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At Thompson Law, we understand the severe risks pedestrians face in accidents. Unlike drivers or passengers in vehicles equipped with seat belts, airbags, and advanced safety technologies, pedestrians lack any form of protection. This vulnerability often results in catastrophic or life-altering injuries. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle can be thrown into oncoming traffic or against stationary objects, making the potential for injury even greater.
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, seeking immediate legal help is essential. The full extent of your injuries may not be apparent at the scene. Serious issues such as traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, or spinal cord injuries can remain hidden initially. Even symptoms like whiplash or persistent pain may surface hours, days, or even weeks later. A physician’s evaluation is critical to identify and address these injuries, but the associated medical costs can quickly become overwhelming. From surgeries and physical therapy to ongoing treatments and medications, the aftermath of an accident can disrupt your life in countless ways.
You don’t have to face this alone. Our experienced California pedestrian accident lawyers are here to help. We provide a FREE CONSULTATION and charge NO FEES unless we secure a settlement for your injuries. Let us fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today to get started.
A pedestrian accident occurs when a person traveling on foot is involved in a collision with a vehicle, bicycle, or other mode of transportation. These accidents often happen in high-traffic areas such as crosswalks, intersections, sidewalks, or parking lots. In some cases, pedestrian accidents can also involve people using skateboards, wheelchairs, or scooters.
Pedestrian accidents are unique because those involved are completely unprotected compared to drivers or passengers inside vehicles. This makes injuries from such accidents more severe and often life-threatening.
Whether caused by driver negligence, hazardous infrastructure, or poor visibility, pedestrian accidents can result in devastating consequences for victims and their families.
Pedestrian accidents in California stand out due to the increased risks pedestrians face and the state’s legal protections designed to keep them safe. Unlike vehicle collisions, where both parties have safety features like seat belts and airbags, pedestrians have no physical protection. This often results in severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, and fatalities.
California’s crowded roads, high-speed traffic, and dense urban areas significantly raise the chances of pedestrian accidents. Laws are not always followed, and enforcement can be inconsistent. Major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco also pose unique risks, with heavy traffic, large populations, and areas lacking adequate pedestrian infrastructure or safe crossing zones.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, working with our knowledgeable California pedestrian accident lawyer is essential. We can guide you through the legal process, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Pedestrian accidents in California reflect a troubling trend in traffic safety. Between 2014 and 2018, pedestrian fatalities rose by 26%, climbing from 709 to 893 deaths.
Although there was a slight 0.5% decrease in 2018 compared to the previous year, the overall upward trajectory is concerning. Nationwide, pedestrian fatalities also increased significantly during this period, with a 28% rise from 4,910 in 2014 to 6,283 in 2018. In California, surveys reveal that common pedestrian safety issues include cars failing to stop (22.8%), distracted driving (18.4%), and speeding vehicles (17.7%). These behaviors highlight the dangerous environment pedestrians face daily.
In densely populated areas like Los Angeles County, the number of fatal and serious pedestrian injuries remains high. Urban areas account for 90% of pedestrian fatalities, with non-interstate arterial roadways being particularly hazardous. Time of day also plays a critical role, with 45% of serious pedestrian injuries occurring between 6 PM and midnight, often during dusk or darkness.
Additionally, speed is a major factor in pedestrian mortality; a vehicle traveling at just 40.6 mph increases the fatality risk to 50%. With these alarming statistics, improving pedestrian safety remains a critical priority for California and beyond.
Pedestrian accidents are influenced by various factors across California. Some of the key contributing elements include the following:
In California, pedestrians are granted specific rights to protect their safety on roads and sidewalks. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing the roadway within marked crosswalks or unmarked crosswalks at intersections. This law applies whether the crosswalk is marked or simply implied by the intersection’s layout.
Pedestrians have the legal right to proceed when they are lawfully within these areas, and drivers are required to take reasonable precautions to ensure their safety.
While pedestrians are afforded these protections, they also have responsibilities. California law prohibits pedestrians from suddenly leaving a curb or place of safety and walking or running into the path of a vehicle that is so close it creates an immediate hazard.
Pedestrians are also required to use crosswalks where available and avoid crossing streets in areas marked as unsafe or prohibited. Understanding and exercising these rights and responsibilities is crucial for ensuring safety and reducing the risk of accidents for everyone on California’s roads.
