Pedestrian Accidents: Why Victims Are Often Owed More Than They Realize
California consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for pedestrians. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reports thousands of pedestrian injuries and fatalities on California roads each year - with Los Angeles County among the hardest- hit areas. If you or a loved one was struck by a vehicle, California law strongly protects your right to compensation.
California's Duty of Care to Pedestrians
Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950, drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. Beyond crosswalks, pedestrians walking along roadways also have the right-of-way in many circumstances. When a driver strikes a pedestrian, there is often a strong presumption of driver negligence.
Justia's personal injury resource at justia.com/injury provides a helpful breakdown of how negligence standards apply in vehicle-versus-pedestrian cases across California.
Common Scenarios Where Pedestrians Are Struck
The Severity of Pedestrian Injuries
The CDC's traumatic brain injury data shows that vehicle-pedestrian collisions are among the leading causes of TBIs in adults. Because there is no protective frame around a pedestrian, injuries are often disproportionately severe compared to vehicle occupants in the same crash. Common serious injuries include:
Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents
California has a significant hit-and-run problem. If you were struck and the driver fled, you may still recover compensation through:
For guidance on uninsured motorist coverage, Nolo's car accident guide covers UM coverage in depth. Our attorneys can also help you navigate this process - visit our pedestrian accidents page.
