Hit by a Car in California? Know Your Rights After a Pedestrian Accident
Los Angeles Pedestrian Injury Lawyer | Free Consultation – Call: (213) CALL-KEV®
Being hit by a car is one of the most traumatic types of accidents a person can experience. Pedestrian accidents often result in life-altering injuries because, unlike drivers, pedestrians have no protection—no seatbelts, no airbags, and no buffer between their bodies and a moving vehicle.
At Call Kev Law, we fight for injured pedestrians throughout Los Angeles and across California, helping them recover the compensation they need to heal, rebuild, and move forward.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Are So Dangerous
When a vehicle collides with a pedestrian, the injuries are often catastrophic. Even a crash at just 15–20 mph can lead to fractures, brain trauma, or spinal cord injuries. Sadly, pedestrian motor vehicle accidents are increasing in California due to:
- Distracted driving (texting behind the wheel)
- Speeding in residential or urban zones
- Failure to yield at crosswalks
- Driving under the influence
- Poor visibility or nighttime driving
According to California DMV and NHTSA data, pedestrian fatalities and injuries have sharply increased over the past decade—especially in large cities like Los Angeles.
Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Our firm handles pedestrian accident cases involving:
- Drivers who fail to yield at intersections
- Drivers who run red lights or stop signs
- Motorists making unsafe turns without looking
- Drivers who are distracted by cell phones
- Speeding through school zones or residential streets
- Uber or Lyft drivers focused on pickups instead of safety
- Poorly designed crosswalks or broken traffic signals
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Common Pedestrian Injuries After Being Hit by a Car
Injuries in pedestrian crashes are often severe and permanent, requiring emergency care, surgery, long-term rehab, or even lifelong support. These may include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage or paralysis
- Fractured bones / orthopedic trauma
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Severe lacerations, road rash, or scarring
- Amputations or mobility loss
- Wrongful death
We work closely with medical experts, life care planners, and economists to document the full extent of your injuries and calculate fair compensation for both current and future losses.
Your Legal Rights as an Injured Pedestrian in California
If you were injured by a car, truck, or rideshare driver, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Here’s what you need to know:
Establishing Driver Liability
Drivers owe pedestrians a legal duty of care. If they break traffic laws, drive carelessly, or ignore crosswalks, they may be found legally negligent—and fully responsible for your injuries.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages (in fatal accidents)
Filing an Insurance Claim
Most claims are made against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance. If the driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to file a claim through your own UM/UIM coverage.
Comparative Fault in California
Even if you were partially at fault (e.g. jaywalking or crossing outside a crosswalk), California law allows you to recover damages, reduced by your percentage of fault.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you’ve been hit by a vehicle while walking, taking the right steps early can protect your case:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Some injuries aren’t visible right away. Always go to the ER or urgent care.
- Call the Police – A police report is crucial. If officers don’t come to the scene, file a report at the station.
- Document the Scene – Take photos of the car, road, crosswalk, traffic lights, and your injuries.
- Get Witness Info – Names, phone numbers, and statements can be valuable later.
- Do Not Speak to Insurance Adjusters Alone – They may try to downplay your injuries or pressure you into a low settlement. Never give a recorded statement.
- Contact an Experienced Pedestrian Injury Lawyer – A skilled attorney will preserve evidence, build your case, and handle all communications with the insurance company.
Call Kev Law: Trusted Los Angeles Pedestrian Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been struck by a car, you deserve justice—and financial recovery. At Call Kev Law, we’ve helped clients across California recover compensation for serious pedestrian injuries caused by careless, distracted, and reckless drivers.
We’re available 24/7 to hear your story, review your case, and fight for maximum compensation. There’s no fee unless we win.
Call: (213) CALL-KEV® for a free consultation
We handle pedestrian accident cases across Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, and throughout California