Pedestrian accidents often result in life-changing injuries and overwhelming financial burdens. Medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing treatment can quickly pile up, leaving victims unsure of how to manage. Unfortunately, even with a valid claim, recovering the full value of your damages is not as simple as it should be. Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing payouts, often employing tactics to delay, deny, or devalue your claim.
Insurance adjusters may pressure you into providing a recorded statement or accepting a low settlement offer, knowing it won’t cover all your expenses. They may question the extent of your injuries, dispute whether the accident caused them, or deliberately delay the process to push you into accepting less. Without a legal expert in your corner, it’s easy to make mistakes that could harm your claim.
This is where an experienced California pedestrian accident lawyer can make all the difference. Our attorneys know how to handle insurance companies and protect your rights. We can immediately start gathering crucial evidence, speak to witnesses, and preserve details that could strengthen your case. From negotiating with insurers to accurately calculating your current and future damages, we use proven strategies to maximize your compensation.
Don’t face this battle alone. Let our team fight for the justice and compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation and take the first step toward securing your future.
We provide pedestrian accident injury victims with dedicated and tenacious legal representation, ensuring that you get fair value for your claim. Our pedestrian accident attorneys in California will build a strong case with supporting evidence so that you recover the money that you deserve.
After a pedestrian accident, it can feel like life will never return to normal. Choosing the right California pedestrian accident lawyer is an important first step in getting financial support for your recovery. This includes help with medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. An accident doesn’t just affect you—it often impacts your entire family, who must adjust to the changes in your daily life.
At Thompson Law, we understand that returning to work might be impossible or much harder after your injuries. Your days may now revolve around doctor’s visits and therapy sessions. You might even reach a point where doctors say you’ve recovered as much as possible, even if you’re not completely healed, which can be hard to accept.
With so much to handle, it’s crucial to work with an experienced California pedestrian accident lawyer who understands what you’re going through and is ready to support you every step of the way.
In California, you generally have up to 2 years to file a claim after an accident. Speaking with a pedestrian accident attorney at Thompson Law can help you understand the process of filing an injury claim and the important steps needed to protect your rights. Our California pedestrian accident lawyers will work to secure both economic and non-economic damages you are entitled to under the law.
Economic damages cover the financial losses you experience as a result of the accident. These include:
Non-economic damages are harder to calculate since they relate to personal and emotional suffering. These may include:
In wrongful death cases, family members such as spouses, children, or parents may also claim non-economic damages for loss of companionship, society, and support.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident involving a motor vehicle, reach out to the California pedestrian accident lawyers at Thompson Law for a FREE CASE REVIEW. Our legal team will handle the insurance and legal processes, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the maximum compensation allowed under California law. Focus on your recovery—we’ll handle the rest.
To prove fault in a pedestrian accident in California, your attorney must show that the driver who struck you acted negligently. While it may seem straightforward when a driver hits a pedestrian, California law requires specific legal elements to establish negligence. These elements are as follows:
Your attorney must show that the driver had a legal duty of care to act responsibly on the road. California law requires drivers to operate their vehicles safely to protect everyone on the road, including pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists.
It must be proven that the driver breached this duty of care by acting in a way that a reasonable person would not. Examples of breaches include:
Your lawyer must prove that the driver’s breach of duty directly caused your injuries. This means your injuries would not have occurred if the driver had followed their legal duty of care.
Finally, it must be shown that you suffered actual harm as a result of the accident. This includes financial, physical, and emotional losses. Examples of damages include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our experienced California pedestrian accident attorneys will thoroughly examine your case to determine if negligence occurred. We offer FREE CONSULTATIONS to pedestrian accident victims throughout California. Contact us today, and we’ll fight to ensure you receive every dollar of compensation you are entitled to under California law.
When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the injuries can be severe due to the lack of protection pedestrians have. Victims often deal with substantial medical expenses, extended time away from work, and lengthy recovery periods following the accident.
Some of the common injuries our California pedestrian accident lawyers frequently encounter include:
If you or a loved one were hit by a car, truck, or motorcycle while walking, contact our California pedestrian accident lawyers at Thompson Law for a FREE CONSULTATION.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in California, you may be wondering what compensation you could receive. Typically, you may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Medical expenses can include both the cost of your current treatment and any future medical care you may need. Lost wages may cover not only the income you’ve already missed while recovering but also potential future earnings affected by your injuries. Pain and suffering damages compensate for the physical pain, emotional distress, and any disability or loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the accident.
