California Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable users of California’s roads and sidewalks. When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the results are almost always serious and often fatal. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, California consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of pedestrian fatalities each year.
At Smilove & Rosenblum APC, we represent pedestrians who have been struck and injured by negligent drivers. We understand how life-changing these accidents can be and are dedicated to helping victims and their families recover the full compensation they are owed.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents frequently occur due to drivers failing to yield at crosswalks, distracted driving including texting, speeding through residential areas and school zones, running red lights or stop signs, making turns without checking for pedestrians, driving under the influence, poor visibility at night, and backing up without looking. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within marked or unmarked crosswalks. A driver who fails to do so can be held liable for any resulting injuries.
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Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Because pedestrians have no protection from the force of a vehicle impact, injuries are typically severe. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and paralysis, multiple bone fractures, internal organ damage, severe lacerations and disfigurement, hip and pelvis fractures, and knee and ankle injuries. Many pedestrian accident victims require emergency surgery, extended hospitalization, and long-term rehabilitation. Some injuries result in permanent disability that fundamentally changes the victim’s life and ability to work.
Pedestrian Rights in California
California law provides strong protections for pedestrians. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in all crosswalks, both marked and unmarked (VC 21950). Drivers must exercise due care to avoid collisions with pedestrians (VC 21954). Speed limits are reduced in school zones and residential areas. Even if a pedestrian was jaywalking, California’s comparative negligence system means they may still recover damages, reduced only by their percentage of fault.
Free Consultation
If you or a loved one was struck by a vehicle while walking, contact Smilove & Rosenblum APC immediately at (800) 300-3226 or request a consultation online. We handle all pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis with no upfront costs.
Related Articles from Our Blog
- Hit-and-Run Accidents in California
- Distracted Driving Laws and Penalties in California
- California Good Samaritan Law Explained
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accident Cases
What are a pedestrian’s rights in California?
California law gives pedestrians the right-of-way in marked and unmarked crosswalks (Vehicle Code §21950). Drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians and must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Even outside crosswalks, drivers must take reasonable steps to avoid hitting pedestrians. Violations of these duties can establish negligence per se in a personal injury claim.
Can I recover compensation if I was jaywalking when I was hit?
Yes. Under California’s pure comparative negligence doctrine (Li v. Yellow Cab Co.), you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, such as jaywalking. Your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you can still recover $80,000.
How are pedestrian accident injuries typically more severe?
Pedestrians have no protective barrier between themselves and a vehicle, which often results in catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, internal organ damage, and in the worst cases, wrongful death. Medical treatment costs can be substantial and ongoing. California law allows injured pedestrians to recover all past and future medical expenses, lost income, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Mga Madalas Itanong Tungkol sa Aksidente ng Pedestrian (Pedestrian Accident)
Frequently Asked Questions in Tagalog
Ano ang mga karapatan ng mga pedestrian sa California?
Ang batas ng California ay nagbibigay sa mga pedestrian ng right-of-way sa marked at unmarked crosswalks (Vehicle Code §21950). Ang mga driver ay dapat mag-ingat upang maiwasan ang banggaan sa mga pedestrian at dapat silang magbigay-daan sa mga pedestrian sa crosswalk. Kahit sa labas ng crosswalk, ang mga driver ay dapat gumawa ng makatwirang hakbang upang maiwasang matamaan ang mga pedestrian.
Maaari ba akong makakuha ng kabayaran kung nag-jaywalking ako nang mabangga ako?
Oo. Sa ilalim ng pure comparative negligence doctrine ng California (Li v. Yellow Cab Co.), maaari ka pa ring makakuha ng damages kahit ikaw ay bahagyang may kasalanan, tulad ng jaywalking. Ang iyong kabuuang kabayaran ay mababawasan ng iyong percentage of fault. Halimbawa, kung ikaw ay natagpuang 20% na may kasalanan at ang iyong damages ay $100,000, maaari ka pa ring makakuha ng $80,000.
Nagbibigay ba kayo ng libreng konsultasyon sa Tagalog?
Oo! Ang Smilove & Rosenblum APC ay nagbibigay ng libreng konsultasyon sa Tagalog. Nauunawaan namin na ang pagharap sa legal system pagkatapos ng aksidente ay nakakatakot, lalo na kung mas komportable ka sa Tagalog. Ang aming mga Tagalog-speaking na kawani ay handang tumulong sa iyo mula sa unang tawag hanggang sa settlement. Tumawag sa (800) 300-3226 — available kami 24/7.