Pedestrian accidents in the Glendale area are fairly common and can have devastating effects on the human body. Even low-speed impact can trigger serious bodily harm or internal damage because of the inadequate protection pedestrians have when compared to vehicles. Legal and medical complications can be stressful to manage, which is why seeking legal representation is crucial.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Glendale pedestrian accident attorneys can navigate you through the claims process, get you proper medical care, and pursue compensation to rebuild your life after injury. With over $1.7 billion in settlements recovered on behalf of clients and a strong track record of success, our team stands ready to represent personal injury victims.

We handle cases on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. To set up a FREE consultation, you can connect with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our quick online contact form.

Why Choose West Coast Trial Lawyers?

West Coast Trial Lawyers provides dedicated legal representation for pedestrian accident cases. Our team understands that many factors can affect the outcome of your situation and will consider each detail to protect your interests. We are committed to support your well-being while navigating you through the legal process from start to finish.

What Makes Someone a Pedestrian?

A pedestrian is an individual walking on foot rather than by vehicle or bicycle. They use sidewalks, crosswalks, or the side of a road to get to their destination. Pedestrians are legally obligated to follow traffic rules and signals to avoid getting into or causing accidents. Being a pedestrian involves maintaining visibility and paying attention to your surroundings to protect yourself against potential hazards.

What Are the Rules for Pedestrians Crossing the Road?

In Glendale, pedestrians are protected under California pedestrian laws and local city regulations. People who travel by foot are required to use designated crosswalks whenever possible. For instance, marked crosswalks. This is painted at intersections or mid-block areas, and signals to drivers that pedestrians may be crossing.

• Under California Vehicle Code § 21950, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians who are crossing within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Pedestrians will have legal rights to safely cross. But, they are required to exercise care and avoid placing themselves into traffic abruptly. 
• According to CVC § 21955, pedestrians can only cross the street within a crosswalk when between intersections that are controlled by traffic signals or police officers. Crossing elsewhere is not allowed. Peace officers cannot stop a pedestrian for crossing outside a crosswalk unless there is an immediate danger of a collision with a vehicle or human-powered device. 
• In addition, CVC § 21956 requires pedestrians to walk near the left-hand edge facing oncoming traffic if sidewalks are not present, but may walk on the right-hand edge if crossing to the left appears unsafe.
• CVC § 21954 states that even when using crosswalks, pedestrians are not allowed to suddenly enter the path of an oncoming vehicle that is too close to stop safely.
• CVC § 21456 outlines how pedestrians must obey traffic signals, such as “WALK” and “DON’T WALK.” Crossing against a presented signal is not only dangerous, but it can also be cited in Glendale.

What Is the Most Common Injury for Pedestrians?

Fractures are common in a pedestrian accident. Broken bones can range from minor harm to crushing injuries that can be life-threatening. In some cases, it can result in severe injuries, long recovery periods, and mobility issues. Other conditions that may arise from direct contact with a vehicle or road hazard include the following:

• Head trauma
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries

When either of these occur, they carry a higher risk of permanent disability. Injured pedestrians may need to undergo surgical procedures, extended physical therapy, and/or months of rehabilitation depending on the extent of damage incurred. These medical services will help affected individuals improve bodily functions and regain independence.

What Are the Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian accidents happen because of several factors, most of which involve driver behavior and road conditions. One of the leading causes is distracted driving. This is when a vehicle operator is texting, using navigation apps, or is not paying full attention to the road. Even if it is for a few seconds, doing this can prevent a driver from reacting quickly to a crossing pedestrian, thus increasing the risk of serious injuries.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving contributed to 3,275 deaths in the United States in 2023. In California, 158 people died in such crashes within the same year. Although distracted driving fatalities decreased nationally by 1.2% from 2022 to 2023, the state saw an increase of 6.8%.

Another common cause involves failure to obey traffic signals. Drivers who run red lights, ignore crosswalks, or fail to yield during walk phases are putting pedestrians at risk. Speeding, poor visibility, and making unsafe turns at intersections are other factors that contribute significantly. Simply put, when drivers fail to slow down or follow traffic rules, pedestrian accidents become more likely and severe.

Who Is At Fault if a Car Hits a Pedestrian Jaywalking?

If a pedestrian is jaywalking, liability in an accident will be more complicated. Drivers are given a duty of care to exercise reasonable caution when on the road. But, if the pedestrian is violating road rules by jaywalking on a road with a high volume of traffic, they may be found partially at fault for the incident. However, keep in mind that this does not automatically bar them from filing a personal injury claim. California follows a comparative negligence system, meaning any compensation from the case can be adjusted based on percentage of fault.