Every case is unique, so it’s important to speak with one of our experienced California pedestrian accident attorneys to better understand the compensation you may be entitled to. Contact Thompson Law today for a FREE CONSULTATION.
The pedestrian accident attorneys at Thompson Law have the expertise and determination to secure the compensation you and your family deserve. Contact Thompson Law today for a FREE CONSULTATION with one of our skilled California pedestrian accident lawyers.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, Thompson Law is here to help. Our experienced attorneys can handle every aspect of your case, from navigating the legal process to dealing with insurance companies, so you can focus on your recovery.
If you’re not ready to hire an attorney today, save our contact information for when you need it most. This way, you won’t have to waste time searching for legal help during a stressful moment.
Keep in mind that California law gives you only 2 years to file a claim in most injury cases. Don’t wait to take action. Contact us today for a FREE, NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION to learn more about your options. The sooner we start, the sooner you can move toward a full recovery and the compensation you deserve.
A valid claim typically depends on whether someone else’s negligence caused the accident and your resulting injuries. If a driver violated traffic laws or acted irresponsibly, you might be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Speaking with our experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help clarify the strength of your case.
Even if you weren’t in a crosswalk, you might still have a case. Drivers are expected to remain attentive and take reasonable steps to avoid hitting pedestrians, regardless of their location. While being outside a crosswalk can complicate your case, it doesn’t automatically disqualify you from seeking compensation.
Most pedestrian accident cases are resolved through negotiations and settlements without going to court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial. Our experienced attorney can guide you through this process and prepare your case for the best possible outcome.
Yes, you can file a lawsuit in California if the accident occurred within the state, even if you’re not a resident. California courts have jurisdiction over accidents that happen within state lines. A knowledgeable attorney can help you go through the process and represent you locally.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we secure compensation for you.
If you are injured in any type of accident, your first priority should be to seek immediate medical attention, even if you are not certain that you are injured. Seeking immediate medical treatment does two things: 1) it ensures injuries you sustained are diagnosed and treated; and, 2) it helps eliminate any doubt by the insurance company that your injuries were caused by the accident.
Often, the shock and adrenaline of an accident can mask symptoms of injuries, so making the mistake of skipping a medical examination can have profound consequences. By seeking prompt medical treatment, you protect both your health and your ability to seek compensation for your injuries with the help of your attorney.
If you were in a motor vehicle accident we have also detailed here what to do after a car accident.
A skilled personal injury lawyer is necessary to get full and fair compensation for injuries you sustained in an accident. Most defendants, whether individual drivers or commercial vehicle operators, are covered by liability insurance. Those insurance companies are not obligated to protect or take care of you. Insurance companies exist to protect the defendant (their customer) who caused the wreck.
A personal injury attorney can help you obtain compensation for every category of damages to which you are legally entitled. These damages can include things like: medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain & suffering, punitive damages, loss of limb, diminished mental function, physical impairment, scarring or disfigurement, emotional or mental trauma, and loss of consortium (in wrongful death claims). Further, you may be entitled to future medical bills, future lost income, future pain and suffering, and other damages in severe injury cases.
The largest factor affecting your claim’s value is the severity or magnitude of your injuries. More severe injuries typically require more medical treatment. So it is essential to have all your injuries documented properly by seeking immediate treatment with doctors or hospitals, and continuing under the care and direction of your doctors as long as necessary to heal. Without prompt and consistent medical treatment and documentation, an injury claim becomes very difficult to pursue, let alone win.
Of course, other factors an also have an impact, and each and every case is different. Were you injured in a commercial vehicle wreck or truck wreck that totaled your car, or was it a fender bender that did very little damage? Was the other driver intoxicated or drunk, or speeding? A multitude of factors may play into your claim’s overall likely value. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to visit with you and talk to you more specifically about factors which may affect your particular claim.
In Texas, you usually have two (2) years from the date of incident to file a personal injury claim before it is barred by the statute of limitations. There are exceptions to this 2-year time limit in Texas, for minors and others. Further, other states have different time limits, and the limit that applies is typically for the state in which the accident occurred.
