Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Hit by a car while walking in Los Angeles, Pasadena, or Glendale? Pedestrians have almost no protection in a crash, and injuries are often severe. Gary Partamian helps you hold the driver accountable and recover what you need to heal.
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Recent Vehicle Accident Results
Settlement for a 78-year-old driver who suffered multiple fractures when a semi-truck made an illegal U-turn in Pomona.
Settlement for a client whose car was struck by a semi-truck.
Policy limits recovery for one adult and two minor clients after a car crash.
Read the case summaries: semi-truck settlement and policy limits settlement, or see all case results. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different, and results depend on the facts and law that apply to each matter.
What to Do After Being Hit by a Car
- Get medical care first. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Some injuries do not show symptoms for hours or days.
- Call the police. A police report creates an independent record of what happened.
- Document the scene. Photograph the crosswalk, signals, lighting, and your injuries. Note nearby businesses that may have cameras.
- Get the driver’s information. Name, license, plate, and insurance. If they leave, note the plate and direction.
- Be careful with insurers. You do not have to give the other driver’s insurer a recorded statement. Talk to a lawyer first.
Pedestrian Crashes We Handle
Driver fled? Read your rights after a hit and run. Hit by a rideshare driver? See who pays in an Uber or Lyft accident.
Who Is at Fault in a Pedestrian Accident?
California law puts a strong duty on drivers to watch for people on foot:
- Drivers must yield in crosswalks. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections (Vehicle Code 21950). Pedestrians must still use reasonable care.
- Freedom to Walk Act. Since 2023, police generally cannot stop pedestrians for crossing outside a crosswalk unless there is an immediate danger of a collision.
- Pure comparative fault. You can still recover if you were partly at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your share of the blame.
- Dangerous roads. If poor design, lighting, or signals contributed, a city or county may share responsibility. Those claims have a 6-month deadline.
Compensation You May Recover
Learn how pain and suffering is calculated in California and about our wrongful death practice.
How Much Is My Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
There is no average settlement that applies to every pedestrian accident case. In California, the value of a claim depends on:
- Your injuries and future care. The severity of the injury, surgeries, and treatment you will need going forward.
- Lost income. Wages you missed and any reduced ability to work in the future.
- Pain and life impact. How the injury affects your daily life, relationships, and activities.
- Fault. Under California’s comparative fault rule, your recovery is reduced by any share of fault assigned to you.
- Available insurance. The policies that apply often set a practical ceiling on recovery, so we look for every source.
Pedestrians often suffer serious injuries that exceed the driver’s policy limits. Your own auto policy’s uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may apply even though you were walking.
Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles County
Busy corridors like Colorado Boulevard and Lake Avenue in Pasadena, Brand Boulevard in Glendale, and downtown Burbank and Alhambra see heavy foot traffic alongside turning cars. Many pedestrian crashes happen at intersections when drivers turn without looking. See how your city ranks in the California Office of Traffic Safety crash rankings.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
California Pedestrian Accident Deadlines
To file a personal injury lawsuit in most cases (Code of Civil Procedure 335.1).
To file a claim for damage to your vehicle or other property.
To file a government claim if a city, county, or state agency was involved (Government Code 911.2).
Missing a deadline can end your case before it starts, and evidence like video footage disappears quickly. Read how long you have to claim an injury.
Pedestrian Accident FAQs
What is the average payout for a pedestrian hit by a car in California?
There is no reliable average. Value depends on your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and the insurance available.
What if I was not in a crosswalk?
You may still have a claim. Drivers must use reasonable care everywhere, and fault is shared based on what each person did.
How long does a pedestrian accident settlement take?
Many claims settle within months once treatment is complete. Cases with serious injuries or disputed fault can take longer.
Do insurance companies want to settle quickly?
Sometimes, with a low offer before the full extent of your injuries is known. Talk to a lawyer before accepting.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
Gary offers a free consultation so you can understand your options before deciding anything. Ask about fee arrangements during your consultation.
Why Work With Gary Partamian?
Areas we serve: Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Alhambra, Los Angeles County, Riverside, and Orange County.
Related practice areas: Personal injury, Bicycle accidents, Car accidents, Bus accidents.
Free Consultation With a Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Tell us what happened. Gary will review your situation and explain your options at no cost.
About the attorney: Gary Partamian is the founder of Partamian Law Firm. He previously practiced at a leading Los Angeles plaintiffs’ firm and as a Senior Associate at Kabateck LLP, and was selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars for 2025. Last updated October 2026.
This page is attorney advertising and provides general information, not legal advice. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.