Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

How Providence Law Helps Pedestrian Accident Victims

Facing serious injuries, pain, and financial strain after a pedestrian accident is incredibly difficult, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Providence Law is here to handle the legal battle for you while you focus on your recovery. Our Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers have successfully represented many injured pedestrians, and we leverage that experience to benefit every new client. Here’s how we help:

• Thorough Investigation: We launch a comprehensive investigation into your accident. Our team will secure the police accident report, obtain any available surveillance or traffic camera footage, and gather witness statements. We work with professional investigators and accident reconstruction experts when needed to piece together exactly what happened and who was at fault.
• Preserving Critical Evidence: Time is of the essence in pedestrian crash cases. We promptly document the scene of the accident, photograph skid marks, debris, and the vehicles involved, and obtain traffic light timing sequences or vehicle “black box” data if available. Providence Law will also send preservation letters to prevent evidence (like a driver’s cellphone records or a store’s security video) from being destroyed. This diligent approach ensures that we have the proof needed to build a compelling case.
• Proving Driver Negligence: Our attorneys are well-versed in California’s pedestrian right-of-way laws and traffic regulations. We will use the evidence to show how the driver violated these rules, whether by speeding, failing to yield, driving drunk, or other negligent behavior. By clearly establishing the driver’s negligence (and rebutting any claims that you “came out of nowhere”), we put your case in a strong position for settlement or trial.
• Handling Insurance Companies: You should not have to deal with aggressive insurance adjusters while recovering from serious injuries. Providence Law serves as your buffer and advocate in all communications. We will notify the at-fault driver’s insurance company of our representation, handle all correspondence, and make sure your words aren’t twisted against you. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators who won’t let insurers lowball you or blame you unjustly for the accident.
• Comprehensive Damage Assessment: Pedestrian accidents often cause catastrophic injuries – broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, etc. We work closely with you and your doctors to understand the full extent of your injuries and losses. Providence Law will gather medical records and consult experts to calculate all damages, including future medical needs or permanent impacts. We also document your pain, emotional suffering, and how the injuries affect your daily life. This thorough approach ensures we pursue every dollar of compensation you are entitled to.
• Aggressive Negotiation & Litigation: Once we have built a strong claim, we will demand a fair settlement from the insurance company that reflects your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our attorneys are tough negotiators familiar with the tactics insurers use, and we fight tirelessly to maximize your recovery. Most cases settle out of court, but if the insurer won’t offer a reasonable amount, Providence Law is fully prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. We have skilled litigators who know how to present a compelling case to a jury in Los Angeles County.
• Personalized, Compassionate Service: Throughout the process, we never lose sight of the fact that you are a person who has been through a trauma, not just a case number. We keep you informed, answer your questions promptly, and provide the compassionate support you need during this difficult time. Our clients often say that we made them feel heard and cared for, while also fiercely advocating for justice. This balance of empathy and tenacity is the hallmark of Providence Law.
• No Upfront Costs – We Only Get Paid If You Do: We believe every injured pedestrian should have access to top-quality legal representation, regardless of finances. That’s why Providence Law works on a contingency fee basis. It costs nothing to hire us, no upfront fees and no hourly bills. We advance all case expenses, and we only get paid if we win compensation for you (as a percentage of the recovery). If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. This way, you can pursue your claim with no added financial risk.

By entrusting your case to Providence Law, you gain a dedicated legal team that truly cares about your outcome. We handle the complexities and fight the battles, giving you the freedom to focus on healing. Our track record includes substantial settlements and verdicts for pedestrian accident victims, because we leave no stone unturned in seeking justice. Our mission is to secure the maximum compensation possible, and a sense of accountability, so you can move forward with your life.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is notorious for heavy traffic and a high rate of pedestrian accidents. Many of these incidents are preventable and stem from driver negligence or unsafe conditions. Common causes of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers texting, using GPS, or otherwise not paying attention often fail to see pedestrians in time. Inattentive driving has led to countless collisions, as the rise of smartphone use behind the wheel causes more accidents involving people on foot.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Excessive speed, red-light running, and aggressive driving make it difficult for vehicles to stop for crossing pedestrians. High-speed corridors and congested urban roadways in LA create especially dangerous conditions.
• Failure to Yield at Crosswalks: California law requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks or at intersections. Unfortunately, many drivers ignore crosswalks and fail to yield, causing pedestrians to be hit even when they have the legal right-of-way.
• Left Turns and Poor Visibility: Many pedestrian crashes occur when drivers turn left or right at intersections without checking crosswalks. At night or in poorly lit areas, pedestrians can be virtually invisible to a careless driver, increasing the risk of a collision.
• Driving Under the Influence: Drunk or drug-impaired drivers have slowed reaction times and poor judgment. Impaired driving is a major factor in severe pedestrian accidents, especially in evening and weekend hours.
• Unsafe Road Conditions: Los Angeles has some intersections with inadequate signage, broken pedestrian signals, or missing crosswalk markings. Lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure (like proper sidewalks and lighting) contributes to accidents. If a crosswalk is poorly designed or a traffic signal malfunctions, pedestrians are put at higher risk.
• Pedestrian Behavior: In some cases, pedestrians might contribute to an accident by jaywalking, crossing against traffic signals, or stepping into the street unexpectedly. However, even when a pedestrian is outside a crosswalk, drivers still have a duty to exercise due care to avoid hitting them. Pedestrian mistakes can complicate a case, but they do not automatically absolve a negligent driver of liability.

