Walking is one of the simplest, healthiest, and most eco-friendly ways to get around. But for pedestrians in California, especially in busy communities like Santa Clarita, the San Fernando Valley, and downtown Los Angeles, walking can also be dangerous.
Unfortunately, every year, thousands of pedestrians are injured or killed in traffic collisions, often due to drivers’ negligence. So, understanding your legal rights after a pedestrian accident is essential to getting the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Pedestrian Accidents in California
Pedestrian accidents can cause life-changing injuries, financial hardship, and emotional trauma. Because pedestrians have no physical protection, even a low-speed collision can result in serious harm. Under California law, injured pedestrians have the right to seek compensation when another party’s negligence causes their injuries.
So, if your injuries were caused by a negligent driver, you may want to learn about our car accident legal services and how we protect victims in vehicle-related crashes.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
While accidents can happen anywhere, they often occur due to a driver’s carelessness or failure to follow traffic laws.
1. Distracted Driving
Drivers texting, eating, changing radio stations, or adjusting GPS instead of watching the road can easily overlook a pedestrian.
2. Failure to Yield
Pedestrians in unmarked crosswalks have the same rights as those using marked crosswalks, and ignoring pedestrian right-of-way laws in marked or unmarked crosswalks is a leading cause of accidents.
3. Speeding
Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
4. Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol or drugs impair judgment, slow reaction times, and increase accident severity.
5. Poor Visibility
Nighttime driving, bad weather, or inadequate street lighting can make it difficult to spot pedestrians.
For more information on serious injury cases, visit our catastrophic injury page to see how we help clients facing life-altering conditions.
California Laws Protecting Pedestrians
Under California Vehicle Code § 21950, drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks. This law exists to protect pedestrians from the devastating consequences of vehicle collisions. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to obey this law, placing pedestrians at risk.
If you’re hit by a vehicle, the driver may be legally responsible for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
We handle insurance claim disputes, even when at-fault parties deny responsibility.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
The moments after a pedestrian accident are overwhelming, but the steps you take can make a major difference in your recovery and legal case.
1. Call 911 and Report the Accident
Always report the collision to law enforcement and request medical help immediately.
If the accident occurs in Santa Clarita, you need to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. If the accident occurs in the San Fernando Valley or Los Angeles, you need to contact the Los Angeles Police Department.
2. Gather Evidence and Witness Information
Take photos of the scene including any skid marks (or the lack of), the involved vehicle, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses.
3. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Some injuries aren’t obvious right away. Get checked out at Urgent Care, even if you feel fine. Then, follow up by visiting to your primary care doctor and/or a chiropractor.
4. Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
An experienced attorney can protect your rights and handle negotiations with the insurance company.
Proving Fault and Overcoming Insurance Tactics
Insurance companies always attempt to shift blame to pedestrians in order to reduce their payout. So, it is crucial that you contact a skilled attorney before you speak with an insurance adjuster hired to protect the interests of the insurance company.
As a skilled Santa Clarita pedestrian accident attorney, we will gather the necessary evidence to prove your case, protect and guide you through the pitfalls of the legal battle, and secure you fair compensation.
Types of Compensation Available to Victims
Pedestrian accident injuries can be severe, leading to costly and long-term consequences. As a pedestrian accident victim, you may be entitled to:
1. Medical Expenses (Past & Future)
You will be entitled to compensation that will cover emergency treatment, soft tissue injuries, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
2. Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
You are entitled to compensation for time off work and reduced ability to earn in the future.
3. Pain and Suffering
You are entitled to compensation for your physical pain, emotional anguish, disfigurement, and inconvenience caused by the accident.
4. Emotional Distress
In addition to the typical pain and suffering, you are entitled to compensation for any psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
Why Choose The Mason Law Firm for Your Pedestrian Accident Case
At The Mason Law Firm, we have been handling accident cases since 1997. We handle all forms of accident cases, including pedestrian accidents, in Santa Clarita, the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, Ventura County, Orange County, and Kern County.
We understand the challenges you face, such as mounting medical bills, lost income, and pressure from insurance companies, and we fight to get you the maximum compensation possible.
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Santa Clarita, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, Ventura County, Orange County, and Kern County, call The Mason Law Firm today at 661-270-5677, or fill out our contact sheet by clicking here, and let us fight for your rights while you focus on healing.
“We Meet Our Clients by Accident!”
and
“We Put Personal in Personal Injury Law.”