If You've Been Injured in a Pedestrian Accident,
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Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles & Glendale, CA

Los Angeles has one of the highest pedestrian fatality rates of any major American city. Busy intersections in Glendale, crosswalks along Brand Boulevard and Central Avenue, and the pedestrian-dense neighborhoods of downtown Los Angeles and Silver Lake are all sites of serious pedestrian accidents every year. When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the injuries are almost always severe — broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, spinal cord injuries, and death. At L&F Brown, our pedestrian accident attorneys fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and pursue maximum compensation for injured pedestrians and their families.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles

Most pedestrian accidents are caused by driver negligence. Common factors include:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, phone use, or inattention while driving through pedestrian-heavy areas.
• Failure to Yield at Crosswalks: California Vehicle Code §21950 requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks. Violations are one of the leading causes of pedestrian injuries in Los Angeles.
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: A driver who blows through a signal has little chance of stopping for a crossing pedestrian.
• Speeding: Higher vehicle speeds dramatically increase both the likelihood of a collision and the severity of injuries to the pedestrian.
• Drunk or Impaired Driving: Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and reduced awareness of pedestrians, especially at night.
• Failure to Check Blind Spots: Pedestrians are frequently struck by turning vehicles whose drivers fail to check for foot traffic.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents: Drivers who flee after striking a pedestrian face serious criminal charges under California law, but victims still have legal options for compensation.
• Defective Road Design: In some cases, the city or county may share responsibility due to inadequate crosswalk markings, poor lighting, or dangerous intersection design.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

In most cases, the at-fault driver is the primary defendant. However, other parties may also bear responsibility:

• The driver’s employer — if the driver was working at the time (delivery, rideshare, or commercial vehicle)
• The City of Los Angeles or the City of Glendale — if defective road design or maintenance contributed to the accident
• A vehicle manufacturer — if a defect such as brake failure contributed to the crash

Why Choose L&F Brown?

• Experience with Severe Injuries: We handle catastrophic pedestrian accident cases and work with leading medical experts to fully document your losses.
• No Upfront Fees: Pedestrian accident cases are taken on contingency — you pay nothing unless we recover.
• Direct Attorney Access: You work directly with a Senior Attorney who handles your case personally.

California Pedestrian Accident Laws You Need to Know

The statute of limitations for pedestrian accident claims is generally two years from the date of the accident (CCP §335.1). If the accident involved a government vehicle or defective public property, a government tort claim must typically be filed within six months.

California’s pure comparative negligence rule applies to pedestrian accidents. Insurance companies often argue that the pedestrian was jaywalking, distracted, or otherwise contributed to the accident to reduce their payout. Our attorneys counter this with thorough investigation and witness testimony.

For hit-and-run accidents, victims may be entitled to compensation through their own uninsured motorist coverage even if the at-fault driver is never identified. We help you navigate this process.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Pedestrian accident victims often suffer the most severe injuries of any road accident. Compensation available includes:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency surgery, hospitalization, intensive care, physical and occupational therapy, and future medical treatment
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Income lost during recovery and any permanent reduction in your ability to work
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional trauma, and lasting psychological effects
• Permanent Disability: For injuries resulting in paralysis, amputation, or other permanent limitations
• Wrongful Death: If you lost a loved one, their family may recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and more
• Punitive Damages: Available in hit-and-run cases and accidents involving drunk or extremely reckless drivers

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

1. Call 911: Request police and emergency medical services immediately. A police report is essential evidence.
2. Accept Emergency Medical Care: Even if you feel able to walk, internal injuries may not be immediately apparent. Be evaluated at the scene and follow up with your doctor.
3. Document the Scene: If physically able, photograph the vehicle, the crosswalk or road, the driver’s license plate, and your injuries.
4. Get Witness Information: Ask bystanders for their names and phone numbers before they leave the scene.
5. Do Not Speak to the Driver’s Insurance Company: Their adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. Contact L&F Brown before giving any statement.
6. Contact L&F Brown: We act quickly to secure surveillance footage, obtain the police report, and preserve the evidence needed to build your case.