Summary
Pedestrian accidents in California frequently involve crosswalks, hit-and-runs, intersections, school zones, and distracted or impaired drivers. Liability depends on the specific circumstances. Victims should seek medical care, report the accident, gather evidence, and consult a lawyer to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Table of Contents
Every year, thousands of injured pedestrians in California suffer devastating harm in collisions that could have been prevented. From crosswalk injury incidents on Sunset Boulevard to hit-and-run accidents on Hollywood Boulevard, these tragedies often lead to severe medical bills, lost wages, or even wrongful death.
Understanding the most common pedestrian accident types is crucial for staying safe and knowing your legal rights if you or a loved one is hurt. Let’s walk through the most common scenarios, what causes them, and what to do next.
What Are the Top 7 Pedestrian Accident Types in California?
Here are the most frequent pedestrian accident types reported in Los Angeles and across the state:
1. Crosswalk Accidents
Even with pedestrian signals, many drivers fail to stop at marked crosswalks. The Federal Highway Administration reports that intersections account for about 25% of all traffic-related deaths and nearly 50% of all traffic injuries in the U.S. each year. Crosswalk injury cases often stem from failure to yield.
Common causes:
- Driver negligence
- Speeding through yellow lights
- Poor visibility at night
2. Hit-and-Runs
According to data from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), Los Angeles County had 7,208 fatal and injury collisions involving hit-and-run incidents in 2022. Victims often suffer without help due to fleeing drivers.
3. Intersection Collisions
These involve vehicles turning left or right while pedestrians cross legally. Misjudgment or impatience leads to severe injuries such as brain injuries or spinal cord injuries.
4. Parking Lot Backovers
In busy areas like The Grove or Downtown LA, drivers backing up often overlook pedestrians. These injury accident cases disproportionately affect children and the elderly.
5. School Zone Accidents
Speeding or distracted driving in school zones can lead to tragic outcomes. California law mandates slower speeds and increased awareness in these zones.
6. Accidents Involving Distracted Drivers
Mobile phones, GPS, and in-car entertainment often distract drivers. Even a few seconds of diverted attention can result in catastrophic outcomes, including traumatic brain injuries.
7. High-Speed or DUI Collisions
Based on data from the NHTSA, nearly 19% of fatal pedestrian accidents involved drivers with blood alcohol concentrations of 0.08 g/dL or higher. Driving under the influence often leads to high-speed impacts, causing severe trauma or wrongful death. DUI offenders may also face punitive damages under California law.
Liability Overview: Identifying the Responsible Party
Understanding fault is essential when filing a personal injury claim. In most personal injury cases, the driver is at fault—but not always.
Scenario | Likely At Fault |
The driver ignores the pedestrian signal | Driver |
Pedestrian crosses against the signal | Pedestrian |
Vehicle speeds through the crosswalk | Driver |
A pedestrian darts between cars | Pedestrian |
The driver backs up without checking | Driver |
Under California law, liability depends on evidence, police reports, and witness statements. Partial fault may reduce financial compensation, but does not always eliminate it.
What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
If you’re involved in one of these pedestrian accident types, here’s what to do immediately:
- Seek Medical Attention – Prioritize your health. Even minor injuries can turn serious.
- Report the Incident – Call 911 and file official police reports.
- Document Everything – Take photos, get witness info, and note street names.
- Avoid the Insurance Trap – Don’t speak to an insurance adjuster without legal representation.
- Contact a Lawyer – Speak with the best pedestrian accident attorney Los Angeles residents trust.
Top 5 Steps to Maximize Your Personal Injury Claim
- Keep all medical records related to your medical treatment.
- Track expenses like lost wages, transport, and therapy
- Avoid social media posts that could be used against you.
- Hire the best pedestrian accident attorney Los Angeles offers
- Request a full case review before accepting any settlement.
How a Lawyer Can Help You
Working with a pedestrian accident lawyer ensures you don’t fall prey to tactics by insurance companies that try to downplay your claim.
A qualified law firm can help you pursue:
- Economic damages (e.g., medical bills, lost wages)
- Non-economic damages (e.g., pain, emotional distress)
- Punitive damages for egregious driver behavior
Farahi Law Firm’s personal injury attorneys offer a free consultation to help assess your case and protect your legal rights from day one.
FAQs
Yes, depending on circumstances. California law considers all details, including driver behavior and visibility.
California applies comparative fault. You can still recover damages, but your percentage of fault will reduce them.
Two years from the date of the injury accident. Don’t wait—evidence fades quickly.
While it’s not legally required, hiring a lawyer greatly improves your chances of getting fair compensation—especially when dealing with insurance companies and establishing fault.
Support Starts With a Free Consultation
Whether you were struck near Staples Center or while crossing at Highland Avenue, pedestrian accident types can vary—but your right to justice does not. If you or a loved one suffered harm due to driver negligence, don’t let insurance companies pressure you into less than you deserve.
Our personal injury attorneys are here to fight for fair compensation—including coverage for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Get the medical care you need and the money you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation with the best pedestrian accident attorney Los Angeles relies on.
