Speak With a Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Los Angeles is one of the most walkable—and most dangerous—cities in the country for pedestrians. Busy intersections, distracted drivers, rideshare traffic, and high-speed roadways create constant risk for people on foot. When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the injuries are often severe or fatal, and insurance companies frequently try to shift blame onto the victim. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, working with an experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Farar & Lewis offers free consultations to injured pedestrians throughout Los Angeles. Our legal team is prepared to hold negligent drivers accountable and fight for your recovery. Contact us now to speak with a lawyer.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Are So Dangerous in Los Angeles
Unlike drivers and passengers, pedestrians have no physical protection during a crash. Even a low-speed collision can cause devastating injuries.
Pedestrian accidents are especially dangerous because:
- Pedestrians absorb the full force of impact
- Head and spinal injuries are common
- Victims may be thrown into traffic or onto hard surfaces
- Multiple vehicles may be involved
- Fatality rates are significantly higher than other crash types
Los Angeles consistently ranks among the highest U.S. cities for pedestrian injuries and deaths.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Most pedestrian accidents are preventable and occur due to driver negligence. Common causes include:
Distracted Driving
Drivers texting, using apps, or adjusting navigation often fail to see pedestrians in crosswalks.
Failure to Yield
Drivers turning at intersections frequently fail to yield to pedestrians with the right of way.
Speeding
Excessive speed dramatically increases injury severity and reduces stopping time.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol and drug impairment significantly raise the risk of pedestrian collisions, especially at night.
Poor Visibility
Low lighting, weather conditions, or obstructed views can contribute to crashes.
Where Pedestrian Accidents Commonly Occur in Los Angeles
Pedestrian crashes often happen in:
- Intersections and crosswalks
- Downtown and urban corridors
- Near schools, shopping centers, and transit stops
- Residential neighborhoods
- Parking lots and garages
Many accidents occur when drivers are turning or backing up.
Injuries Commonly Sustained by Pedestrians
Pedestrian accident injuries are often catastrophic and life-altering.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Severe fractures to legs, hips, and arms
- Internal organ damage
- Facial and dental injuries
- Road rash and lacerations
- Wrongful death injuries
Recovery may require surgery, long-term rehabilitation, and permanent lifestyle changes.
Determining Fault in a Pedestrian Accident
California law generally favors pedestrian safety, but liability is still frequently disputed. Fault may depend on:
- Whether the pedestrian was in a marked or unmarked crosswalk
- Traffic signal timing and right-of-way rules
- Driver speed and attentiveness
- Visibility conditions
- Pedestrian actions at the time of the crash
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning fault may be shared—but pedestrians are still entitled to compensation even if partially at fault.
Evidence Used in Pedestrian Accident Claims
Strong evidence is critical in pedestrian injury cases. This may include:
- Police accident reports
- Traffic and surveillance camera footage
- Dashcam or bodycam video
- Witness statements
- Vehicle damage analysis
- Medical records
- Accident reconstruction expert testimony
Prompt investigation is essential before evidence disappears.
When Government Entities May Be Liable
Some pedestrian accidents result from unsafe roadway design or maintenance issues, such as:
- Malfunctioning traffic signals
- Inadequate crosswalk markings
- Poor lighting
- Obstructed signage
- Dangerous road layouts
Claims against government entities involve strict notice deadlines and special procedures.
Compensation Available to Injured Pedestrians
Pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to substantial compensation due to the severity of injuries.
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Long-term medical care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Assistive devices and home modifications
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
In fatal accidents, families may pursue wrongful death damages.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Pedestrian Accident Claims
Insurance companies often attempt to:
- Blame pedestrians for the accident
- Argue jaywalking or inattention
- Minimize injury severity
- Push low settlements early
An experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer ensures victims are treated fairly and not blamed unjustly.
How Farar & Lewis Handles Pedestrian Accident Cases
At Farar & Lewis, we understand how devastating pedestrian accidents can be. Our legal team provides aggressive advocacy while treating clients with care and respect.
We focus on:
- Conducting thorough investigations
- Preserving video and physical evidence
- Identifying all liable parties
- Working with medical and reconstruction experts
- Accurately calculating damages
- Negotiating aggressively with insurers
- Taking cases to trial when necessary
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
California’s Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accidents
Most pedestrian injury claims in California must be filed within two years of the accident date. Claims involving government entities may require notice within six months.
Early legal action helps protect your rights and your claim.
Call Farar & Lewis After a Pedestrian Accident in Los Angeles
If you or a loved one has been injured while walking in Los Angeles, you deserve experienced legal representation and full accountability from negligent drivers.
Contact Farar & Lewis today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer. We are ready to fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Sources
- California Office of Traffic Safety – Pedestrian Safety
https://www.ots.ca.gov - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Pedestrian Crash Data
https://www.nhtsa.gov - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – Pedestrian Fatality Research
https://www.iihs.org
