California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Compassionate Legal Support for Pedestrian Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in California, CA Injury Lawyer is here to guide you through the recovery process.
Our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys understand the devastating physical, emotional, and financial impact of a crash. We are committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve to move forward.
Contact us now for a free consultation and let us help you reclaim your life.
California Pedestrian Laws
California’s pedestrian laws, outlined in the California Vehicle Code (CVC), protect pedestrians and regulate interactions between them and vehicles. Key laws include:
Right-of-Way at Crosswalks (CVC 21950)
Drivers' Responsibility
Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. A marked crosswalk is indicated by painted lines, while an unmarked crosswalk exists where sidewalks meet at right angles at an intersection, unless prohibited by a "no crossing" sign. Drivers must slow down or stop to allow pedestrians to cross safely, stopping before the crosswalk limit line, not in the middle.
Pedestrian Responsibility
Pedestrians must not suddenly leave a curb or safe place and enter a vehicle’s path if it poses an immediate hazard. They should also avoid unnecessarily stopping or delaying traffic while in a crosswalk.
Crosswalk Use and Traffic Signals (CVC 21456)
Pedestrians must obey pedestrian signals ("Walk" or "Don’t Walk"). Crossing against a "Don’t Walk" signal or red light is illegal and may result in shared liability if an accident occurs. However, if a pedestrian is already in a crosswalk when the signal changes, they may continue crossing.
At intersections with no pedestrian signals, pedestrians must follow traffic signals and cross only on a green light when the roadway is clear.
Jaywalking and the Freedom to Walk Act (CVC 21955, Effective January 1, 2023)
Previously, jaywalking (crossing outside a crosswalk) could result in fines up to $250. The Freedom to Walk Act (AB 2147) decriminalizes jaywalking when done safely, meaning pedestrians can cross outside crosswalks without a ticket unless their actions create an immediate danger of a collision. However, pedestrians must still yield to vehicles when crossing outside crosswalks, and reckless crossing can still lead to citations or liability.
Sidewalk and Bike Lane Rules
Pedestrians have the right-of-way on sidewalks, and drivers must yield when crossing sidewalks to enter or exit driveways, parking lots, or alleys (CVC 21952). Driving on sidewalks is generally prohibited, except to access adjacent property (CVC 21663).
Pedestrians must not walk in bike lanes if a sidewalk or designated pedestrian path is available (CVC 21966).
Special Protections for Blind Pedestrians (CVC 21963)
Blind pedestrians using a white cane (with or without a red tip) or a guide dog always have the right-of-way at intersections. Drivers must take extra precautions to ensure their safety. Failure to yield can result in a misdemeanor, with penalties of up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Daylighting Law (AB 413, Effective January 1, 2025)
Vehicles are prohibited from parking or stopping within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk (or 15 feet from curb extensions) to improve visibility and pedestrian safety. This law, known as the "daylighting" law, aims to reduce pedestrian accidents by ensuring clear sightlines at intersections. Enforcement has led to thousands of tickets in cities like Los Angeles and San Diego.
Pedestrian Definition (CVC 467)
A pedestrian includes anyone on foot, using a wheelchair, skateboard, rollerblades, or other non-motorized personal conveyance (except bicycles or e-scooters). Motorized wheelchairs used for mobility assistance are also considered pedestrian devices.
Comparative Negligence in Accidents
California follows a "pure comparative negligence" system. If a pedestrian is partially at fault (e.g., crossing against a signal or jaywalking unsafely), their compensation for injuries may be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a pedestrian is 30% at fault, they may recover 70% of their damages. Both drivers and pedestrians have a duty of care to avoid accidents.
Additional Pedestrian Responsibilities
Pedestrians must not cross diagonally at intersections unless a crosswalk or traffic control allows it.
When no sidewalk is available, pedestrians should walk facing traffic, as far from the roadway as possible.
Pedestrians must avoid distractions (e.g., texting) and intoxication while crossing to ensure their safety.
Compensation in California Pedestrian Accident Injuries
In California, compensation for pedestrian accident injuries varies widely based on injury severity, liability, and damages. Settlements typically range from $10,000 for minor injuries like sprains to over $1 million for severe cases involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or permanent disability.
Economic damages cover medical expenses (e.g., $50,000-$500,000 for surgeries and rehabilitation), lost wages (e.g., $5,000-$100,000 depending on recovery time), and future care costs.
Non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, often range from 1.5 to 5 times medical expenses, potentially adding $15,000-$500,000.
Punitive damages may apply in cases of gross negligence, such as DUI, but are rare. California’s pure comparative negligence law reduces compensation by the pedestrian’s fault percentage; for example, 20% fault reduces a $100,000 award to $80,000. Insurance policy limits (minimum $15,000 per person) can cap payouts unless underinsured motorist coverage applies.
Severe injury settlements average $100,000-$1,000,000, while minor injury cases average $10,000-$75,000. Consulting a personal injury attorney is crucial to maximize recovery, as insurance companies often lowball initial offers. The statute of limitations is two years from the accident date.
Ask a Question,
Describe Your Situation, Request a Free Consultation
"*" indicates required fields
We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.
Vehicle-Related Accidents
Premises & Liability Cases
Serious & Catastrophic Injuries
How Our California Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
Our California personal injury lawyers provide expert support for pedestrian accident victims by helping them navigate complex legal processes to secure fair compensation. We investigate accidents, gather evidence like police reports, witness statements, and medical records to build strong cases.
Our team negotiates with insurance companies to secure the maximum possible compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages and other damages.
We also have trial experience and are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary.
Our California Pedestrian Injury Accident Lawyers Are Waiting to Help!
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in California, it's crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Kickstart the legal process today with a free, no-obligation consultation with our pedestrian accident law firm today!