California Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

California Pedestrian Accident Lawyers - Personal injury lawyers. No fee unless we win. Free consultation. Call (818) 514-7680.

California Personal Injury Legal Services

No-fee-unless-we-win personal injury representation across California. We handle car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, slip and fall injuries, dog bites, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and catastrophic injuries.

California Personal Injury Law

California follows pure comparative negligence (Civil Code). Two-year statute of limitations for personal injury, three years for property damage. We fight insurance companies to maximize your compensation.

Free case evaluation: (818) 514-7680.

Fees, Costs and Case Results

Where representation is offered on a contingency basis there is no attorney fee unless we recover, and the firm advances case costs — filing fees, expert witnesses and medical records — which are then repaid out of any recovery. If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fee. The specific terms that apply to a matter are set out in the written fee agreement for that matter.

Where this site refers to a verdict, settlement or court order, that result was dependent on the facts of that case, and results will differ if based on different facts. Past results do not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other matter, and no particular outcome is promised or guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the pedestrian right-of-way laws in California?
California Vehicle Code Section 21950 establishes that drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within any marked or unmarked crosswalk at intersections. Drivers must exercise due care and reduce speed or take other actions as needed to ensure pedestrian safety. Even if a pedestrian is jaywalking, drivers still have a duty to avoid hitting them if possible. Our pedestrian accident lawyers hold negligent drivers accountable when they fail to yield, don't maintain a proper lookout, or drive recklessly near crosswalks.
Can I recover compensation if I was jaywalking when hit by a car?
Yes, you can still recover compensation even if you were jaywalking. California follows pure comparative negligence, which means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you're found 30% at fault for jaywalking, you would receive $70,000. Even jaywalking pedestrians have legal protections—drivers must still exercise reasonable care to avoid hitting them under California Vehicle Code Section 21954.
What is the statute of limitations for pedestrian accident lawsuits in California?
In California, you have two years from the date of the pedestrian accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. For wrongful death claims resulting from a pedestrian accident, the two-year period begins from the date of death. If your claim is against a government entity (such as an accident caused by dangerous road conditions), you must file an administrative claim within six months. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation, so contact a pedestrian accident lawyer immediately.
What compensation can I recover in a California pedestrian accident case?
California pedestrian accident victims can recover economic damages including medical expenses (emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, future medical care), lost wages and future lost earning capacity, and property damage (damaged clothing, personal items). Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring and disfigurement, and loss of consortium. What a claim is actually worth turns on the documented medical course and prognosis, proven lost earnings, the share of fault attributed to the claimant, and the insurance limits available to pay a judgment. Catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, and multiple fractures often result in seven-figure settlements.
Who can be held liable in a pedestrian accident case?
Multiple parties may be held liable: (1) Drivers who fail to yield, drive distracted, speed, run red lights, or violate traffic laws; (2) Government entities responsible for dangerous road conditions, missing crosswalk signals, inadequate lighting, or poor road design; (3) Property owners whose negligent property maintenance contributed to the accident; (4) Construction companies that failed to provide adequate pedestrian safety measures in work zones; (5) Employers if the driver was working at the time of the accident. Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to identify all liable parties and maximize your recovery.
What are the most dangerous intersections for pedestrians in California?
California's most dangerous pedestrian intersections include areas in Los Angeles (Figueroa & 7th Street, Broadway & 6th Street), San Francisco (Market & 5th Street, Mission & South Van Ness), San Diego (El Cajon Boulevard intersections, University Avenue crossings), and Oakland (International Boulevard intersections). Statewide, about 22% of all traffic fatalities involve pedestrians. High-traffic urban areas, poorly lit intersections, intersections lacking adequate signals, and areas with high speeds pose the greatest risks. We handle cases at all dangerous California intersections.
What should I do immediately after being hit by a car as a pedestrian?
After a pedestrian accident: (1) Call 911 immediately to get police and medical response; (2) Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor—many serious injuries aren't immediately apparent; (3) Document the scene with photos if possible (vehicle, intersection, crosswalk, injuries); (4) Get driver information (name, license, insurance, vehicle details); (5) Obtain witness names and contact information; (6) Do not admit fault or apologize; (7) Do not give recorded statements to insurance companies; (8) Keep all clothing and personal items as evidence; (9) Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer before accepting any settlement offers.
How long does a pedestrian accident lawsuit take in California?
Pedestrian accident cases typically take 8 months to 3 years to resolve. Simple cases with clear liability and documented injuries may settle in 8-15 months. Complex cases involving catastrophic injuries, disputed liability, multiple defendants, or government entities can take 18-36 months or longer if trial is necessary. Factors affecting timeline include the severity of injuries (you should reach maximum medical improvement before settling), insurance company cooperation, investigation complexity, and whether the case goes to trial. Our pedestrian accident lawyers work efficiently while ensuring maximum recovery.
What evidence is crucial in a pedestrian accident case?
Critical evidence includes: police accident reports with officer findings and diagrams; witness statements from bystanders and other drivers; photos and videos of the accident scene, crosswalk, traffic signals, and injuries; medical records documenting all injuries and treatment; traffic camera and surveillance footage from nearby businesses; driver's cell phone records proving distracted driving; accident reconstruction expert reports; crosswalk signal timing records; vehicle damage documentation; and employment records for lost wage claims. Our investigation team collects and preserves all evidence to build the strongest case.
How much does a California pedestrian accident lawyer cost?
Our pedestrian accident lawyers work on a 100% contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and no attorney fees unless we win your case. We advance all litigation costs including expert witnesses, accident reconstruction, medical record retrieval, court fees, investigation expenses, and deposition costs. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, typically 33-40% depending on whether the case settles or goes to trial. This ensures everyone has access to top legal representation regardless of financial situation, and it motivates us to maximize your recovery.
What if the driver who hit me was uninsured or fled the scene?
If the at-fault driver was uninsured, you may have options through your own auto insurance policy's Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, which typically covers you as a pedestrian. In hit-and-run cases, UM coverage also applies. Additionally, you can file claims with the California Victim Compensation Board for certain expenses. We pursue all available sources of recovery including the driver's personal assets if identified, any umbrella policies, and claims against government entities if dangerous road conditions contributed to the accident. Even in complex situations, experienced lawyers can find paths to compensation.
Does California have specific crosswalk laws drivers must follow?
Yes, California Vehicle Code Section 21950 requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks. CVC 21951 prohibits drivers from passing vehicles stopped at crosswalks. CVC 21952 requires pedestrians crossing outside marked crosswalks to yield to vehicles, but drivers still must exercise due care. CVC 21954 requires pedestrians to use marked crosswalks between adjacent traffic signals. However, even when pedestrians violate these laws, drivers maintain a duty to avoid collisions. Our attorneys leverage these laws to establish driver negligence and maximize compensation.

Contact Trembach Law Firm

Trembach Law Firm, APC

27001 Agoura Road, Suite 350, Calabasas, CA 91301

Phone: (818) 514-7680

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