California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
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- Top Rated Trial Firm
- Over $100 Million Recovered For Clients
- No Fees Unless We Win
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Southern California is a beautiful area to explore on foot, but if you suffer an injury as a result of a motorist’s negligence in the process, your losses can be life-altering. As a pedestrian, nothing protects you from the impact of a collision, but a compassionate California pedestrian accident lawyer is standing by to help you reach your most complete recovery.
Do You Have a Case?
If you’ve been struck by a vehicle while walking, you may be entitled to compensation, but specific legal elements must be present to establish a valid claim. Our California pedestrian accident attorneys will evaluate whether your case demonstrates:
- Duty of care – The driver owed you a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely and follow traffic laws that protect pedestrians
- Breach of duty – The driver violated this obligation through negligent actions such as distracted driving, speeding, failing to yield at crosswalks, or running red lights
- Causation – This breach directly resulted in your accident and subsequent injuries
- Damages – You suffered verifiable losses, including physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardships
Even in cases where you may share partial responsibility, California’s comparative negligence laws still allow you to pursue compensation. Our free case evaluation will help determine the strength of your claim and your optimal path forward.
Damages You Can Recover
Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that impact every aspect of your life. Our attorneys fight aggressively to recover the full spectrum of damages you’re entitled to:
- Economic damages – Tangible financial losses including medical expenses (both current and future), lost wages, diminished earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, and property damage
- Non-economic damages – Intangible but substantial losses such as physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and psychological trauma
- Punitive damages – In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, such as hit-and-run accidents or DUI, additional compensation may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior
Recent settlements secured by our California pedestrian accident law firm demonstrate our commitment to maximizing your recovery. We understand the life-altering impact of your injuries and work tirelessly to secure compensation that truly reflects your full losses, not just what the insurance company initially offers.
Why Choose Us
The experienced pedestrian accident attorneys at Feher Law take great pride in their impressive track record of skillfully guiding challenging pedestrian accident claims toward favorable resolutions that honor our valued clients’ rights and rightful compensation. Our law firm faithfully serves the greater LA area, all of Southern California, and the state at large.
We welcome the opportunity to also serve you, and we offer all the following distinctive benefits that can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim:
- Personalized Guidance – Our seasoned California personal injury lawyers can help you avoid the common pitfalls that victims of pedestrian accidents too often encounter – with focused legal guidance that’s personalized to the unique circumstances of your unique claim.
- Unrivaled Experience – Our impressive range of settlements and court awards, including a recent $1.5 million California pedestrian accident settlement, speaks to our imposing experience and commitment to your case.
- Keen Legal Insight – Our legal team in California has a wealth of experience with the challenges specific to pedestrian accident cases, and your claim will benefit from our expertise in this arena.
- Ready to Go the Distance – While most pedestrian injury cases are settled out of court, we are well prepared and well positioned to take your case to trial if doing so better protects your rights – in the face of inadequate negotiations on the part of the driver’s insurance company.
Your claim is important to your recovery, and we encourage you to reach out for a free comprehensive case evaluation and the personalized, results-driven legal guidance you’re looking for.
CASE RESULTS
RESULTS FROM OUR MOST RECENT CASES
Meet Your California Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
If a motorist’s negligence leaves you injured in a pedestrian accident in California, you need trusted legal representation in your corner, and the practiced personal injury attorneys at Feher Law are at your service. Our accomplished team has the depth of experience necessary to knowledgeably protect your rights in pursuit of the compensation you’re entitled to.
Client Testimonials
While we value the awards, accolades, and recognition we receive as one of California’s top personal injury firms, nothing is more rewarding than the enthusiastic praise we inspire in our clients from across the state.
A special thanks to Gizi, whose guidance throughout the process was invaluable. Gizi’s dedication, knowledge, and unwavering support made a significant difference, helping me navigate with confidence and ease. Gizi was there every step of the way, ensuring I was informed.
The entire team at Feher Law demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment, and I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone in need of expert legal representation. Thank you Feher Law for turning a challenging situation into a positive outcome.
Ron s
I will refer This Law Firm to all my family, and friends.
Tom was able to secure so many multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts, that it is hard to list them all. I was impressed by his skills, composure, compassion, and work ethics. He is responsive, prideful, and beyond skillful.
I'm confident that Tom at Feher Law is the perfect attorney to handle all your personal injury cases including car and trucking crashes in Los Angeles and all of California. He has my highest recommendation.
