Long Beach Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Injured in Long Beach as a Pedestrian?

At Thompson Law, we know the devastating effects of pedestrian accidents. Unlike drivers and passengers, pedestrians have no seat belts or airbags when hit by a car and can suffer serious injuries. The impact can throw pedestrians into traffic or against stationary objects, making life-threatening harm more likely.

If you’ve been hit by a car in Long Beach, you need to get legal help right away. Some injuries like brain trauma, internal damage or spinal injuries won’t be apparent right away. Even injuries like whiplash or muscle strains can take time to show up. You should see a doctor as soon as possible but medical bills can add up fast. Treatment for these injuries can include emergency care, surgeries and physical therapy.

There is no reason to do this alone. Our Long Beach pedestrian accident lawyers are here for you. We offer a free consultation and don’t charge unless we win your case. Let us fight for your compensation. Call today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

 

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Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Long Beach

Pedestrian accidents in Long Beach happen for many reasons. Some of the main factors include:

  • Distracted Driving One of the biggest causes of pedestrian accidents, distracted driving occurs when drivers don’t pay attention to the road. With the rise of smartphones and in-car entertainment systems, more drivers are looking at their screens instead of the road. This has led to a huge increase in pedestrian injuries and fatalities across the US.
  • Reckless Driving:  Speeding, making unsafe turns and not checking for pedestrians puts lives at risk. Speeding is dangerous on highways but even more so on Long Beach’s busy residential streets where pedestrians cross frequently.
  • Driving Under the Influence:  Alcohol and drugs slow down reaction time, muscle coordination and decision-making, making DUI-related crashes deadly. When a driver under the influence hits or kills a pedestrian in Long Beach, they may face both criminal and civil consequences.

We Will Get the Compensation You Deserve

Our dedicated legal team is committed to securing the compensation you deserve. We gather critical evidence, build a compelling case, and fight aggressively for your financial recovery. From medical bills and lost wages to pain and suffering, we work to maximize your settlement while you focus on healing. Let us handle the legal complexities.

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Why Hire Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Anaheim?

Choosing the right legal team after a car accident is crucial to your recovery and getting the compensation you’re owed. At Thompson Law, we bring experience, dedication and a client-centered approach to every case. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • No fees upfront:  You pay nothing unless we win your case.
  • Proven results We’ve recovered over $1.9 billion. We know how to get you the most.
  • Easy process:  Contact us anytime. Sign up online and we’ll start working on your case today.
  • 24/7 available:  Accidents happen at any time so our team is here for you day or night.
  • Personalized service:  We keep you informed and answer your questions throughout the entire process.
  • Bilingual support:  Our Spanish-speaking team makes sure language is never an issue in your pursuit of justice.

At Thompson Law, we handle everything from tough insurance negotiations to building your case so you can focus on your recovery.

Don’t wait. California law limits the time to file a claim. Contact us now for a FREE CONSULTATION and let our Long Beach car accident attorneys fight for your justice and compensation.

Why Choose Thompson Law

Who is Responsible for a Pedestrian Accident?

Figuring out who is at fault in a pedestrian accident isn’t always easy. In many cases, more than one person or group may share responsibility. Here’s a look at the most common parties who may be held liable:

Negligent Drivers

Drivers who are distracted, speeding, or ignoring traffic laws often cause pedestrian accidents. Texting while driving or failing to yield at crosswalks are common examples.

Pedestrians

Pedestrians aren’t always blameless. Walking while distracted, crossing outside of a crosswalk, or ignoring signals can also lead to accidents.

City of Long Beach

If the accident happened because of poor road conditions, missing signs, or broken traffic lights, the city could be held responsible for not maintaining safe streets.

Property Owners

If a business or homeowner blocks a sidewalk or crosswalk, forcing people to walk into the street, they could be liable if an accident happens.

If you aren’t sure who’s liable for your pedestrian accident, give our lawyers a call! We’ll help you determine who’s at fault. Call today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

When the Deadline to File a Claim in Long Beach?

If you were hit as a pedestrian in Long Beach and want to take legal action, there’s a strict deadline you need to follow. In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Missing this deadline means you could lose your chance to get money for your injuries, medical bills, or lost wages. That’s why it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible and start the process.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries in Long Beach

Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries because of the lack of protection from motor vehicles. Victims may face extensive medical treatment, lost wages and long-term physical and emotional trauma. Here are some of the most common injuries that happen in pedestrian crashes:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI):  A sudden impact can cause concussions or severe brain damage, resulting in memory loss, cognitive issues and long-term disabilities.
  • Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries:  Pedestrians often break bones in the arms, legs, ribs or pelvis. Serious fractures may require surgery and rehabilitation.
  • Spinal Cord Damage:  Back and neck injuries, including herniated discs and paralysis, can result from high-impact crashes.
  • Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage:  The force of impact can cause life-threatening internal injuries to the liver, kidneys or lungs.
  • Severe Lacerations and Scarring:  Deep cuts, road rash and abrasions may require stitches, skin grafts or reconstructive surgery.
  • Psychological Trauma:  Many victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety or depression after an accident.
  • Fatal Injuries:  In worst cases, pedestrian crashes result in wrongful death, leaving families with overwhelming grief and financial burdens.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, get legal help to get the compensation you need for medical treatment and recovery. Contact a Long Beach pedestrian accident lawyer today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Compensation You May Be Entitled to as a Pedestrian

Our team will work to get you the maximum recovery for both financial losses and the emotional impact of your injuries.

