Los Angeles
Pedestrian Accident Attorney

When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle in Los Angeles, the consequences are often immediate and severe. These crashes are not minor incidents—they can lead to broken bones, brain injuries, and permanent disability. For many victims, the emotional and financial toll can be just as serious as the physical harm. At Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, we represent pedestrians who have been seriously injured due to driver negligence and other preventable causes. In the sections below, we explain key information about Los Angeles pedestrian accidents, including the legal options available to victims, the potential compensation that may be recovered, and how a Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney can pursue justice and recovery on your behalf.

Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles County

Each year, Los Angeles experiences over a thousand pedestrian accidents. Pedestrian injuries and fatalities from traffic collisions are more pronounced in Los Angeles County than in most other counties in the United States. A study using trauma center data found that half of all pedestrian victims were hit at speeds of 20 mph or more, increasing risks of severe injury or death.

Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles

1. Intersection Accidents:

A large number of pedestrian injuries in Los Angeles happen in crosswalks at intersections. Drivers often fail to yield when making left or right turns, especially at busy streets like Wilshire Boulevard, Hollywood Boulevard, or Crenshaw. California Vehicle Code § 21950 says drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing the street in marked or unmarked crosswalks. Still, drivers run red lights or rush through yellow lights, leading to severe crashes. Even when the pedestrian has the right of way, they often suffer the worst injuries.

2. Mid-Block Accidents:

These crashes happen between intersections, often where there’s no marked crosswalk. People cross mid-block on streets like Sepulveda or Sunset, either out of convenience or because a crosswalk is too far away. Even though this might seem unsafe, drivers still have a duty to be alert under California Vehicle Code § 22350, which requires safe driving speeds based on the conditions. Drivers who speed, look at their phones, or fail to slow down when someone steps into the street can be held responsible.

3. Parking Lot and Driveway Accidents:

In neighborhoods and commercial parking lots, many pedestrians are hit by drivers backing out without looking. These cases often involve kids, older adults, or people pushing strollers. While these accidents may happen at low speeds, the injuries can still be serious. Property owners may also be responsible if poor lighting, confusing layout, or blind spots make it hard for drivers and walkers to see each other.

4. Bus and School Zone Accidents:

Accidents near school zones and bus stops are especially dangerous for kids. Drivers sometimes ignore flashing school bus signs or don’t stop when children are crossing the street. Under California Vehicle Code § 22454, all drivers must stop when a school bus is stopped with its flashing red lights on. In Los Angeles, places like Fairfax, Boyle Heights, and near high schools often see these kinds of incidents, especially during school hours.

5. Hit-And-Run Accidents:

Hit-and-run pedestrian crashes are common in LA and are especially painful because the driver leaves without helping. Victims may not be able to identify the driver or their insurance. California Vehicle Code § 20001 makes it a crime to leave the scene of an injury crash.

6. Drunk or Drugged Driving Accidents:

Driving under the influence is still a major cause of pedestrian injuries in LA. These drivers don’t react in time, speed through lights, or veer into crosswalks. California Vehicle Code § 23152 makes it illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Nightlife-heavy areas like West Hollywood or Koreatown see higher risks, especially on weekends.

7. Speeding-Related Accidents:

Speed plays a huge role in how bad a pedestrian’s injuries are. Streets with long, open stretches like Venice Boulevard or Ventura Boulevard tempt drivers to go well over the limit. California law (Vehicle Code § 22350) says drivers must travel at a speed that’s safe for current conditions, not just the posted speed limit. If someone is speeding in a school zone or residential area, they may be found negligent for driving too fast to avoid a crash.

Common Types of Pedestrian Injuries

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Pedestrians often hit their head on the hood of a car or the pavement. A TBI can range from a mild concussion to brain bleeding or permanent damage. These injuries affect memory, mood, and basic thinking skills.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to a pedestrian’s spine can lead to serious long-term problems. Some people lose movement in their arms or legs. Others need surgery or long-term physical therapy to manage pain or weakness.
• Pelvic and Hip Fractures: These injuries are common when a bumper hits someone in the lower body. They’re especially dangerous for older adults, who may not fully recover. Walking, standing, or bending may be limited for months—or forever.
• Leg and Knee Fractures: Being knocked down or run over can easily cause broken bones in your legs. Multiple fractures, especially in the knees or ankles, often need surgery, metal implants, and months of rehab.
• Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage: Even if there’s no cut or visible wound, the force of the crash can cause your organs to bleed or rupture. These are medical emergencies that may not show symptoms right away.
• Emotional Trauma: Pedestrian accident survivors often struggle with PTSD, fear of crossing the street, or depression. This emotional damage can last long after bones have healed and can affect your ability to work or socialize.

