Navigating the claims process on your own is often difficult, overwhelming, and frustrating.

The Advocates personal injury law firm can help you access necessary medical care, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and get you fair compensation for your damages. With an Advocate on your side, you can rest easy knowing that your case is in good hands.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation. You deserve an entire legal team dedicated to your recovery. You deserve an Advocate.