California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Fighting for Injured Pedestrians’ Rights

When You Need a Champion After a Pedestrian Accident

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in California, you need a dedicated team to fight for your rights. Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries, leading to significant medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma. TITOparaTI advocates for your rights, our experienced California pedestrian accident team of lawyers are committed to helping victims navigate the complex legal process and obtain the maximum compensation they deserve.

As vulnerable road users, pedestrians face unique dangers on California’s busy streets and highways. When drivers fail to exercise proper care, the consequences can be devastating. TITOparaTI specializes in representing pedestrian accident victims, providing compassionate support while aggressively pursuing justice against negligent drivers and insurance companies.

California Pedestrian Accident Claims Process

  • 1
    Call Us For A Free Consultation

    24/7 Hablamos Español

  • 2
    Describe Your Case Details

    Within minutes, a TITO PARA TI advocate will call you to perform your free case evaluation

  • 3
    Meet Your Matched Attorney

    No Win, No Fee.

    You only pay if we win your accident case.

  • 4
    Receive Your Compensation

    We Fight for you to earn the highest possible payout

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If you were in a pedestrian accident, you deserve justiceCall us today at 909.909.9090 or complete our secure online contact form to schedule your confidential consultation.

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Understanding California Pedestrian Laws

California law provides specific protections for pedestrians. Drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections. The California Vehicle Code Section 21950 states that drivers must exercise due care and reduce speed when approaching a pedestrian crossing. However, pedestrians must also exercise caution and not suddenly leave a curb or other safe place and walk or run into the path of a vehicle. Understanding these laws is crucial in determining liability in pedestrian accident cases.

California is a comparative negligence state, meaning that even if a pedestrian shares some responsibility for an accident, they may still be entitled to compensation. Our attorneys have in-depth knowledge of California pedestrian laws and use this expertise to build strong cases for our clients.

Key California Pedestrian Laws Include:

  • Right-of-Way at Crosswalks: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks

  • Pedestrian Signals: Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and use crosswalks when available

  • Sidewalk Use: Pedestrians should use sidewalks when available; if none exist, they should walk facing traffic

  • Driver Duty of Care: Drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians regardless of right-of-way

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in California

Pedestrian accidents can occur for various reasons, often due to driver negligence. Understanding the cause of your accident is essential for establishing liability and building a compelling case. Our team conducts thorough investigations to identify all factors that contributed to your accident.

Common causes include:

  • Distracted driving: Texting, using apps, or other forms of distraction that take a driver’s attention away from the road

  • Speeding: Exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for conditions reduces reaction time and increases severity of injuries

  • Failure to yield at crosswalks: Ignoring pedestrian right-of-way at marked and unmarked crosswalks

  • Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time

  • Poor visibility or inadequate lighting: Dawn, dusk, and nighttime conditions that make pedestrians harder to see

  • Reckless driving behaviors: Including running red lights, improper turns, and other traffic violations

  • Backing up without looking: Particularly in parking lots and driveways

  • Left-turn accidents: Drivers focusing on oncoming traffic fail to notice pedestrians crossing

California’s urban centers like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego have particularly high rates of pedestrian accidents due to heavy traffic congestion and high pedestrian activity. TITOparaTI understands the unique challenges presented by different accident locations throughout the state.

Why Choose TITO PARA TI?

POWERFUL CONNECTIONS

We work directly with California’s top 10 litigating firms – the same elite attorneys that even the biggest legal firms turn to for their most complex cases

 

MAXIMUM COMPENSATION

Our network of endorsed attorneys secures 2-5x more compensation than the average personal injury attorney

 

PERSONAL ADVOCACY

You’re never alone. From your first call to your final settlement, our team guides you through every step

 

IMMEDIATE RESPONSE

Legal help within minutes, not days – exactly when you need it most

 

Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents typically result in more severe injuries than other types of traffic accidents because pedestrians lack the protection of a vehicle. The human body is simply no match for the impact of a car, truck, or motorcycle, even at relatively low speeds.