How Our California Pedestrian Accident Law Firm Can Help
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident that was caused by a negligent motorist, the legal damages – or covered physical, financial, and emotional losses – you suffer can be overwhelming. When you’re out and about on foot in beautiful Southern California, nothing comes between you and the immense impact of an accident, and common categories of loss include all the following:
- The cost of medical bills, which may have no end in sight and may need to address related healthcare needs you’ll likely face in the future
- Your lost earnings, which can include a decrease in your overall earning capacity or a derailed career
- The physical and emotional pain and suffering you endure, which – in the aftermath of a life-threatening pedestrian accident – can be difficult to overstate and can easily outpace the other categories of loss you experience combined
Key Advice After Your Accident
If you’re a pedestrian accident victim, you’re likely at a loss in terms of how to protect both your health and your claim, and you may not have any idea what to do first. The good news is that, although your claim is specific to your situation, there are important steps that everyone in your position can take to help pave the way forward toward just compensation and beneficial health outcomes.
1. Make Your Health Your Priority
Your pedestrian accident claim will play a pivotal role in your recovery, but it’s a matter that’s best left in the capable hands of your experienced California pedestrian accident lawyer, while you make your health and recovery your top priority. This includes all the following:
- Seeking the immediate medical attention that you need
- Carefully following your medical team’s advice and instructions
- Following up on any related health complications you face during the recovery process
2. Consult with an Experienced California Pedestrian Accident Attorney Early On
The outcome of your claim will hinge on its strength, and bringing your strongest claim means having skilled legal counsel on your side from the outset. Your attorney will do the work necessary to protect your overall health and well-being by carefully compiling all the available evidence into a cohesive claim that accurately reflects the full range of your losses and that is difficult to challenge. When you have the right lawyer backing you up, you significantly improve your ability to obtain the compensation you deserve.
3. Understand the Insurance Company's Position
Yes, the at-fault driver’s insurance provider will handle your pedestrian accident injury claim, but there are some important points to keep in mind. To begin, the insurance company – like all businesses – is motivated by profits, and this means that they’ll do whatever they can get away with to keep the compensation for your injuries as low as possible.
One of the tools at their disposal is twisting statements made by you to meanings that better support their position, and they’re good at it. In other words, you’re well advised not to make a statement to the insurance company after the auto accident that leaves you injured, and you’re not required to do so. Ultimately, the best policy is directing the insurance company’s inquiries to your dedicated pedestrian accident attorney.
Another point to make about the involved insurance company is that they may attempt to settle your claim before you recognize the full scope of your losses. If the insurance rep handling your claim reaches out with an early settlement offer, take note, and don’t accept the offer until you’ve discussed the matter with a pedestrian accident lawyer in California who is up to speed with your claim.
Additional tactics you should be on the lookout for in relation to the insurance company include all the following:
- Making the claims process overly complicated or overly lengthy in an attempt to wear you down
- Denying your claim from the outset in an attempt to scare you off
- Denying the extent of your injuries and losses in an attempt to minimize your settlement amount
Don’t be fooled by the insurance company’s antics. Instead, leave them to your pedestrian accident attorney while you focus on regaining your health.
The Clock Is Ticking
It can take a considerable amount of time to obtain compensation that adequately covers the array of losses you incur in a pedestrian accident, but the fact is that there is a deadline looming. There is a statute of limitations in place, which is a time limit for filing a pedestrian accident lawsuit in California, and it’s a mere two years from the date of your injury-causing accident.
In those two years, a lot can happen, and losing sight of this critical deadline isn’t uncommon. You owe it to your future self to contact a diligent personal injury attorney as soon as you’re able to do so. The difference that taking this step early on can make is considerable.
Key Evidence You'll Need
Pedestrian accident claims are only as strong as the evidence that backs them up, and while your focused lawyer will move in and immediately begin gathering and skillfully compiling all the available evidence, knowing what’s involved can provide you with a better understanding of your unique case.
An important point to make here is that, as the victim of a pedestrian accident, you may not be in any shape to help with evidence gathering, but you can count on others at the scene to get involved.
The kind of evidence that can help you win your case includes all the following:
- Testimony of witnesses who saw the accident take place
- Videos and photos snapped by bystanders at the scene
- Dashcam footage, which can include footage from the at-fault driver’s vehicle
- Footage captured by security cameras in the vicinity of the accident
- Police reports, any tickets written by the attending officer, and any additional police documentation generated
- Testimony of professionals with relevant expertise
- Accident recreation models that outline the mechanics of the pedestrian accident
- Your medical records and your medical team’s reports, which serve as testimony to the extent of your injuries
After being injured in a pedestrian accident is no time to take on the insurance company by cobbling together your own claim. While you focus on regaining your physical and emotional health and well-being, your persuasive personal injury lawyer will tend to the important task of bolstering your claim through skilled evidence gathering.
Information on Fees
You were injured by a negligent driver in a pedestrian accident, and your medical bills are likely mounting while your earnings may be plummeting. The thought of taking on additional legal costs may seem outside the realm of financial possibility, but in fact, it’s far more affordable than you probably realize.