The safest course of action for someone injured in a car wreck, truck wreck, slip and fall, or any other type of accident is to consult with a personal injury attorney. This will help ensure that you do not miss the applicable limitations period. Moreover, it will ensure the right investigations are conducted, and the proper steps are taken to preserve the evidence, photos, witness statements, and records needed to successfully pursue your claim.
If you are injured in a hit-and-run wreck (and are unable to locate the driver) or are hurt in a collision where the other driver does not have insurance, you are not necessarily out of options in terms of financial recovery. You may still be able to recover for your personal injuries if your own policy has Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage or Personal Injury Protection (PIP). It’s a good idea to contact your insurance company to confirm what types of coverage you have on your policy before an accident, but if you have been hit be sure to ask these questions before finalizing your claim request. Even if you do not have UM or PIP, the attorneys and investigators at Thompson Law can work to track down the other driver in a hit-and-run accident. To do this, we rely on witnesses who may have captured a photo of the car or license plate and/or available surveillance camera footage that might have captured the wreck.
Typical damages you can recover in a personal injury claim include: medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and in some cases even punitive damages. In severe injury cases, other damages may be recoverable, such as: future medical bills, future lost income, future pain and suffering, loss of body member or mental function, physical impairment, disfigurement, emotional or mental trauma, and loss of consortium (in wrongful death claims).
Knowing how comparative negligence works is vital if you live in a state that uses it. In simple terms, comparative negligence implies both drivers can share fault for an accident, but one driver can be more at fault than the other. For example, you are texting while driving when another driver runs a stop sign and hits your car.
A jury finds that the driver who ran the stop sign is 80 percent at fault, but they believe you would have had a better chance of avoiding the accident if you were not texting at the time. They find you 20 percent at fault. You can only collect enough compensation to cover the other driver’s fault. In this case, you would get $8,000 if the jury thinks your case is worth $10,000.
Having the police respond to the accident scene is of paramount importance. Make sure that YOU call them and insist that they come and investigate the accident. When the police arrive, they will separate the drivers and witnesses from one another and take statements from everyone involved. Be cooperative, detailed, and firm in describing the accident. The investigating officer will usually determine fault based upon these statements, and it is essential that your version of the events is heard and believed. If you think that you may be injured, make that clear to the officer. If an ambulance or other medical professionals arrive on scene, get checked out. If not, make plans to visit an emergency room or doctor soon after you leave the scene. Before you do leave for this care, the officer will provide you with a report number and their contact information. Make sure this information is safely saved, as it will be very important in any auto accident injury claim you may have.
Call an attorney. Your first instinct might be to call your insurance company, but it’s best to seek legal council first so you don’t accidentally admit guilt or take responsibility for the accident. In many cases your attorney will call the insurance company for you to prevent that from happening.
Absolutely not. It’s important to leave the investigation to the professionals. They know exactly how to work a case to determine all of the facts and details.
Some of the most devastating injuries caused by careless driving happen to pedestrians. As a pedestrian, you have the same right to be free from injury and harm caused by the irresponsibility, error, or negligence of others as any motorist on the road. In is important to obtain the services of an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible if you are injured as a pedestrian. The right attorney will see that you receive the medical care you need, guide your damage claim process, and receive full compensation for your injuries.
Typically, yes. If a family member is seriously injured or killed in an accident, or if the injured party is a minor child, then it may be appropriate under the law for a parent, spouse, relative, or legal guardian to file a claim or lawsuit on behalf of the injured or deceased party. These types of claims are complex, and usually depend on the type of relationship involved, as well as the individual facts and circumstances of the injury. Calling the experienced personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law is step one to explore filing an injury claim on behalf of your loved one.
In Texas, even if you are partially to blame for a car accident, you may be able to recover some of your damages from the other party. Under Texas’s proportionate responsibility system (also known as comparative negligence), unless you as the claimant/plaintiff are determined more than 51% at fault, you may recover legal damages that are reduced by the percentage you are determined at fault.
For example, if you are determined to be 30% at fault, you can recover 70% of your damages from the other responsible party (you can’t recover the other 30% because that was the amount of liability that was determined to lie with you). The personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law can help you navigate this proportionate responsibility system, or can explain negligence laws by state if your accident occurred outside of Texas.