Economic Damages: Financial Losses

Economic damages are measurable costs related to your accident:

  • Medical bills:   Immediate and long-term medical expenses
  • Lost wages:   Wages lost due to missed work and reduced future earning capacity
  • Property damage:  Repairs or replacement of personal property damaged in the accident
  • Household services:  Costs for necessary help, such as home care or childcare

Non-Economic Damages: Emotional and Physical Suffering

These general damages compensate for the personal harm of the accident:

  • Pain and suffering:  Physical and emotional distress
  • Emotional trauma:  Anxiety, PTSD or psychological impact
  • Loss of enjoyment of life:   Inability to do hobbies or daily activities
  • Disfigurement or disability:  Permanent physical impairment

Compensation for Wrongful Death Cases

If a pedestrian accident results in a death, according to California’s wrongful death laws, surviving family members may seek damages for the loss of companionship, financial support and emotional suffering.

Don’t do it alone. If you or a loved one was hit by a car as a pedestrian, our Long Beach pedestrian accident lawyers will fight for you. Contact us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

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(844) 308-8180

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Long Beach

No one expects to be in a pedestrian accident, but it’s important for Long Beach residents to know what to do if it happens.

The first and most important step is to get medical help. Even if the pain feels small, get checked out right away. If you’re okay, see if anyone else is hurt and make sure they get help too. Once everyone is safe, call 911 or the Long Beach Police Department so they can come to the scene. Be sure to file a police report when they arrive.

Next, gather as much evidence as you can. Take photos and videos of the scene, get contact information from witnesses, and collect their statements if possible. Try to get security camera footage from nearby buildings if available. Also, make sure you get the driver’s name, contact info, and insurance details.

Finally, reach out to our Long Beach pedestrian accident lawyers for a FREE CASE REVIEW. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. We’ll walk you through the legal process and help you file a claim so you can focus on healing.

Local Police Stations to Reach Out to After a Pedestrian Accident

Law enforcement can help with pedestrian accident cases. They can help by arriving at the scene of the accident to help document the incident. Here are local police stations in Long Beach to call if you need to:

  • Main Station (400 W Broadway):   (562) 435-6711
  • West Division (1835 Santa Fe Ave):  (562) 570-3400
  • North Division (4891 Atlantic Ave):  (562) 570-9800
  • East Division (3800 E Willow St):  (562) 570-5880

How To Prove Liability in Pedestrian Accidents

Holding a driver accountable for a pedestrian accident requires proving their negligence. While it may seem clear when a pedestrian is hit, California liability law outlines specific legal elements that must be established:

  • Duty of Care:  Drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles safely, follow traffic laws, and protect pedestrians, cyclists, and others on the road.
  • Breach of Duty:  A driver fails in this duty when engaging in reckless or careless actions such as:
    • Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
    • Running red lights or stop signs
    • Failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
    • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
    • Using a phone or other distractions behind the wheel
  • Causation:  Your attorney must show that the driver’s actions directly led to the accident and your injuries. If they had followed traffic laws, the crash likely would not have occurred.
  • Damages:  You must demonstrate that the accident resulted in financial, physical, or emotional losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other hardships.

Our Long Beach pedestrian accident lawyers will collect crucial evidence, build a strong case, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. We offer FREE CONSULTATIONS and charge nothing unless we win your case. Call today to discuss your legal options.

man waiting to cross the road - Long Beach Pedestrian Lawyers

Local Laws for Pedestrians in Long Beach, CA

Long Beach takes pedestrian safety seriously. That’s why there are specific laws in place to help protect people walking near or across streets. These rules could play an important role in your case if you were injured as a pedestrian.

Right-of-Way at Crosswalks

Under California law, drivers must yield to pedestrians at any intersection. If someone is walking in a crosswalk, all cars are required to stop and wait until that person has safely reached the other side.

California “Daylighting” Law

Starting in early 2025, California passed a “daylighting” law that bans cars from parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk. This gives drivers a clearer view of people crossing the street, which helps prevent accidents. Even though it removed a lot of parking spots, the law is a major step toward keeping both pedestrians and drivers safe.

Blocking Sidewalks and Crosswalks

According to the Long Beach Municipal Code, it’s illegal to block sidewalks or pedestrian paths. This rule helps ensure that people don’t have to walk around obstacles into unsafe areas, like busy roads, where the risk of getting hurt is much higher.

