California’s busy streets have crosswalks lined with palm trees, intersections framed by taco trucks and Teslas, and morning joggers sharing the road with commuters in a rush. In a state where sunshine and speed often mix, California leads the nation in pedestrian car accident injuries.
From Los Angeles freeways to San Francisco’s steep streets, vehicles strike thousands of pedestrians every year. Getting hit by a car, injuries that are life-altering, and medical bills leave families reeling. Understanding the types of injuries and how to protect your rights after a crash can help you begin rebuilding your life with confidence.
Why Pedestrian Accident Injuries Are so Serious
When a vehicle collides with a person, the human body absorbs the full impact. Unlike drivers, pedestrians don’t have seat belts, airbags, or a metal frame to protect them. Even a low-speed crash can cause serious harm. In 2023, there were 1,057 pedestrian traffic fatalities in California. Thousands more suffered severe injuries requiring hospitalization.
Many crashes occur in high-traffic corridors such as:
- Los Angeles. Intersections like Figueroa and Slauson, Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, and areas along Sunset Boulevard, consistently rank among the most dangerous for pedestrians.
- San Francisco. High-injury areas include Market Street at Octavia Boulevard and Geary Boulevard at Divisadero.
- San Diego. Corridors like El Cajon Boulevard and Art Street, Kurtz and Rosecrans Streets, and Miramar Road at Nobel Drive are also high-risk zones.
Road design and heavy traffic often contribute to many pedestrian collisions across the state.
Common Types of Pedestrian Accident Injuries
You can be seriously impaired when getting hit by a car. Common injuries include:
- Head and brain injuries. A sudden blow to the head can cause a concussion, skull fracture, or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even if symptoms seem mild at first, brain injuries can lead to long-term memory loss, headaches, or changes in mood and behavior.
- Broken bones. The force of a collision can easily break bones in the legs, arms, ribs, or pelvis. Compound fractures often require surgery and months of therapy.
- Spinal cord and back injuries. Spinal injuries are among the most devastating pedestrian car accident injuries. They can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and partial or complete paralysis.
- Internal injuries. Pedestrians often suffer internal bleeding or organ damage in car accidents. Internal injuries can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
- Soft tissue damage. Sprains, tears, and deep bruising are common injuries that can occur after a collision. Though they may seem minor, they can cause lasting pain and reduced movement.
- Psychological trauma. Pedestrians also frequently experience anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or depression after an accident. Emotional recovery is a crucial component of the healing process.
The type of injury sustained and its severity will depend on many factors, including vehicle speed, impact angle, the victim’s age, and health.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Car Accident
The steps you take after a pedestrian car accident can significantly affect your health and your potential claim.
Key actions include:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt, injuries like internal bleeding or brain trauma might not show symptoms right away.
- Call law enforcement. A police report documents what happened and can serve as valuable evidence.
- Gather information. Collect the driver’s contact and insurance details, and take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage.
- Get witness statements. If anyone saw the accident, their accounts can support your version of events.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you understand your options, deal with insurers, and pursue fair compensation.
After these steps, focus on recovery. The right legal guidance lets you prioritize healing while your attorney handles the rest.
Understanding Liability in California Pedestrian Accidents
California is a pure comparative negligence state. This means that even if pedestrians are partly at fault, they can still recover damages. If they have a percentage of fault, the amount of compensation they receive is reduced by their share of fault.
Drivers, however, have a duty to remain alert and yield to pedestrians. When a driver speeds, runs a red light, or fails to yield, they can be held legally responsible. In some cases, unsafe road design or poor lighting may also play a role, allowing victims to pursue a claim against a government entity.
The Long-Term Impact of Pedestrian Car Accident Injuries
Recovery from pedestrian car accident injuries can take months or years. Medical expenses, time off work, and emotional suffering add up quickly. Some victims face permanent disabilities that change every aspect of their lives.
A personal injury claim can help you recover compensation for:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation costs,
- Lost wages or future earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering, and
- Noneconomic damages related to emotional distress.
An attorney can evaluate your case and determine the full extent of your losses. They can ensure that no category of damages is overlooked.
Choose Wells Call Personal Injury Lawyers for Your Pedestrian Accident Injuries
At Wells Call Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that pedestrian accidents cause. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling complex personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout California. We bring knowledge, compassion, and proven results to every case.
We’ve recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients across California, earning membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and recognition among The Top Trial Lawyers in America. We use that experience to fight for the justice our clients deserve.
If you’ve sustained accident injuries as a pedestrian in California, our team can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you understand your options, protect your rights, and focus on healing while we handle the rest.