Is the driver always at fault when a pedestrian is hit in Sherman Oaks?

Not always, but drivers have a legal duty to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and exercise due care at all times. If the pedestrian was in a marked crosswalk and had the right of way, the driver is almost certainly at fault. Even outside a crosswalk, drivers are required to avoid striking pedestrians they can see.

What if I was crossing the street mid-block when I was hit?

Jaywalking may reduce your compensation under California's comparative fault rules, but it does not eliminate it. If the driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent, they still bear a significant share of fault. An attorney will work to minimize any comparative fault assigned to you and maximize your net recovery.

How long does it take to settle a pedestrian accident case in Sherman Oaks?

Pedestrian accident cases in LA County typically take six months to two years to resolve, depending on injury severity, liability disputes, and whether litigation is necessary. Severe injury cases with long-term medical needs may take longer to settle because the full extent of your damages must be understood before accepting any offer.

Do I Need a Lawyer After a Pedestrian Accident in Sherman Oaks?

Arya Firoozmand, Esq. — Founding Partner

Local Sherman Oaks Injury Attorney · UCLA Law

Arya Firoozmand is the founding partner at L&F Brown. He grew up in the San Fernando Valley, graduated from El Camino Real High School and UCLA Law School, and has spent his career representing injured clients across the Valley — including Sherman Oaks and the 405 corridor.

Pedestrian accidents in Sherman Oaks can have devastating consequences. When a vehicle strikes a person on foot, the person has no protection whatsoever. The physical mismatch between a pedestrian and even a small passenger car traveling at 25 miles per hour means serious injury is the expected outcome. If you were hit by a car in Sherman Oaks, a personal injury lawyer is not just helpful: it is essential to getting the full compensation you deserve.

Why Pedestrian Accidents Produce Serious Claims

The injuries pedestrians suffer when struck by vehicles are consistently severe:

Broken bones, including femur and pelvis fractures
Traumatic brain injury from striking the vehicle or the ground
Spinal cord injuries
Internal organ damage
Severe lacerations, road rash, and soft tissue damage

These injuries almost always require emergency treatment, often at a trauma center, and frequently result in extended recovery times, ongoing care needs, and permanent disabilities. The high cost of treatment and the long-term impact on earning capacity mean pedestrian accident cases are often worth significant sums.

Where Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Sherman Oaks

Sherman Oaks pedestrian accidents frequently occur at:

Crosswalks along Ventura Blvd, particularly near busy commercial areas and restaurants
Intersections on Van Nuys Blvd where pedestrian traffic is dense
Parking lot entrances and exits near Westfield Fashion Square and other commercial centers
Residential streets where drivers do not expect pedestrians
Bus stops and transit corridors along Sepulveda Blvd

Why Liability Questions Are Not Always Simple

While pedestrians in crosswalks are almost always legally protected, drivers will sometimes argue that a pedestrian was jaywalking, entered the crosswalk against the signal, or was otherwise at fault. California's comparative fault rules can reduce your recovery if you share any responsibility, making it important to have an attorney who can build and present your case effectively.

LAPD Van Nuys Division responds to pedestrian crashes on local Sherman Oaks streets. Their report and any citations issued to the driver are critical evidence. If there are security cameras at nearby businesses on Ventura Blvd or Van Nuys Blvd, your attorney will seek that footage immediately before it is deleted.

What Can You Recover?

Pedestrian accident victims in Sherman Oaks may be entitled to:

Full reimbursement of all medical bills, including emergency care at Sherman Oaks Hospital at 4929 Van Nuys Blvd and specialist treatment
Future medical costs for ongoing rehabilitation and care
Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Disability and disfigurement damages

Do Not Delay

Evidence from pedestrian accident scenes disappears quickly. Contact a Sherman Oaks pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as you are medically stable. Reach out to L&F Brown serving Sherman Oaks for a free consultation. We fight for pedestrian victims and know how to maximize recovery after these devastating crashes.

Free Consultation

Injured in Sherman Oaks? Talk to a local attorney, no fee unless we win.

Learn about our Sherman Oaks personal injury services →