Recent Pedestrian Accidents in Long Beach And What Happened

June 14, 2024 – Pedestrian Killed Outside Crosswalk

A man was struck and killed while crossing Carson Street near Gundry Avenue outside of a marked crosswalk. The driver stayed at the scene and was found not to be impaired or speeding. Police determined the pedestrian’s unsafe crossing likely caused the accident.

August 23, 2024 – DUI Hit-and-Run at Pine Avenue

A pedestrian was hit in a downtown Long Beach crosswalk by a driver who fled the scene. Officers nearby saw the crash and quickly arrested the driver for DUI for a hit-and-run. The pedestrian was hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

February 24, 2025 – Fatal Crash in Marked Crosswalk

A woman was fatally struck while walking in a marked crosswalk at Long Beach Boulevard and Willow Street. The 61-year-old driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Police said impairment wasn’t a factor, and the cause may have been that the driver wasn’t paying attention or failed to yield.

How Can a Long Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help?

At Thompson Law, we know it’s tough to get back to work after an accident – sometimes it feels impossible. Your whole life is now about doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions and recovery. Doctors may tell you you’ve reached maximum recovery even if you’re not fully healed. Coming to terms with that can be hard, especially when your injuries change how you live and work.

With so much on your plate, having a good Long Beach pedestrian accident attorney by your side is key. We’ll guide you through the process and help you do what you need to do to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. We’ll handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on your recovery.

Details About Long Beach Pedestrian Accidents

You may be surprised to know that traffic fatalities outnumber homicides in Long Beach and are almost twice the number of homicides nationwide. In 2022, 45 people died in traffic collisions in Long Beach, 36 were victims of homicide. Statistics show that people of color and vulnerable road users – pedestrians, people with disabilities and seniors – are disproportionately impacted by these crashes.

Citywide conversations are underway about pedestrian safety. Some say to change the infrastructure to reduce crashes, others say stronger traffic law enforcement and pedestrian awareness. Contributing factors like speeding, distracted driving and jaywalking are big issues, and there’s ongoing debate about how to address them.

How Are Pedestrian Accidents Different in Long Beach?

Long Beach pedestrian accidents are highly likely with all the busy streets, traffic and dense neighborhoods. Unlike those in vehicles, pedestrians have no safety features like seat belts or airbags so they are more prone to serious injuries – brain trauma, spinal damage, broken bones or death.

With so many crosswalks, busy intersections and areas with no pedestrian infrastructure, the risk is higher. Speeding, distracted driving and failure to yield are common causes of these accidents. Despite laws in place to protect pedestrians, enforcement is inconsistent, so many pedestrians are left vulnerable.

If you were hit as a pedestrian, you need to get legal help ASAP. Our Long Beach pedestrian accident lawyers will guide you through the process and fight for you to get what you deserve.

Pedestrian Rights in Long Beach

Pedestrians in Long Beach are covered under California law, which requires drivers to yield to pedestrians when crossing at a marked crosswalk or an unmarked intersection. Even if there are no lines, pedestrians still have the right of way at intersections and drivers must slow down or stop to let them cross safely.

But the law also puts some responsibility on pedestrians. They can’t step into traffic if a car can’t stop in time. Using designated crosswalks whenever possible and not crossing where it’s not safe can help prevent accidents.

With Long Beach’s busy streets and high pedestrian traffic, both drivers and walkers need to be aware of these rules. Following right-of-way laws helps keep everyone safe and reduces the chance of a collision.

Call Our Long Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today

Our Long Beach pedestrian accident lawyers at Thompson Law will get you and your loved ones the compensation you deserve. Experienced and relentless, we handle every case with precision and care. Our attorneys will deal with the insurance companies and the legal process so you can focus on healing.

Don’t wait, get the legal help you need today. Call Thompson Law now for a FREE CONSULTATION. Not ready to hire a lawyer yet? Save our contact info so you won’t have to search for a lawyer later.

Common FAQs Regarding Pedestrian Accidents in Long Beach

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a pedestrian accident?

Our Long Beach pedestrian accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win for you.

Can I still file a claim if I was not in a crosswalk?

Yes, you may still have a case even if you were not in a crosswalk. Drivers in Long Beach have a duty to stay aware and avoid hitting pedestrians. Being outside a crosswalk may add complexity to your case but does not automatically bar you from seeking recovery.

How do I know if my pedestrian accident claim is valid?

A good case typically requires showing another party was negligent. If the driver was distracted, speeding or broke traffic laws, you may be entitled to recover for medical bills, lost wages and other losses. An attorney can review your situation and explain your rights.

Will my pedestrian accident case go to trial?

Most pedestrian accidents in Long Beach settle. But if the insurance company doesn’t offer fair compensation, a trial may be necessary. Our team will negotiate aggressively or take your case to court if needed.

Can I file a lawsuit in Long Beach if I live in another state?

Yes, you can file in Long Beach even if you live in another state. California courts handle cases involving accidents that happen in the state. We can handle everything locally, so you don’t have to travel for court.

Thompson Law Guarantee

Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.