Fighting for Injured Pedestrians Since 2007
A relaxing walk on LA streets like Beverly Blvd, Crenshaw Blvd, or even Figueroa St. shouldn’t end in injuries and disasters, but oftentimes this can be the case. A moment of distraction, speeding, or failing to see a pedestrian can lead to a devastating accident.
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles, you have the right to recover compensation in an accident claim. The BD&J personal injury law firm can fight for the maximum compensation you deserve!
Key Takeaways
- The city of Los Angeles has some of the highest rates of pedestrian accident deaths in the state, with more than 2,000 pedestrian injuries and fatalities in the last 3 years (TIMS)
- Pedestrian accidents can often be caused due to speeding, distracted driving, or a driver failing to yield at a crosswalk
- Filing a personal injury claim can help pedestrians recover compensation for injuries like broken bones, organ damage, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries
- A Los Angeles personal injury attorney from BD&J can help start the legal process for your claim
Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Los Angeles
Pedestrian safety is a big concern in Los Angeles. Accident data shows us:
- Nationwide, 1 in 4 pedestrian deaths are the result of a hit-and-run accident (GHSA)
- In the last decade, pedestrian fatalities at night increased by 84% (GHSA)
- Los Angeles County saw 303 pedestrian fatalities in 2024 (CATSIP)
- Pedestrians made up almost 30% of traffic fatalities in unincorporated communities of LA in data from the last decade (County of Los Angeles)
Were you seriously hurt in a pedestrian accident? Talk to a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer from BD&J now, call (855)906-3699.
Why Are Pedestrian Accidents Happening So Often in Los Angeles?
There are a few reasons why pedestrian accidents happen so frequently in the city of Los Angeles. These include:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can include being on the phone, eating, looking at directions, or even a few seconds of looking away from the road for any reason.
Speeding
Los Angeles is notorious for traffic, so impatient drivers who are late for work, completing a large commute, or simply trying to beat rush hour traffic may turn to reckless speeding to save a couple of minutes on the road. According to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, the risk of dying for pedestrians jumps to 90% with speeds of 58mph and more.
Low Visibility
Drivers who don’t check their blind spots, look both ways before moving forward in an intersection, or simply failing to check for pedestrians at crosswalks before advancing their vehicles can cause pedestrian accidents with severe consequences.
Failure to Yield at Crosswalks
Aggressive or speeding drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks can cause serious injuries to those vulnerable pedestrians who have the right of way.
Whether the accident was caused by a driver, commercial driver, motorcyclist, or other motorist, you deserve justice for injuries and other damages.
What Are Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries?
A common person on a sidewalk is more exposed to serious injuries compared to a driver tucked away in their vehicle. This is why pedestrians can often suffer the gravest injuries in a Los Angeles pedestrian accident, including:
- Brain injuries
- Lacerations
- Catastrophic injuries
- Broken bones and factures
- Concussions
- Burns
- Spine injuries
- Organ damage
- Wrongful death
How severe were your injuries? Call 855-906-3699 to schedule your free consultation with a BD&J team member.
What Are Pedestrian Rights in California?
California recognizes the following pedestrian rights:
- Pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked and unmarked crosswalks
- All motor vehicles must slow down and yield to pedestrians
- The Freedom to Walk Act legalizes jaywalking and allows pedestrians to cross streets outside of unmarked crosswalks without being fined or ticketed if it’s safe to do so
- Drivers cannot stop on crosswalks or block crosswalks with their vehicles unnecessarily
5 Ways a Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help Your Claim
If you were seriously hurt in a pedestrian accident, you have the right to seek compensation through a legal claim. A Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer can help your case by:
- Presenting the claim in the proper jurisdiction for compensation
- Using specialized attorney resources like accident reconstruction software and expert witness testimony as evidence in your claim
- Providing medical referrals to allow you to seek the appropriate treatments for your injuries under a lien basis until your case settles
- Using experienced negotiation tactics with insurance companies and other legal representatives on a fair compensation amount
- Helping you with legal terminologies, deadlines, and other obstacles that may come your way to protect your claim while you recover from injuries
Let our pedestrian accident lawyers help you. Complete our form to schedule a free consultation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way?
Not always. Pedestrians have the right of way on marked and unmarked crosswalks, but not when a vehicle is too close to stop on an unmarked crosswalk.
Pedestrians do not have the right of way if there is a ‘don’t walk’ signal, or if their walking would create a hazard or unnecessarily stop traffic.
What Do I Do if the Driver Who Hit Me Fled?
Hit-and-run accidents can be especially traumatic for unsuspecting pedestrians. If you’re thinking about recovering compensation while the driver is being located, consider your own Uninsured Motorist coverage from your insurance, or applying for some compensation from the California Victim Compensation Board.
Speaking with a pedestrian accident attorney in Los Angeles can also help you see your legal options.
Can I File a Personal Injury Claim if My Accident Was 4 Years Ago?
No, unfortunately 4 years is outside of the statute of limitations for pedestrian accidents. Once the statute of limitations runs out, you forfeit your right to pursue compensation in a legal claim.
A Vehicle Hit Me While I Was Crossing the Street, What Do I Do?
The next few moments after a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, but you still have to consider your safety and wellbeing. After being struck by a vehicle, move yourself to a safe area off the road, check yourself for injuries, and call emergency services.
Can I File a Claim if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Yes, because California is a comparative negligence state.
This means you can still obtain compensation if you had some fault in an accident. The compensation is simply reduced by the amount of fault you’re found to have.
Do I Still Have Legal Options if I’m Undocumented?
Definitely. Your immigration status does not affect your lawsuit whatsoever and is protected through attorney-client privilege.
Why Do People Call the BD&J Law Firm in Los Angeles After an Accident?
BD&J is a trusted LA law firm that’s been fighting for injured people and their families since our establishment in 2007. Our case results show that we’re serious about representing clients to the fullest extent, and we fight tirelessly to ensure clients obtain the justice they deserve.
Do I Have to Pay Upfront to Work with BD&J?
Not at all. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we advance all case costs to clients upfront and recover final attorney fees after a case is settled.
This means no upfront fees* for you to worry about.
How To Deal with Stress After a Pedestrian Accident
According to a 2025 study from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, PTSD symptoms in victims of road traffic accidents (including pedestrians) can persist for up to 3 years after an accident.
Managing stress, anxiety, and other symptoms can be easier with the following steps:
- Seek psychological help. – Talking with a mental health professional can be key to managing symptoms of stress and anxiety, as well as having additional support when needed.
- Use mindfulness and breathing exercises when overwhelmed. – Box breathing, 4-7-8 breathing, and alternate-nostril breathing are typical breathing exercises that can ease your mind when overwhelmed.
- Build a support group. – Turning to friends and family when you’re in need of a distraction or further support to overcome crushing anxieties can be helpful.
- Start slow exposure to triggering situations. – Accident victims are often hesitant or scared to go back to similar situations, so if you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of going out for a walk or crossing a large intersection, it’s better to start small and give yourself tiny goals that aren’t mentally taxing. For example, walking down your own street.
Persistent Los Angeles Accident Attorneys Who Have Recovered More than $3 Billion* in Compensation
With countless pedestrian accident settlements under our belt and more than $3 billion* in compensation recovered for clients, BD&J is a leading law firm you can trust after an accident. Our attorneys speak English, Spanish, Armenian, Russian, Hebrew, and more, so language barriers aren’t a problem.
Call our team now or complete our online form to get started on the path to compensation today!
