If you were struck while walking, you may be in pain, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next. These reactions are common after a pedestrian accident. You do not need to handle the situation alone. For decades, GJEL Attorneys has helped injured pedestrians across California. Our pedestrian injury lawyers provide guidance, support, and steady direction at each stage of recovery and the legal process.
Contact us at (925) 253-5800 or contact us online for a free consultation.
There is no fee unless we win compensation for you.
Proven Results Protecting Injured Pedestrians
GJEL is a California personal injury law firm with a 99 percent success rate and more than $950 million recovered for injured clients. We represent pedestrians who were hit in crosswalks, intersections, residential streets, driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks where drivers must exercise caution.
To see experiences directly from clients we’ve helped, visit our
GJEL testimonials and reviews.
Pedestrian Accidents Cause Serious and Lasting Harm
A pedestrian has no protection in a collision with a vehicle. Even low-speed impacts can cause significant or long-term injury, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussion
- Spinal cord and nerve damage
- Fractures of the hip, leg, ribs, arm, or pelvis
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Permanent scarring and soft tissue injury
- Anxiety, stress responses, and sleep disruption
Many people also experience changes in daily routines. Crossing intersections may create hesitation. Walking near traffic may feel different than before. You might avoid certain routes or move more slowly. These responses are common after trauma.
It is also common to feel shaken, unsure, or disconnected in the days and weeks after being hit. Many people describe replaying the moment of impact or feeling tense near traffic, even when they know they are safe. These reactions are not signs of weakness — they are the body’s natural response to sudden trauma. You do not need to force yourself to “bounce back” quickly. Recovery takes time, and it is normal for emotional healing to progress differently than physical recovery. We support clients through both.
We make sure your medical needs, emotional recovery, future treatment, and quality of life are considered when determining compensation.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
Your health and safety come first. If possible:
- Call 911 and request medical evaluation
- Move to a safe place away from traffic
- Photograph the scene and surrounding area
- Exchange information with the driver
- Ask witnesses to speak with police
- Seek medical care even if symptoms seem mild
Do not provide recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with a lawyer. Insurers often attempt to reduce or redirect responsibility.
Understanding Fault in California Pedestrian Accident Cases
Most pedestrian accident claims are based on negligence, defined as the failure to use reasonable care.
To establish negligence, we evaluate:
- Duty of Care – Drivers must use reasonable caution to avoid harm.
- Breach of Duty – If a driver violates traffic law, negligence per se may apply.
- Causation (Cause-in-Fact) – The injury must result from the driver’s conduct.
- Proximate Cause – The harm must be a foreseeable consequence of that conduct.
Damages – The injury must have resulted in measurable harm proven by a preponderance of the evidence.
California Crosswalk and Right-of-Way Laws
Drivers must yield to pedestrians under:
- California Vehicle Code § 21950
- § 21954
- § 21955
- § 21970
A right-of-way accident lawyer can review how roadway design, signals, and traffic flow contributed to what occurred.
Comparative Negligence in Real Situations
| Situation | Potential Case Outcome |
| Crossing outside a crosswalk but the driver was speeding | Compensation may still apply with shared responsibility |
| Crossing with the signal and a driver turned without checking | Driver likely primarily at fault |
| Collision at an unmarked intersection | Pedestrian right-of-way may still apply |
| Driver claims they “did not see” you due to glare or lighting | Visibility does not remove duty of caution |
Responsibility is determined from evidence, not from memory alone.
How Medical Bills Are Handled During the Case
Medical treatment often begins before a claim resolves. Options may include:
- Health insurance coverage for initial care.
- Medical liens, allowing treatment with payment from settlement later.
- Out-of-pocket reimbursement once compensation is obtained.
- Provider agreements that delay billing until the legal case concludes.
We help coordinate treatment so care continues uninterrupted.
How a California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Helps
We handle the legal process so you can focus on healing. We will:
- Understand your experience and needs
- Collect medical records and police documentation
- Investigate evidence and witness statements
- Work with accident reconstruction specialists when needed
- Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Calculate short- and long-term financial impact
- Negotiate settlement or proceed to litigation
We frequently serve as a crosswalk accident lawyer when drivers fail to yield or turn into pedestrian paths.
Example Case Result
A young mother was struck in a crosswalk while returning to her car. The vehicle knocked her to the ground, causing long-term pain and scarring. GJEL secured a $200,000 settlement, supporting her care and recovery.
California Pedestrian Accident Risk Context
California consistently experiences elevated pedestrian injury rates due to dense intersections, high-speed roadways, and concentrated urban walking environments. Understanding these patterns provides context for evaluating liability and recovery.
Types of Compensation You May Be Eligible For
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical care
- Surgery and rehabilitation
- Medication and long-term treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Permanent scarring or disability
In wrongful death cases, families may also recover funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
You do not have to navigate medical bills, insurance communication, recovery, and legal decisions alone. Many clients come to us feeling overwhelmed or unsure what to do next. Our role is to provide structure, clarity, and steady support. You focus on healing. We protect your interests.
Speak With a California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Call (925) 253-5800 or email lawfirm@gjel.com for a free consultation.
There are no fees unless we recover compensation.
GJEL Attorneys. Serving injured pedestrians throughout California.