For instance, if a pedestrian is 30% responsible for jaywalking and the driver is 70% responsible for exhibiting reckless conduct, the pedestrian can still recover 70% of the damages. So, even if jaywalking contributes to the collision, legal action can be pursued to seek compensation for serious injuries and losses, including medical bills and lost wages. Payout will reflect the pedestrian’s share of accountability.

What Happens if a Driver Accidentally Kills a Pedestrian?

If a driver accidentally kills a pedestrian in the Glendale area, both criminal consequences and civil remedies will be applicable under state law. A driver can be charged with vehicular manslaughter under California Penal Code § 192(c) if negligence or recklessness caused someone’s death, even without intent to harm. This covers cases where a driver commits unlawful conduct that results in a fatality. Depending on whether the conduct is labeled as gross negligence or ordinary negligence, the offense can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony with penalties ranging from county jail time to multiple years in state prison.

If drugs and alcohol are involved, prosecutors may pursue gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated under Penal Code § 191.5. This carries more severe consequences due to the added risk. Even if a driver is criminally charged, the family of the deceased pedestrian may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure §§ 377.60. This allows certain surviving family members (spouse, domestic partner, or children) to sue for damages resulting from the victim’s passing. Wrongful death damages can include compensation for medical expenses, loss of financial support, and funeral and burial costs.

These civil claims are separate from criminal prosecution, and a family can pursue a wrongful death action even while a criminal case is going. The claim is intended to address the financial harm suffered by surviving relatives, not impose criminal penalties. An accidental pedestrian fatality may lead to vehicular manslaughter charges and a separate wrongful death claim by the family.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

Accidents involving pedestrians can have various types of outcomes depending on the circumstances involved. It is important for the affected individual to act quickly in order to protect your safety and collect evidence for a potential personal injury claim. The first priority will be to seek medical attention as soon as possible even if you believe you have sustained minor injuries. Pedestrians are vulnerable to head trauma, broken bones, internal injuries, and other serious conditions as a result of having inadequate protection. Some nearby Glendale-area hospitals and medical centers where pedestrians can be treated include:

• Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center
• Adventist Health Glendale
• USC Verdugo Hills Hospital

For injuries that are not life-threatening, you can visit local urgent care facilities, such as the San Feliz Urgent Care or the Mederi Urgent care.

At the accident scene, be sure to stay safe and avoid moving if you are seriously hurt. If possible, try to gather evidence. Contact the local authorities so that police reports can be officially documented. Collect witness statements and contact information from bystanders as these can play an important role in supporting your case. Have medical records from all of your treatments ready available. These elements can be used as proof that you suffered bodily harm and can help calculate damages.

Once immediate safety and medical needs have been addressed, consulting with a Glendale pedestrian accident lawyer will give you a sense of relief as they advocate on your behalf to secure full compensation for losses you incurred, including medical bills, lost income, and other damages stemming from the incident. Acting fast to obtain evidence will help strengthen your personal injury case while also protecting your rights under California law.

How Long Does it Take to Settle a Pedestrian Accident?

The settlement timeline for a pedestrian accident in Glendale will depend on certain factors, such as injury severity, case complexity, and insurer cooperation. Less serious matters are typically settled in a few months. However, in cases where serious harm is involved, the process may take longer. Under these circumstances, the insurance company will have to wait until the injured pedestrian reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI). For complex injuries, this can extend to a year or more.

Certain factors that can affect settlement time include:

• The amount of medical treatment and ongoing physical therapy required.
• Determination of fault in the pedestrian accident.
• Gathering and reviewing evidence.

Working alongside a Glendale pedestrian accident lawyer can help smooth out the process. They will negotiate with insurance companies and work diligently to get you satisfactory results.

How Much Compensation Do You Get if You Get Hit by a Car?

The compensation available in a pedestrian accident claim depends on the seriousness of your injuries, the facts surrounding the accident, and the damages you are able to establish. In most cases, compensation includes medical costs such as emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and physical therapy, as well as future treatment expenses when injuries result in long-term or ongoing conditions

If bodily harm restricts you from working, you may also be entitled to recover lost income, including wage and benefits. Accident reports and medical records can help demonstrate the full extent of economic damages and strengthen your claim. Non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress, may also be factored into a settlement. Because every case is different, there is no fixed amount of compensation.

Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help

Pedestrian accident victims are entitled to sue if they endured bodily harm or damages as a result of someone else’s negligence. Understanding your legal options is important as it will help ensure you are not left bearing these burdens all on your own. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Glendale pedestrian accident attorneys can guide you through the process, from acquiring police reports and witness statements to communicating with insurers and representing you in court (if needed).

With our expertise in personal injury law, we are equipped to help you recover compensation for any losses you sustained. To book a FREE, no-obligation consultation, we invite you to reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.