Our reputable pedestrian accident attorneys in California work on what is called a contingency fee basis. This means that our pay is based directly on the outcome of the claim we’re representing. If your claim is successful, we will receive a prearranged percentage of your settlement or court award when the matter is finalized. If your claim doesn’t settle and fails to receive a court award, however, you won’t owe anything.
At Feher Law, we accept the financial risk involved, which means don’t need to concern yourself with cost. The outcome of your claim determines our fees, and you can rest assured that we’ll leave no stone unturned in our fierce efforts to recover on your complete losses.
Why Choose Us?
When you work with our team of top-ranking pedestrian attorneys, it inspires the peace of mind that comes from knowing that we’re on your side from the start:
- We have unsurpassed experience successfully handling complex pedestrian accident cases like yours.
- We approach every claim through the lens of individualized legal services. Because your claim is unique to you, a cookie-cutter approach won’t do.
- We shoulder the legal burden of advancing your case toward a resolution that honors your recovery while you continue on your journey toward healing.
- We’re here for you when you need us, and that includes 24/7 service when called for.
Other Locations We Serve
Feher Law is rooted in Los Angeles, serves cities throughout Southern California, and welcomes clients from across the state. Some of the cities we’re proud to serve include but are not limited to:
Speak to a CA Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today!
If a motorist’s negligence leaves you injured in a pedestrian accident, working closely with the savvy pedestrian accident attorneys at Feher Law can make a serious difference in how your claim plays out. We dedicate our practice to guiding complex claims like yours toward optimal outcomes that support our clients’ best interests, and we appreciate the opportunity to also help you.
To learn more about what we can do to support you and your claim, please contact us and schedule a free consultation today. You’re not alone out there – let’s connect on your journey toward recovery.
General Information on Pedestrian Accidents in California
California’s pedestrian accident rates consistently rank among the highest in the nation, with Los Angeles and surrounding Southern California cities reporting particularly concerning statistics. As pedestrians lack any physical protection when struck by vehicles weighing thousands of pounds, these accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Pedestrian Laws in California
The California Vehicle Code establishes clear regulations regarding pedestrian and driver responsibilities, designed to protect those traveling on foot:
- Determining fault – California follows comparative negligence principles, meaning responsibility can be shared between drivers and pedestrians based on their respective actions
- Duty to exercise reasonable care – Both drivers and pedestrians must exercise reasonable care and follow traffic laws to prevent accidents
- Right of way – Per California Vehicle Code Section 21950, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing roadways within marked or unmarked crosswalks
- Drivers yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks – Drivers approaching a pedestrian within a crosswalk must reduce speed and take precautions to safeguard the pedestrian’s safety
- Pedestrians paying attention – While pedestrians have right-of-way in crosswalks, they cannot suddenly leave the curb and walk into the path of a vehicle that is so close it creates an immediate hazard
- Other vehicles stopping – When one vehicle stops for a pedestrian, vehicles approaching from the rear must not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle
- Pedestrian crossing restrictions – Pedestrians must use crosswalks at controlled intersections and cannot cross between adjacent intersections controlled by traffic signals
What About Jaywalking?
As of January 2023, California’s “Freedom to Walk Act” (AB 2147) significantly reformed the state’s jaywalking laws. Under the new legislation, crossing outside of a crosswalk or against a traffic signal is no longer automatically illegal. Law enforcement can only issue citations if the crossing creates an “immediate danger of collision.”
This reform recognizes that strict jaywalking enforcement disproportionately impacts disadvantaged communities where crosswalks may be limited. However, pedestrians still bear responsibility for exercising reasonable care for their safety, and jaywalking may affect liability determinations in accident cases.
Traffic Signals and Pedestrians' Rights
California’s traffic control systems provide specific guidance for pedestrian movement:
- Traffic control signals – Pedestrians must obey standard traffic signals (red, yellow, green) when no separate pedestrian signals exist
- Pedestrian control signals – “Walk” or walking person symbol indicates pedestrians may begin crossing; “Don’t Walk,” “Wait,” or upraised hand symbol prohibits starting to cross
- Flashing “Don’t Walk” – Pedestrians who have already begun crossing may complete their crossing, but no new crossings should begin
- Countdown signals – Many California intersections feature numeric countdown displays indicating remaining crossing time
Who is Liable For a Pedestrian Accident in California?