Dangerous Places for Pedestrian Accidents in LA

• Downtown LA – Heavy foot traffic, fast-moving vehicles, and constant construction make the downtown LA area very risky for pedestrians.
• Hollywood & Highland – Tourists cross busy streets here every day, often surrounded by distracted drivers and confusing signals.
• Santa Monica Boulevard & Vermont Avenue – Crowded streets, bus routes, and people crossing mid-block lead to frequent accidents.
• Skid Row – Vulnerable pedestrians and heavy vehicle flow create dangerous conditions, especially after dark.
• University Areas (USC and UCLA) – Students crossing near campus are hit more often, especially during rush hours or when traffic laws are ignored.
• Sunset Boulevard, Ventura Boulevard, and Sepulveda Boulevard – Long stretches with high speed limits and poor lighting increase crash risks.
• Freeway On- and Off-Ramps – Drivers exiting freeways often fail to yield to pedestrians crossing legally at ramps or corners.

Determining Liability in Pedestrian Injury Cases in Los Angeles

• Drivers Who Fail to Yield: The most common party responsible is the driver. Under California Vehicle Code § 21950, drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. If a driver speeds, is distracted, or runs a red light, they can be found negligent.
• Rideshare and Delivery Companies: If you’re hit by a rideshare or delivery driver (like Uber, Lyft, or DoorDash), the company may be held responsible under a rule called “respondeat superior.” That rule makes employers liable for their drivers if the accident happens while the driver is working.
• Government Agencies: The city, county, or state could be at fault if the road or crosswalk was unsafe. For example, if a traffic light wasn’t working or the paint on a crosswalk had faded, that could be grounds for a claim. Common examples include broken signals, poor lighting, and bad street design. Claims against the government in California must follow special rules under the California Tort Claims Act.
• Property Owners and Businesses: In parking lots, driveways, or walkways open to the public, a business or property owner might be liable. If poor lighting, bad design, or no warning signs contribute to the crash, California premises liability law could apply. Owners must keep their property reasonably safe under California Civil Code § 1714.
• Car or Auto Part Manufacturers: If something in the car fails—like the brakes, steering, or automatic sensors—a manufacturer or repair shop may be at fault. California product liability law lets you hold them responsible if their defective product caused or contributed to your injuries.

How to Get Compensation for Your Accident

1. Filing an Insurance Claim:

After a pedestrian accident, the first step is usually filing a claim with the driver’s insurance company. If the driver has liability coverage, that may pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You may also use your own health insurance or, if you have it, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. The problem is that insurance companies often offer low settlements or delay payment. If negotiations break down, filing a lawsuit may be necessary.

2. Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit:

If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement—or if the driver doesn’t have insurance—you can file a lawsuit in court. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. A lawsuit allows you to seek full compensation for both economic losses (like bills and lost income) and non-economic damages (like pain and emotional distress). If the crash involved reckless behavior like drunk driving, you may also be able to pursue punitive damages.

3. Wrongful Death Claims:

Pedestrian accidents are often fatal. If your family member died in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 allows spouses, children, and certain other relatives to sue for funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship. These claims are emotionally difficult but can bring financial stability and justice to families left behind.

How a Los Angeles Pedestrian Injury Lawyer Can Help

Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries, involve complicated legal matters, and require quick action as critical evidence can quickly vanish. A Los Angeles pedestrian injury lawyer knows where these crashes happen, what causes them, and how to prove fault under local traffic laws like California Vehicle Code § 21950. At Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, our attorneys act quickly to collect surveillance video, speak to witnesses, and deal directly with insurance companies so you don’t have to. We focus entirely on your recovery and getting you full compensation.

Contact Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Attorney Samer Habbas

Pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles often leave victims with devastating injuries, steep medical bills, and long periods away from work. If a driver’s carelessness caused you harm while you were lawfully walking—whether in a crosswalk, near a school, or alongside a roadway—you have the right to take legal action. At Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, our experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorneys are ready to take on those responsible and hold them accountable. We know how to deal with insurance companies that try to avoid liability and how to build a case that reflects the true impact of your injuries. To discuss your legal options, contact Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates by calling 949-727-9300 or contacting us online for a free consultation with a Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney.

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