When a driver hits you walking down the street as an innocent pedestrian, you feel the impact in every part of your life. There is immediate pain and medical treatment, quickly followed by phone calls from insurance companies and medical bills in the mail. A pedestrian accident lawyer in California steps in to protect your claim from the start. At Deldar Legal, we investigate the scene, secure video and witness accounts, and deal with the insurance company so you do not have to.
Pedestrian cases are not the same as car-to-car crashes because you are outside the vehicle, so liability, coverage, and damages play out differently. Getting focused legal help early can shape the value of your case and your path to recovery. In the guide below, you will see what evidence matters, how crosswalk rules apply, and why deadlines can decide who wins.
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in California Fast Facts:
- Pedestrian accident claims involve unique insurance and liability issues compared to vehicle collisions.
- You typically have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in California, but less time if a government agency is involved.
- Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your payout; speaking with a lawyer before giving any statement helps safeguard your case.
- A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer in California can guide you through every stage of the process and negotiate for you.
How is a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in California Different?
Walking through a crosswalk or along a sidewalk should be safe, but in many California cities, pedestrians face real danger. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reports that pedestrian deaths have increased sharply in recent years. These accidents occur most frequently in high-foot-traffic areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego.
Pedestrian cases differ from car-to-car crashes. From an insurance standpoint, these cases are more complex because:
- You rely on the driver’s insurance, not your own.
- Adjusters may argue that you were partially at fault for the accident.
- Your UM/UIM coverage may be needed if the driver lacks sufficient insurance.
- Non-economic damages like emotional distress are often higher due to the trauma involved.
Because of these factors, having a pedestrian accident lawyer in California who knows how to handle insurance companies and liability disputes is essential to achieving a fair outcome.
Turning Evidence into Justice
Strong evidence helps establish fault and the extent of your damages. Collect as much as you can from the start:
What to Collect:
- Police or CHP accident report
- Photos and videos of the scene
- Medical records, X-rays, and prescriptions
- Employment records showing lost wages
- Witness statements and contact details
- Insurance policy documents (yours and the driver’s)
- A written record of your pain, emotional changes, and daily limitations
Costly Mistakes to Avoid:
- Delaying treatment or skipping doctor visits
- Posting about the accident on social media
- Signing anything from the insurance company without legal advice
- Accepting a quick settlement before knowing your full recovery outlook
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in California will gather additional records such as surveillance footage, expert testimony, and accident reconstruction reports to strengthen your claim.
Crosswalk Accidents in California
Many pedestrian cases involve crosswalk accidents in California, especially in busy intersections where drivers fail to yield. California Vehicle Code §21950 requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Unfortunately, distracted or speeding drivers often ignore this rule.
Some common causes of crosswalk accidents include:
- Texting or distracted driving
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Poor visibility at night or in bad weather
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving
- Malfunctioning crossing signals
Local agencies may also share liability if unsafe street conditions contributed to the accident. A pedestrian accident lawyer in California can investigate all responsible parties and file the proper claims.
Laws & Deadlines for a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in California
In California, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, under Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. However, there are exceptions that can shorten this window.
- Private drivers or companies – Two years from the date of the accident.
- Government entities (like a city or transit agency) – You must file a government claim within six months before pursuing a lawsuit.
- Minors or incapacitated victims – Certain tolling rules may extend the deadline, but you should act quickly regardless.
Missing a deadline can mean losing your right to compensation entirely. That’s why it’s important to contact a pedestrian accident lawyer in California as soon as possible after an injury.
Insurance Claims for Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian claims tend to be more complicated than they appear. Here’s what you should know:
- You’ll deal primarily with the driver’s insurance company – If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own UM/UIM coverage may step in.
- Adjusters may downplay your injuries – This is a common tactic to shift blame and reduce your payout.
- Comparative fault applies in California – Even if you were partially responsible, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Medical billing can get confusing – Insurers will negotiate payments differently for pedestrians than for drivers.
- Settlements are final – Once you accept an offer, you usually can’t reopen your case, even if new medical issues arise later.
Having legal representation ensures your rights are protected from the start. Your pedestrian accident lawyer in California can manage all insurer communications, evaluate the fairness of any offer, and pursue litigation if necessary. The main goal is to help you receive compensation for your damages. California law allows you to seek compensation for:
Economic Damages (Financial Losses):
- Medical treatment, rehabilitation, and medication costs
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Transportation to and from medical appointments
Non-Economic Damages (Human Impact):
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Future Care Needs:
Severe pedestrian injuries may require long-term physical therapy, home modifications, or permanent assistive care. Your attorney will work with medical experts to calculate future costs accurately. The right pedestrian accident lawyer in California will fight to recover the full value of both your financial and emotional losses.
California’s Ongoing Pedestrian Safety Challenge
Pedestrian safety remains a pressing concern across California’s crowded urban corridors. According to the SafeTREC database, the number of pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries is steady. These trends are especially visible in busy pedestrian zones in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, where one wrong turn or distracted moment can mean life-altering injury.
Recognizing this, the state has recently introduced a new legislation in California Assembly Bill 413, also known as the “Daylighting Law.” The law prohibits vehicles from parking within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, or within 15 feet when a curb extension is present. The goal is to improve visibility and reduce pedestrian collisions.
Call Us Today
At Deldar Legal, we’re more than just attorneys, we’re your partners in recovery. If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve a top-rated pedestrian accident lawyer who will fight for your rights and help you rebuild your life. From the moment you contact us, we handle everything, from medical appointments and transportation to insurance negotiations and legal paperwork, so you can focus on healing.
Our experienced team represents clients across a wide range of personal injury cases, including:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Uber and Lyft rideshare accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Slip-and-fall and premises liability claims
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Deldar Legal is here to help. We offer free consultations and work on a no win, no fee basis, so there’s no risk in reaching out.
Call us today at (844) 335-3271 or contact us to speak with an experienced California injury lawyer. Let Deldar Legal fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.