Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
California drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks under Vehicle Code section 21950. If a driver hit you while you were walking, you can pursue their liability insurance for medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering, even if you were crossing outside a crosswalk.
Being outside a crosswalk does not end your claim
Insurers say it constantly, and it is not the law. Pedestrians outside a crosswalk have a duty to yield, but drivers still have a duty to use due care and avoid hitting people.
Under pure comparative fault, if a jury assigns you a share of responsibility, your recovery is reduced by that share rather than eliminated.
Evidence that matters in pedestrian cases
Signal timing, crosswalk striping, lighting, sight lines, vehicle speed, and nearby business or transit camera footage. Video is often overwritten within days, so a written preservation request should go out early.
Working with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Los Angeles
Our office is at 10850 Wilshire Blvd # 375 in Westwood, just off the 405 and a short drive from West LA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Century City, and Beverly Hills. Sam Schmuel handles cases throughout Los Angeles County.
We work on a contingency fee, which means you pay nothing up front and nothing at all unless we recover money for you. We speak English and Spanish, and we can come to you if you are still in the hospital or recovering at home.
If you're not sure where to start, just call us at (310) 601-7289. The consultation is free, and there's no fee unless we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was jaywalking?
You may still recover. California uses pure comparative fault, so your share of responsibility reduces your recovery rather than barring it.
What if the driver fled the scene?
An uninsured motorist claim on your own auto policy, or a household member’s policy, may apply to a hit-and-run even though you were on foot.
What if a city bus or public vehicle hit me?
A government tort claim generally must be filed within six months of the incident, which is much shorter than the usual two-year deadline.
Do I need the police report to make a claim?
No, but it helps. A report documents the parties, witnesses, and the officer’s initial view of what happened.