If you or a family member are injured in an automobile accident, you cannot afford NOT to hire the very best attorney available. Thompson Law works on a contingency fee basis. What this means is that you only pay legal fees IF we win for you and AFTER your case is settled.
We understand that legal fees upfront are simply too much to deal with after a serious accident where you are dealing with property damage repairs, medical bills, missed work and lost wages. The fact that you owe $0 upfront is an added bonus when you hire great legal representation at Thompson Law.
If you were injured as the result of someone else’s negligence, there is a good chance we can help you out. We will look at the facts of your accident, whether a car wreck, truck wreck, motorcycle accident, or on-the-job-injury and examine whatever reports or records are available. If we believe that you were injured and it was someone else’s fault, it is likely to be a case we can take. The more information and documentation you can give us about your accident and your injuries, the quicker we can evaluate your case and let you know. Give us a call or reach out online anytime!
The best personal injury attorney has three major characteristics: Excellent customer service, cutting edge technology, and a willingness to take cases and win at trial. Ask your potential attorney about the client experience they offer, what kind of technology they use to make your life easier, and when was the last time they took a case to jury trial. Asking these types of questions will give you guidance on what kind of experience you can expect as a client and what kind of results you can expect at the end of your case.
Thompson Law has high ratings from clients for its emphasis on customer service, and its attorneys have achieved significant results on small, large, and complex cases alike. No matter if you have been involved in a minor car wreck or are dealing with catastrophic injuries from a rarer and more devastating event like a terrible workplace accident, dog bite, or an 18 wheeler wreck, Thompson Law can assist you.
Yes! Thompson Law is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide free consultations. If you have been injured in a truck wreck or car accident, hurt in a slip and fall incident, or otherwise injured from the negligence of another person or party, give us a call any time at 1-800-LION-LAW. We can speak to you over the phone, chat online through our website or social media outlets, or arrange an in-person meeting at your convenience. Our team is ready to help!
Thompson Law is available 24/7 to provide free consultations and to sign up new clients. We can sign you up over the phone or we can send one of our experienced licensed investigators to meet you at the hospital or at your home if you prefer. Whether you live in Arlington, Fort Worth, El Paso, San Antonio, or even outside of the state of Texas, we are always here to assist you and provide the resources you need at a difficult time. We do the hard work for you so that you can focus on healing from your injuries.
Under Texas law, “bicycles are entitled to all rights of the road that apply to a motor vehicle, including access.” Unfortunately, drivers often don’t respect the rights of cyclists, and bike accidents are increasingly common, causing severe injuries to the cyclist.
First, stay at the scene. As soon as it is safe, assess the situation and call 9-1-1 to report the incident.
Second, when help arrives, receive emergency medical attention. Get “checked out” even if you think you are okay—the trauma and shock of the collision can cause your body to block out pain and injury, and internal injuries often produce non-specific symptoms. Follow the medical advice of the emergency response team.
Third, with assistance from the police, exchange and obtain information, such as insurance information as well as the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all witnesses, passengers, and drivers. DO NOT discuss the facts and circumstances of the bike accident with anyone other than the investigating officer.
Fourth, document the scene. Make notes on paper or using your cell phone about the time of day; weather conditions; road or traffic conditions; lighting; location of the vehicles and involved parties; and any relevant road signs, traffic control devices (lights, stop signs, yield signs) etc. Also, make sure to get photographs of your bike, the driver’s car, and the scene.
Last, a lawyer to discuss your rights. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law will help you investigate all applicable insurance coverages and fight to get the compensation to which you are entitled.
Let’s be honest: this isn’t a legal show on TV and your case will not settle in the next hour – or even tomorrow. The true answer is: it depends. We find that most cases settle within 6-12 months from date of incident; but the timeline in your case could be shorter or longer depending on: the facts and circumstances of the accident; the length of time it takes you to complete medical treatment; and the character of the insurance company, or companies, involved in your case. In the event that your case cannot settle pre-litigation and it becomes necessary to file a lawsuit, the litigation process alone can take 1 to 2 years due to the court system and legal process necessary to prepare for trial. But because so much of the timeline depends on the facts and circumstances of your unique case, call Thompson Law today to discuss the personal injury claims process.
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.