Common injuries include:

  • Fractures and broken bones: Often requiring surgery, casting, and extended physical therapy

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): From mild concussions to severe TBIs resulting in permanent cognitive impairment

  • Spinal cord injuries: Potentially causing partial or complete paralysis

  • Internal organ damage: Requiring emergency surgery and long-term treatment

  • Lacerations and abrasions: “Road rash” and deep cuts that may lead to scarring and disfigurement

  • Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, tendons, and ligaments

  • Emotional and psychological trauma: Including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and fear of walking near roadways

  • Wrongful death: In the most tragic cases, family members must cope with the loss of a loved one

Our network of pedestrian accident attorneys work closely with medical experts to fully understand the extent of your injuries and their long-term impact on your life. This comprehensive approach ensures we pursue compensation that truly reflects your current and future needs.

Why Do I Need an Attorney for a Pedestrian Accident Case?

Hiring an experienced California pedestrian accident attorney is crucial for protecting your rights and maximizing your compensation. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts by disputing liability or downplaying injury severity. Without legal representation, you risk accepting a settlement that falls far short of covering your damages.

An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help you:

  • Understand your legal rights and options: Navigating complex legal procedures while recovering from injuries can be overwhelming. We provide clear guidance throughout the process.

  • Conduct a thorough investigation: Collecting police reports, gathering witness statements, obtaining surveillance footage, and preserving critical evidence.

  • Work with accident reconstruction experts: When necessary, we collaborate with specialists who can demonstrate exactly how the accident occurred.

  • Document all damages: Including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.

  • Negotiate with insurance companies: Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who won’t be intimidated by insurance tactics.

  • File a lawsuit if necessary: If fair settlement cannot be reached, we’re prepared to take your case to trial.

  • Meet all legal deadlines: Including California’s two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.

  • Maximize your compensation: By identifying all potentially liable parties and available insurance coverage.

Our selected and trusted pedestrian accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. This allows you to focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities of your case.

What Compensation Can I Recover in a Pedestrian Accident Case?

Victims of pedestrian accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the specific circumstances of their case. Our trusted attorneys work diligently to secure full and fair compensation for all damages you’ve suffered.

Types of compensation may include:

  • Medical expenses: Both current and future costs of treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and adaptive equipment

  • Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to injuries

  • Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries impact your ability to work in the future

  • Pain and suffering: Physical pain and discomfort resulting from your injuries

  • Emotional distress: Psychological impact including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life

  • Rehabilitation and therapy costs: Including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counseling

  • Home or vehicle modifications: If necessary to accommodate permanent disabilities

  • Punitive damages: In cases involving particularly egregious negligence or intentional misconduct

California does not cap compensatory damages in pedestrian accident cases, allowing victims to pursue the full amount of their losses. We carefully calculate the full value of your claim, including projected future expenses and non-economic damages.

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What Steps Should I Take After a Pedestrian Accident?

Taking the right steps after a pedestrian accident can significantly impact your case and recovery. Even if you’ve already received medical treatment, there may be additional actions you should take to protect your legal rights.

We recommend the following steps:

  1. Seek immediate medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, some serious conditions may not be immediately apparent. Follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments.

  2. Report the accident to the police: Ensure an official accident report is filed. This serves as important documentation for your claim.

  3. Gather evidence if possible: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any visible property damage. Collect contact information from witnesses.

  4. Avoid discussing fault: Don’t make statements accepting blame or minimizing your injuries to anyone at the scene or to insurance adjusters.

  5. Do not provide recorded statements: Decline requests from insurance companies to provide recorded statements without your attorney present.

  6. Keep detailed records: Document all medical treatments, expenses, and how your injuries affect your daily life.

  7. Contact a pedestrian accident attorney promptly: The sooner you seek legal representation, the better your chances of preserving crucial evidence.

  8. Follow your treatment plan: Attend all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s recommendations.

  9. Avoid social media: Insurance companies often monitor social media accounts for evidence they can use against claimants.