Multiple parties may bear liability in California pedestrian accidents:
- Drivers – Most commonly liable when violating traffic laws or failing to exercise reasonable care
- Pedestrians – May share fault if violating pedestrian laws or acting negligently
- Government entities – Potentially liable for dang
- Vehicle manufacturers – May bear responsibility if vehicle defects contributed to the accident
- Construction companies – Could be liable if improper work zone setup endangered pedestrians
California’s comparative negligence system allows injury victims to recover damages even when partially at fault, though compensation is reduced by their percentage of responsibility. Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to identify all liable parties and maximize your recovery.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents In California
California presents unique dangers to pedestrians due to its busy streets, complex intersections, and car-centric infrastructure. Based on our experience representing accident victims, the following factors most frequently contribute to pedestrian accidents:
- Distracted driving – Drivers using smartphones, adjusting navigation systems, or engaging with passengers often fail to notice pedestrians until it’s too late
- Failure to yield – Many drivers neglect to yield right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks, particularly at uncontrolled intersections
- Left turns at intersections – The mechanics of left turns create particular dangers, as drivers often focus on oncoming traffic rather than pedestrians in crosswalks
- Speeding – Excessive speed reduces driver reaction time and significantly increases the severity of injuries when collisions occur
- Impaired driving – Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, vision, and reaction time, creating deadly risks for pedestrians
- Poor visibility – Nighttime conditions, inadequate street lighting, and inclement weather substantially increase pedestrian accident risks
- Unsafe street design – Many Los Angeles neighborhoods lack adequate crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and other safety infrastructure
- Multiple threat scenarios – When one vehicle stops for a pedestrian but vehicles in adjacent lanes continue moving
Our pedestrian accident attorneys thoroughly investigate each case to identify all contributing factors and responsible parties, ensuring nothing is overlooked in pursuing your full compensation.
Common Injuries We Handle as Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in California
Our extensive experience representing pedestrian accident victims has familiarized us with the devastating injuries these collisions frequently cause:
- Traumatic brain injuries – From concussions to severe TBIs requiring lifelong care
- Spinal cord injuries – Including partial or complete paralysis affecting lower extremities (paraplegia) or all four limbs (quadriplegia)
- Lower extremity fractures – Particularly tibial, fibular, and femoral fractures requiring surgical intervention
- Pelvic fractures – Often requiring extended hospitalization and rehabilitation
- Internal organ damage – Including liver lacerations, splenic ruptures, and kidney injuries
- Soft tissue injuries – Such as severe road rash leading to infection and permanent scarring
- Psychological trauma – Including PTSD, anxiety, and depression following the traumatic event
Our relationships with leading medical specialists ensure our clients receive both optimal care and the comprehensive documentation needed to substantiate their claims for full compensation.
California Pedestrian Accident Statistics
- Pedestrians represent over one-quarter (26%) of all traffic fatalities in California, with 1,108 pedestrian deaths recorded in 2021
- California sees approximately three pedestrian fatalities every day due to traffic collisions
- Pedestrian fatalities have increased by nearly 48% over the past decade, signaling a worsening safety crisis
- Nearly half of all serious pedestrian injuries occur during evening hours (6 p.m. to midnight), when visibility is compromised
- Weekend days (Saturdays and Sundays) account for almost one-third of serious pedestrian injury crashes
- Urban areas experience significantly higher pedestrian fatality rates than rural regions, with Los Angeles County consistently reporting the highest numbers
- Vulnerable populations, including seniors and children, face disproportionate risks when traveling on foot
Services We Offer
When it comes to your recovery and peace of mind, it’s vital to have an expert by your side that really understands the bigger picture of personal injury law. Explore the full range of services we offer below.
GET A FREE CONSULTATION
Our team is standing by and ready to assist you. Consultations are completely free and confidential. We will help you determine if you have a case.
- Over $100 Million Recovered For Clients
- No Fees Unless We Win
- We Fight for Maximum Compensation
- Get The Justice You Deserve
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FAQs
What is the average payout for a pedestrian hit by a car in California?
Pedestrian claims tend to support substantial settlements and court awards based on the severity of the injuries sustained and the losses suffered. While the outcome of every pedestrian accident claim is determined on an individualized basis, you should seek compensation that covers your full range of covered losses.
How much can you sue for a hit-and-run in California?
If the driver who leaves you injured in a pedestrian accident leaves the scene, it supports an even more substantial pedestrian accident claim. If the driver is identified, you can seek punitive damages that are designed to punish them for their egregious recklessness rather than to compensate you.
Can a pedestrian be at fault in California?
Yes, a pedestrian can share fault in a pedestrian accident, such as by crossing outside a crosswalk, and their compensation can be decreased accordingly. When the involved driver isn’t deemed negligent in relation to the duty of care owed to pedestrians, the injured pedestrian can bear all responsibility for the accident.
What are the pedestrian rights in California?
California law affords pedestrians the right-of-way in both marked and unmarked crosswalks, which means at every intersection. Even when a motorist has a green light granting them the right-of-way, they are required to proceed with caution and should only enter the intersection when doing so doesn't put pedestrians at risk.
