Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Yes, non-residents including out-of-state and international tourists can file a pedestrian injury claim in Los Angeles under California law. Your residency or citizenship status does not affect your right to seek compensation if you were injured due to someone else's negligence while visiting the city.

To move forward with a claim, tourists will need to provide basic documentation such as a copy of their passport or ID, proof of their travel dates, and medical records from the treatment they received in Los Angeles. Additional evidence may include police reports, witness statements, photographs of the scene, and any correspondence with insurance companies.

Even if you return home after the accident, a pedestrian injury lawyer in Los Angeles can continue handling your claim on your behalf, ensuring your legal rights are protected from anywhere in the world.

Los Angeles sees a high rate of pedestrian accidents each year, especially in high tourist neighborhoods like Hollywood, Santa Monica, Silver Lake, Koreatown, and the South Bay beaches (Manhattan, Redondo, Hermosa). According to recent statistics from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation:

• Over 500 pedestrian accidents occurred in LA in just the past year alone.
• Pedestrian fatalities have risen by 10% over the last five years.
• The most vulnerable are seniors and children, especially during peak tourist seasons like the summer months and holidays.

These trends highlight the need for greater awareness, better infrastructure, and legal protection for pedestrians in LA.

In California, even if you were jaywalking at the time of a pedestrian accident, it does not necessarily prevent you from receiving compensation. While crossing outside a designated crosswalk or disobeying traffic signals is illegal, California follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you share some responsibility for the accident.

Comparative Negligence Explained

Under California's comparative negligence laws, the court will determine the percentage of fault for each party involved in the accident. If you are found partially at fault, for example, if you were jaywalking but the driver was speeding or distracted, the court may reduce your compensation in proportion to your degree of responsibility.

For instance, if you were jaywalking across Culver Blvd. and a driver was speeding but still failed to take appropriate action to avoid you, the court could find the driver to be partially or mostly responsible. If the court determined you were 20% at fault for jaywalking while the driver was 80% at fault for speeding, you would still be eligible for 80% of the damages even though you bear some responsibility for the incident.

Jaywalking does not automatically disqualify you from filing a claim. A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer in California can help present the full context of the incident, ensuring your side is heard and your rights are protected.

Getting struck while legally crossing the street is one of the most frustrating and dangerous types of pedestrian accidents. Fortunately, California law offers strong legal protections for pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks.

Under California Vehicle Code § 21950, drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. If they fail to stop or act recklessly, they can be held fully liable for any resulting injuries.

In most crosswalk collisions, the law presumes the driver is at fault unless clear evidence shows otherwise. These cases are often viewed as straightforward negligence by insurance companies, especially when:

• The pedestrian had the walk signal or right-of-way
• The driver was distracted, speeding, or failed to stop
• There were no obstructions to visibility

In most cases, you will not have to go to trial. The majority of pedestrian accident claims settle out of court through negotiations between your attorney and the insurance company, with outcomes based on recent precedent cases. Settlements can save time, reduce stress, and offer quicker access to compensation.

However, a trial may become necessary if:

• The insurer denies fault or refuses a fair settlement
• There are disputes over the extent of your injuries or damages
• Multiple parties are involved, and the blame is unclear

If trial becomes necessary, your attorney will handle all court proceedings and guide you through the process, from filing to verdict, while continuing to push for the best outcome.

Yes, pedestrian accidents are typically covered by several types of insurance. Here is how coverage usually applies:

• Driver’s liability insurance: This is the primary source of compensation when the driver is at fault.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM): If the driver is uninsured or flees the scene, your own UM/UIM policy can provide compensation.
• Health insurance: May cover initial medical treatment, though subrogation may apply (i.e. your provider might seek reimbursement after your case is settled).

Filing claims can be complex, especially when multiple policies overlap or coverage is denied.

Having a pedestrian accident attorney manage communications with insurers ensures your rights are protected and you aren’t shortchanged.

Being hit by a vehicle is traumatic enough, but when the driver flees the scene, it adds shock, confusion, and anger to an already devastating experience. In Los Angeles, hit-and-run pedestrian accidents are sadly common, but even if the driver cannot immediately be identified, you still have rights and options. Taking the right steps early can protect your health, your legal claim, and your chances of compensation.

Here is what you should do immediately after a hit-and-run accident:

1. Call 911 Right Away
   Get emergency medical attention and make sure police respond to the scene. A police report is crucial for any insurance or legal claim.
2. Document the Scene
   If you are physically able, take photos of the area, your injuries, and any vehicle debris. Look around for potential witnesses and surveillance cameras from nearby homes, stores, or traffic lights.
3. File a Police Report
   Provide as much detail as possible, even if you did not catch or remember the offender’s license plate. Ask for a copy of the report, as it will support your case moving forward.
4. Seek Medical Attention
   Even if you feel okay, see a doctor right away. Some injuries, especially internal or head injuries, may not show symptoms immediately, and medical records will help link your injuries to the accident.
5. Notify Your Insurance Provider
   If you carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, it may apply even though the at-fault driver fled the scene. Report the incident promptly to preserve your right to benefits.
6. Contact a Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
   An experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney can launch an investigation, help track down potential leads (like security footage), and handle your insurance claim or lawsuit. They’ll also ensure your case is handled properly from the start.

Even if the driver is never found, you may still be entitled to compensation through your insurance policy, or in some cases, other legal avenues. The last thing you want to do is assume you do not have any options! Talk to a lawyer who knows how to fight for hit-and-run victims in LA.