What Are Your Legal Options After a Pedestrian Accident in California?

 Posted on March 13, 2026 in Serious Injuries

Being hit by a car can cause serious injuries and leave you facing medical bills, missed work, and a long recovery. Whether you were crossing at a crosswalk, walking along the road, or stepping through a parking lot, California law protects you.

In 2026, pedestrian deaths and injuries remain one of the biggest traffic safety problems in Los Angeles County. If a driver’s carelessness left you hurt, a Glendale, CA pedestrian accident lawyer at our firm can help you understand your options and fight for fair compensation.

What Does California Law Say About Driver Duties Toward Pedestrians?

California law gives pedestrians strong protections, especially near crosswalks. Under California Vehicle Code § 21950, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing in a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Drivers must also take care to avoid hitting pedestrians anywhere on the road.

This duty goes beyond crosswalks. Drivers are expected to slow down and stay alert in busy areas, near schools, and in parking lots. When a driver breaks this duty and hits a pedestrian, that failure can be the basis of a personal injury claim.

Who Can Be Held Liable When a Pedestrian Is Hit by a Car?

Liability depends on who was careless and how that carelessness caused the crash. The driver is often at fault, but other parties that may also be responsible include:

• A vehicle owner, if someone else was driving their car with permission.
• An employer, if the driver was working at the time of the crash. Under a legal rule called respondeat superior, which means employers can be held responsible for the actions of their employees on the job, a company may owe you compensation.
• A government entity, if a broken crosswalk signal, bad road design, or a missing sidewalk played a role.
• A property owner, if a hazard like poor lighting or a blocked sightline contributed to the accident.

California uses a pure comparative fault system, which means that responsibility for an accident is divided based on each party’s share of fault. Even if you were partly to blame, say, for crossing outside a crosswalk, you can still recover damages. Your compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. A pedestrian accident attorney can help figure out who is liable and build your case.

What Injuries Are Most Common in Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrians have no protection from the force of a car. That is why these crashes so often cause serious harm. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, California has more pedestrian deaths than any other state, and its pedestrian fatality rate is nearly 25 percent higher than the national average. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) range from mild concussions to permanent brain damage.
•  Spinal cord injuries can cause partial or full paralysis.
• Broken bones, including fractures of the legs, pelvis, and arms.
• Internal organ damage from the force of impact.
•  Road rash, cuts, and scarring.

These injuries often mean surgery, months of rehab, and long-term care. A personal injury claim can help cover those costs, so you are not stuck paying for someone else’s mistake.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?

If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be able to recover two types of damages. Economic damages cover concrete financial losses like medical bills, future treatment costs, lost wages, and reduced earning ability. Non-economic damages cover things that are harder to put a number on, like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In cases involving extreme recklessness, like a drunk driver or someone street racing, punitive damages may also apply. An attorney can help you identify every loss and document it properly.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in California?

Most pedestrian accident victims in California have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. But if a government entity was involved, such as a city bus or a poorly maintained crosswalk, you usually must first present a government claim within six months under California Government Code § 911.2. Missing that deadline can mean losing your right to any compensation. Do not wait to speak with an attorney.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Glendale, CA Personal Injury Attorney

If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident, you should not have to handle the fallout alone. That is where the dedicated LA County, CA pedestrian accident lawyer at Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C. comes in. We offer free consultations, so you can get answers about your case at no cost. Call 818-242-8201 today