By understanding the common causes of pedestrian accidents in LA, we can better investigate and prove what led to your injury. Providence Law’s team will work to identify every contributing factor and every party at fault, to build a strong case on your behalf.

California Pedestrian Accident Laws & Liability

Pedestrian accident claims in California typically hinge on negligence law, in simple terms, proving that a driver’s carelessness or violation of safety rules caused harm. Both drivers and pedestrians have legal duties on the road, and understanding these duties is key to determining liability:

• Driver’s Duty to Yield: Under California Vehicle Code §21950, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing in a marked crosswalk or at an intersection (even if the crosswalk is unmarked). If a driver hits a pedestrian who is lawfully in a crosswalk, the driver will likely be found negligent for failing to yield. Drivers are also required to use due care and anticipate pedestrians wherever they may be crossing.
• Pedestrian’s Responsibility: Pedestrians are expected to obey traffic signals and avoid suddenly entering the path of oncoming vehicles. California law says pedestrians should not suddenly leave a curb and step into traffic that is too close, and outside of crosswalks they must yield to vehicles to avoid creating an immediate hazard. In other words, jaywalking is illegal and unsafe, pedestrians don’t always have absolute right-of-way if they cross outside designated areas.
• Driver’s Continued Duty of Care: Importantly, even if a pedestrian was jaywalking or not in a crosswalk, this does not absolve the driver of responsibility. The law explicitly states that drivers must still exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian on the roadway. For example, if a pedestrian crosses in the middle of the block at night, a vigilant driver should brake or swerve if possible to avoid a collision. Failure to do so can still be deemed negligent. This principle is crucial in contested cases; drivers cannot simply blame the victim if they had a chance to avoid the crash.
• Comparative Negligence: California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means each party’s share of fault is assessed in an accident. If the injured pedestrian is found partially at fault (say, for jaywalking or crossing against a light), their compensation can be reduced by their percentage of fault, but they are not barred from recovery. For instance, a pedestrian could be 25% at fault for an accident while a speeding driver is 75% at fault; the pedestrian could still recover 75% of their damages. Insurance companies often try to use this rule to minimize payouts, claiming the pedestrian was to blame. Providence Law fights back against unfair blame-shifting, working to show the full extent of the driver’s negligence.
• Evidence to Prove Fault: Establishing liability in a pedestrian accident may involve gathering police reports, traffic camera footage, eyewitness statements, and physical evidence from the scene (skid marks, vehicle damage, etc.). Proof of a driver’s law violation, such as running a red light, speeding, or texting while driving, strongly supports a negligence claim. Our attorneys know how to obtain cellphone records, surveillance video, and expert analyses (like accident reconstruction) to demonstrate exactly how the driver was at fault. We also document any hazardous road conditions or poor signage that contributed to the incident, and we identify all liable parties (for example, if the driver was working at the time, their employer might bear responsibility as well).
• Statute of Limitations: In California, you generally have two years from the date of a pedestrian accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to file within this statute of limitations can bar you from recovering anything. (If the at-fault party is a government entity, for example, a city bus driver or a claim involving unsafe public property, a special claim notice must be filed within 6 months of the accident, so prompt action is critical.) Consulting a lawyer early will help ensure all deadlines are met and evidence is preserved.

In summary, California law protects pedestrians by holding drivers to a high standard of care. If a driver’s negligence (speeding, distraction, failure to yield, etc.) caused your injuries, that driver can be held legally and financially accountable. Even if you were partly crossing improperly, you may still have a case – don’t assume you’re out of options. Providence Law will analyze the facts under California law, advise you of your rights, and pursue the best strategy to prove liability and get you compensated.

Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Pedestrian accident victims often suffer serious injuries that lead to extensive losses, both financial and personal. Under California law, if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you are entitled to seek full compensation for all damages resulting from the accident. Typical compensation in a Los Angeles pedestrian injury case may include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes all past and future medical bills related to your injuries. Emergency room treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and any required medical devices (braces, wheelchairs, etc.) are covered. We also account for anticipated future care, such as ongoing rehabilitation or future surgeries, so you are not left footing those bills down the road.
• Lost Wages and Earnings: If your injuries force you to miss work during recovery, you can claim compensation for lost income. This covers wages, salaries, or self-employment earnings you didn’t receive due to the accident. If the injuries cause a long-term or permanent reduction in your earning capacity, for example, if you cannot return to the same job or have to work reduced hours, we will seek damages for loss of future earning potential as well.
• Pain and Suffering: These are non-economic damages intended to compensate you for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by the accident. Being hit by a car can result in severe pain, long-term disability, disfigurement, and psychological trauma (such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD). While no price can be put on these hardships, the law allows monetary recovery as a way to acknowledge and somewhat offset your suffering. Typically, more severe or lasting injuries merit higher pain and suffering compensation.
• Emotional Distress and Loss of Enjoyment: Beyond general pain and suffering, we also pursue damages for mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. If your injuries have made it difficult to participate in activities you once loved, or have strained your relationships and overall quality of life, these impacts should be reflected in your compensation. For example, if you were an active person and now can no longer walk without assistance, that loss of mobility and independence is a significant damage.
• Permanent Injury or Disability: If the accident left you with permanent consequences, such as paralysis, loss of limb, chronic pain, or significant scarring, your compensation should factor in the lifelong challenges and accommodations associated with that disability. This may include costs for home modifications, prosthetics, ongoing care, and the profound impact on your day-to-day living.
• Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Any other financial costs incurred due to the accident can be claimed. This might include transportation to medical appointments, hiring help for household chores you cannot do during recovery, or property damage (for instance, if personal items like a phone or glasses were damaged in the accident).

In rare cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. Punitive damages are not tied to your specific losses, but rather are meant to punish a defendant for especially egregious behavior and deter others. In a pedestrian accident context, punitive damages might be considered if the driver’s actions were grossly reckless – for example, a DUI driver speeding through a crowded crosswalk. Punitive awards are uncommon (only in a small percentage of cases), but Providence Law will pursue them when warranted to hold the wrongdoer fully accountable.

Every case is unique, and the value of your claim will depend on factors like the severity of your injuries, the clarity of the driver’s fault, and the insurance policy limits available. Providence Law’s attorneys excel at properly valuing claims; we won’t let the insurance company minimize your losses. Our team will compile thorough documentation and, if needed, consult economists or medical experts to demonstrate the full extent of your damages. Our goal is to recover all forms of compensation you need to rebuild your life after a pedestrian accident, including money for both your financial expenses and your human losses.

Pedestrian Accident Case Examples

Nothing can illustrate our approach and dedication better than examples of how Providence Law has helped past clients. While each case is different, here are a couple of case examples to show what our firm can do for pedestrian accident victims:

Case Example 1: Crosswalk Collision in Downtown LA – Our client was lawfully crossing a busy downtown Los Angeles intersection in a marked crosswalk when a distracted driver ran a red light. The client was struck and suffered a broken leg, a fractured collarbone, and a concussion. Providence Law quickly gathered evidence, including traffic camera footage that captured the driver running the light and witnesses who saw the driver on their cellphone. We also obtained the driver’s phone records, confirming they were texting at the time of the crash. Using this clear evidence of negligence (violation of traffic signals and distracted driving), we built a strong case. We demonstrated the impact of the injuries on our client’s life – she was an active professional who had to endure multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation. The result: Armed with a compelling case, we negotiated aggressively with the driver’s insurance company. They ultimately agreed to a substantial settlement covering all of our client’s medical bills, lost income during her recovery, and a significant amount for her pain, suffering, and future care needs. Our client was able to focus on healing, knowing that Providence Law had secured the financial resources she needed.

Case Example 2: Jaywalking Accident with Comparative Fault – In another case, our client was hit by a car on a residential Los Angeles street at night. He was crossing mid-block, outside of a crosswalk, when a speeding car struck him, causing a serious pelvis fracture and other injuries. The driver’s insurance initially denied the claim, arguing that our client was at fault for jaywalking. Providence Law took on the challenge. Our investigation revealed that the street was poorly lit and the driver was exceeding the speed limit in a residential area. We also found a neighbor who witnessed the driver failing to brake until the last second. We retained an accident reconstruction expert who determined the driver had ample time to see the pedestrian and stop if he had been going the speed limit and paying attention. Confronted with this evidence, the insurance company’s stance shifted. While it was clear our client bore some responsibility for not crossing at an intersection, we demonstrated that the driver was far more at fault. The result: Through strategic negotiation, we reached a settlement where the driver’s insurer paid a majority of our client’s damages. Even accounting for our client’s partial fault, the compensation was significant, covering his medical expenses, months of lost wages, and an amount for pain and suffering. This case highlights that even if you think you might have been partly to blame, Providence Law can still help you recover rightful compensation under California’s comparative negligence law.

(These examples are for illustrative purposes only; they do not guarantee any outcome. However, Providence Law’s real-case results include many successful recoveries for pedestrian accident victims. We are proud to fight for everyday people against careless drivers and their insurers.)