What are pedestrians' rights in California traffic law?

California law provides strong protections for pedestrians. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, both marked and unmarked, under Vehicle Code Section 21950. Drivers must also exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian on the roadway. Pedestrians have the right of way at intersections without traffic signals when they are in a marked crosswalk or at the corner. However, pedestrians also have a duty to exercise reasonable care for their own safety.

Can I recover compensation if I was hit by a car while jaywalking in California?

Possibly yes. California's pure comparative negligence system means that even if you were jaywalking, you may still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% at fault and your damages are $200,000, you could still recover $140,000. The driver still has a duty to exercise reasonable care regardless of where a pedestrian is walking.

What injuries are common in California pedestrian accidents?

Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries because pedestrians have no protection against a vehicle. Common injuries include traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries and paralysis, broken bones and fractures, internal organ injuries, severe road rash and lacerations, amputations, and wrongful death. Even low-speed collisions can cause life-altering injuries to pedestrians.

Who can be held liable in a pedestrian accident?

In a pedestrian accident, potential defendants may include the driver who struck you, the vehicle owner if different from the driver, an employer if the driver was working at the time, a municipality or government agency if defective road design or broken signals contributed, and vehicle manufacturers if a defect such as brake failure was involved. Our attorneys conduct a thorough investigation to identify every party whose negligence contributed to your injuries.

What should I do if I was hit by a car as a pedestrian?

If you were hit by a car as a pedestrian: call 911 immediately and accept medical treatment; get the driver's name, contact information, and insurance details; collect witness contact information and take photos if you are able; do not accept blame or minimize your injuries; seek follow-up medical care promptly because some injuries such as traumatic brain injury can worsen over time; and contact a pedestrian accident attorney before speaking with any insurance company.

Pedestrian Accidents

Orange County Pedestrian Accident Lawyers — Protecting the Rights of Injured Pedestrians

Serving All of Orange County Including Orange, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, and Fullerton

Pedestrian accidents are among the most devastating types of traffic collisions. When a vehicle strikes a person on foot, the results are almost always catastrophic — severe injuries, long-term disability, and tragically, death. If you or a loved one was hit by a car, truck, or other vehicle while walking in Orange County, the experienced attorneys at Sky Law Group will fight aggressively to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.

We handle all pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win. Call (844) 475-9529 for a free consultation.

The Growing Pedestrian Safety Crisis in California

California consistently leads the nation in pedestrian fatalities. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, California accounts for nearly one in five pedestrian deaths nationally. Orange County, with its sprawling urban landscape, wide multi-lane roads, and limited pedestrian infrastructure in many areas, sees hundreds of pedestrian-involved collisions every year.

Despite efforts to improve pedestrian safety, the combination of distracted driving, high-speed roads running through residential areas, and inadequate crosswalks continues to put pedestrians at extreme risk. Vulnerable populations — including children, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities — face the greatest danger.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Orange County

Distracted Driving — Drivers texting, using phones, or otherwise distracted are the leading cause of pedestrian accidents. A driver looking at their phone for just 5 seconds at 35 mph travels the length of a football field without watching the road.
Failure to Yield at Crosswalks — California Vehicle Code Section 21950 requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. Many drivers ignore this law.
Left-Turn Collisions — Drivers making left turns at intersections often focus on oncoming traffic and fail to see pedestrians in the crosswalk they are turning into.
Speeding — The faster a vehicle is traveling, the less time a driver has to react and the more severe the impact. A pedestrian struck at 40 mph has an 85% chance of dying.
Drunk and Impaired Driving — Intoxicated drivers have severely reduced reaction times, vision, and judgment.
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs — Drivers who blow through intersections put pedestrians who have the right of way in extreme danger.
Backing Up Accidents — Drivers backing out of driveways and parking spaces frequently strike pedestrians, especially children who are below the driver’s line of sight.
Poor Road Design — Many Orange County roads lack adequate crosswalks, pedestrian signals, sidewalks, or lighting, forcing pedestrians into dangerous situations.

Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Because pedestrians have no protection against the force of a vehicle, injuries are typically severe:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) — Head injuries from impact with the vehicle or pavement, ranging from concussions to permanent brain damage
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis — Damage to the spine that can cause partial or complete paralysis
Broken Bones and Fractures — Legs, hips, pelvis, arms, and ribs are commonly fractured. The “bumper fracture” — a tibial plateau fracture caused by the bumper striking the lower leg — is especially common in pedestrian accidents.
Internal Organ Damage — Blunt force trauma causing internal bleeding, ruptured organs, and other life-threatening conditions
Soft Tissue Injuries — Torn ligaments, tendons, and muscles that may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation
Disfigurement and Scarring — Road rash, lacerations, and surgical scarring
Wrongful Death — Tragically, many pedestrian accidents result in fatalities. If you’ve lost a loved one, our wrongful death attorneys can help your family seek justice.

California Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws

Understanding California’s pedestrian laws is essential for building a strong accident claim:

CVC 21950 — Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections
CVC 21954 — Pedestrians outside of crosswalks must yield to vehicles, but drivers still must exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians
CVC 21955 — Jaywalking between adjacent signalized intersections is prohibited, but jaywalking does NOT eliminate a driver’s duty of care
Comparative Negligence — Even if you were partially at fault (for example, jaywalking), you can still recover compensation under California law. Your award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.
Statute of Limitations — You have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit

Compensation Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims

Pedestrian accident claims often result in substantial compensation due to the severity of injuries:

Medical Expenses — Emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, physical therapy, assistive devices, and all future medical needs
Lost Income — Wages lost during recovery and diminished future earning capacity
Pain and Suffering — Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD
Loss of Quality of Life — Inability to enjoy activities, hobbies, and daily life as before
Disability and Disfigurement — Permanent physical limitations and scarring
Wrongful Death Damages — Funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship for surviving family members

Dangerous Pedestrian Areas in Orange County

Harbor Boulevard (Anaheim/Fullerton) — High pedestrian traffic near Disneyland Resort with wide, high-speed lanes
Bristol Street (Santa Ana/Costa Mesa) — Multi-lane road with limited crosswalks and high accident rates
Beach Boulevard (Westminster/Huntington Beach) — Long stretches without safe pedestrian crossings
Katella Avenue (Orange/Anaheim) — Busy commercial corridor with heavy foot traffic
Main Street (Santa Ana) — Downtown area with frequent pedestrian-vehicle conflicts
Pacific Coast Highway — High-speed coastal road with limited pedestrian infrastructure

Why Choose Sky Law Group for Your Pedestrian Accident Case

No Fee Unless We Win — Zero upfront cost. We only get paid when you get paid.
Thorough Investigation — We obtain traffic camera footage, witness statements, police reports, and work with accident reconstruction experts
Fight Against Victim Blaming — Insurance companies often try to blame pedestrians. We know these tactics and won’t let them minimize your claim.
Maximum Compensation — We calculate the full lifetime cost of your injuries, not just immediate medical bills
Local Expertise — Our office at 303 W Katella Ave Suite 301, Orange puts us in the heart of the community we serve

Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents

Can I sue if I was jaywalking when I was hit?

Yes. California’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Jaywalking does not give a driver the right to hit you — they still have a legal duty to exercise due care. Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover significant damages.

What if the driver who hit me fled the scene (hit and run)?

You may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage or through the California Victim Compensation Board. Our attorneys can also work with police to help identify the driver through surveillance footage and witness statements.

How much is a pedestrian accident case worth?

Pedestrian accident cases often result in higher settlements than typical car accidents due to the severity of injuries. The value depends on your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term impact on your life. Contact us for a free case evaluation at (844) 475-9529.

Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?

Never accept an insurance company’s first offer without consulting an attorney. Initial settlement offers are almost always far below the true value of your case. Insurance companies rely on victims accepting quick, low settlements before they understand the full extent of their injuries and damages.

What evidence is important in a pedestrian accident case?

Critical evidence includes the police report, medical records, photos of the scene and injuries, traffic camera and surveillance footage, witness statements, the driver’s phone records (to prove distraction), and expert testimony about your injuries and prognosis.