Our legal team can guide you through each of these steps, ensuring you don’t inadvertently damage your case while focusing on your recovery.

Contact TITOparaTI Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. Our team is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin investigating your case and protecting your rights.

Take the first step toward justice and recovery by scheduling your free consultation today. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and answer all your questions with no obligation or pressure.

Don’t navigate the aftermath of a pedestrian accident alone. Our dedicated team is ready to advocate for your rights and help you secure the compensation you need to recover. Contact us now for a free, no-obligation consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accident Cases

What is the average settlement for a pedestrian hit by a car in California?
What is the average settlement for a pedestrian hit by a car in California?

Settlements for pedestrian accidents vary widely based on factors including:

  • Severity and permanence of injuries
  • Total medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost income and earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Available insurance coverage
  • Comparative fault considerations

While some cases settle for tens of thousands of dollars, severe injury cases often result in settlements or verdicts of hundreds of thousands or even millions. Each case is unique, and past results don’t guarantee future outcomes.

Our California crosswalk accident lawyers evaluate each case individually to determine fair compensation. We’re committed to maximizing your recovery through skilled negotiation or, if necessary, litigation.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in California?
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in California?

California’s statute of limitations typically gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, important exceptions apply:

  • Claims against government entities (like city or state agencies) must be filed within six months
  • Minors may have extended time to file
  • The discovery rule may extend deadlines in cases where injuries weren’t immediately apparent

Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation. Contact our crosswalk accident attorneys promptly to protect your legal rights.

Does insurance cover hitting a pedestrian in California?
Does insurance cover hitting a pedestrian in California?

Yes, several insurance policies may provide coverage:

Driver’s Liability Insurance: California law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $15,000 for injury/death to one person and $30,000 for injury/death to multiple people. This coverage applies to pedestrians struck by the insured vehicle.

Your Own Insurance: If you have auto insurance with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, it may cover you even as a pedestrian if the at-fault driver has insufficient or no insurance.

Health Insurance: Your health insurance will typically cover medical treatment, though they may seek reimbursement from the settlement.

Med-Pay or PIP Coverage: If you have Medical Payments (Med-Pay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage on your auto policy, it may provide additional coverage regardless of fault.

Working with insurance companies can be challenging, as they often attempt to minimize payouts. Our experienced crosswalk accident lawyers handle all insurance negotiations to ensure fair compensation.

What if I was partially at fault for my crosswalk accident?
What if I was partially at fault for my crosswalk accident?

California’s pure comparative negligence system allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

Common situations where pedestrians might share fault include:

  • Crossing against a signal
  • Crossing outside a marked crosswalk
  • Suddenly entering the roadway
  • Being distracted (such as looking at a phone while crossing)

Even if you think you might have been partly responsible, don’t assume you don’t have a case. Our California crosswalk accident attorneys can investigate the circumstances and often find that drivers bear greater responsibility than pedestrians initially realize.

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

The timeline for resolving pedestrian accident claims varies based on:

  • Severity of injuries and recovery time
  • Clarity of liability
  • Insurance company cooperation
  • Need for litigation

Simple cases with clear liability might settle within 3-6 months. Complex cases involving severe injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties can take one to two years or longer, especially if a lawsuit must be filed and taken to trial.

Our crosswalk accident lawyers work efficiently while never rushing to accept inadequate settlements. We recommend waiting until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling, so the full extent of your injuries is known.

Can I sue the city if poor crosswalk design contributed to my accident?
Can I sue the city if poor crosswalk design contributed to my accident?

Yes, government entities can be held liable for dangerous conditions of public property, including poorly designed, maintained, or marked crosswalks. However, claims against government entities in California:

  • Have shorter filing deadlines (typically six months)
  • Require specific procedural requirements
  • May be subject to damage caps in certain circumstances

Our experienced crosswalk accident attorneys understand the complexities of government claims and can help navigate these specialized procedures.