Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Protecting Victims’ Rights
Protecting the Rights of Injured Pedestrians Across LA
Pedestrians are some of the most vulnerable people on Los Angeles streets. Crosswalks, sidewalks, and intersections should offer safety—but every day, people on foot are struck by speeding, distracted, or reckless drivers. The injuries are often catastrophic. The legal aftermath? Even more overwhelming.
At Shakhnis Law, we stand with injured pedestrians and their families. If you’ve been hit by a car while crossing the street, walking through a parking lot, or even standing on a sidewalk, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. We’ll help you fight for justice—and make sure you’re not left carrying the burden alone.
Los Angeles Is One of the Most Dangerous Cities for Pedestrians
Despite years of safety initiatives, Los Angeles remains one of the deadliest cities in America for pedestrians. From Downtown LA to Hollywood, Koreatown to South Central, drivers regularly speed through crosswalks, ignore traffic signals, or fail to yield to people on foot.
According to LAPD and SWITRS crash data:
- Hundreds of pedestrians are seriously injured in LA every year
- Dozens lose their lives, many at marked crosswalks
- Hit-and-run drivers are involved in a large portion of these collisions
- Speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield are top contributing factors
We believe every person has a right to walk safely in their own neighborhood. When that right is violated, we’re ready to fight.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Most pedestrian crashes are preventable. They happen not because of bad luck, but because a driver failed to follow the rules of the road. Whether it’s carelessness or outright recklessness, the results are the same: pain, trauma, and disrupted lives.
We handle pedestrian injury cases involving:
- Drivers running red lights or failing to stop at stop signs
- Failure to yield at crosswalks or unmarked intersections
- Distracted driving, including texting while driving
- Drunk or impaired drivers
- Speeding through school zones or residential neighborhoods
- Parking lot and driveway accidents
- Left turns across crosswalks without looking for pedestrians
Our team works to uncover the exact cause of the crash and build a clear, compelling case that holds negligent drivers accountable.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
When a person on foot is hit by a vehicle—even at low speeds—the injuries can be catastrophic. There is no buffer between the body and the car, and pedestrians often absorb the full force of the impact.
Our firm helps clients recover from injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Pelvic fractures, broken legs, and shattered bones
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Disfiguring facial injuries and dental trauma
- Lacerations, road rash, and permanent scarring
- Amputations and long-term disability
- PTSD, anxiety, and emotional trauma
We take time to understand the full scope of your injuries and how they affect your life—now and in the future. Then we fight for compensation that reflects the total impact.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you’ve been struck by a vehicle, your first priority is safety. But once immediate medical needs are addressed, there are critical steps that can protect your legal rights:
- Call 911 and request emergency assistance
- If possible, take photos of the scene, vehicle, and visible injuries
- Get the names and contact info of witnesses
- Do not speak to the driver’s insurance company without a lawyer
- Follow all medical treatment and keep records
- Contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible
We offer free consultations and can begin investigating your case right away—even while you’re still recovering.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
In most pedestrian injury claims, the at-fault driver is held responsible. But depending on the circumstances, other parties may also share liability. That could include:
- The driver’s employer (in commercial vehicle cases)
- A government entity responsible for dangerous intersections
- A construction company that failed to maintain a safe walkway
- A rideshare company like Uber or Lyft if the driver was working at the time
We investigate all possible sources of liability to ensure you receive the fullest compensation available under California law.
Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents
Los Angeles has a hit-and-run crisis—and pedestrians are often the victims. If the driver fled the scene, you are not out of options.
We can help you:
- File a claim under your uninsured motorist (UM) policy
- Work with law enforcement and surveillance footage to identify the driver
- Seek alternative compensation paths when insurance is limited
We’ve helped victims of hit-and-run crashes navigate these difficult cases and recover compensation when it seemed impossible.
How Much Is a Pedestrian Accident Claim Worth?
There is no “average” pedestrian accident case. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, how the incident impacts your ability to work, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured.
We pursue compensation for:
- Hospital and emergency care
- Surgeries, rehab, and long-term treatment
- Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of mobility or independence
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Wrongful death benefits for surviving family members
We build your claim with precision—using medical records, expert opinions, and strong legal strategy to pursue the best possible result.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I still recover compensation if I was jaywalking?
Yes, possibly. California follows comparative negligence laws. If you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages—your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if I was hit by a rideshare driver?
If the driver was working (en route or on a trip), Uber or Lyft’s commercial insurance may apply. These cases are more complex, but we handle them regularly.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In most pedestrian accident cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim. If the at-fault party is a government agency, you may have as little as six months to file a notice of claim.
Do I need a lawyer?
Absolutely. Pedestrian accident cases often involve serious injuries, disputed liability, and aggressive insurance tactics. A lawyer ensures your rights are protected—and that you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
What Our Clients Say
“My wife and I had a fantastic experience working with Philip. He showed a lot of care and attention to detail with us, and our case, during a really difficult time in our lives. We are so grateful that he worked so hard to achieve a great outcome.”
— Andrew E.
“The Shakhnis Law Firm has been helping us to achieve justice for our injuries. We are thankful for all that they have done for us.”
— Bina M.
“Excellent service, highly recommended, help and very fast. I recommend it 100 percent.”
— Yesenia Y.
Why Choose Shakhnis Law for Your Pedestrian Injury Case?
- 25+ Years Representing Injury Victims in Los Angeles
- Millions Recovered in Verdicts and Settlements
- Personalized Attention from Start to Finish
- Aggressive Advocacy Against Negligent Drivers and Insurers
- No Fee Unless We Win — You Don’t Pay Out of Pocket
Contact Our Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today
If you or someone you love has been hit by a car, don’t try to take on the insurance companies alone. We’re here to make sure you get the medical care, compensation, and justice you deserve.
Call (213) 516-4165 or Fill out our online contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
We’ll listen, investigate, and fight—so you can focus on your recovery.
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(323) 648-6602
To receive your free case evaluation, call (323) 648-6602 or complete the form on this page and Philip Shakhnis will respond to you personally within 24 hours.