Pedestrian accidents are a serious concern in urban settings like Beverly Hills, CA. According to national data, more than 7,300 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States during 2023, and pedestrian fatalities now account for about 18% of all traffic deaths.
This topic matters because being struck by a vehicle often results in life-changing injuries, expensive medical bills, lost wages, and complex legal issues for both the pedestrian and the driver. If you or someone you know was involved in a pedestrian accident in the Beverly Hills area, it’s essential to understand the key issues involved. However, many people struggle because they are unaware of how pedestrian-accident laws work in California and when to act.
Why People Struggle
- Many people assume that if a driver hits a pedestrian the driver is always fully at fault, but in California a pedestrian can share fault under the comparative negligence system.
- Some pedestrians and drivers aren’t aware of the specific traffic laws such as California Vehicle Code 21950 and California Vehicle Code 21954, which govern pedestrian right-of-way and driver duties.
- The time limit to file a lawsuit is short, in California you generally have only two years from the accident date to bring a case.
- Some people believe that crossing outside a marked crosswalk means they have no rights, but even then drivers still owe a “duty of care” to pedestrians.
In this article, you’ll learn how to avoid these pitfalls and make informed choices.
Why Early Action and Legal Review Matter
Taking prompt action after a pedestrian accident is important because early steps often influence the outcome of your case. For example:
- You should immediately seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel severe pain, some injuries (like internal trauma or head injuries) may surface later.
- Documenting the accident scene matters, photos of visibility, lighting, vehicle speed indicators, driver behaviour and any crosswalk or road signage can provide important evidence.
- Knowing the legal standards in California helps you understand how fault and liability may be assigned. For instance, under California Vehicle Code 21950 a driver must yield to pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk, and under Vehicle Code 21954 a pedestrian outside a crosswalk still must exercise due care, but that does not remove the driver’s duty of care.
Infrastructure can also affect outcomes, learn how bicycle lanes and pedestrian safety intersect and may influence collision risk in Los Angeles. Understand why preserving evidence, from surveillance video and witness statements to medical records, is crucial to proving pedestrian accident liability.
A Common Mistake: Assuming the Driver Bears All the Fault
One of the most frequent misunderstandings is that if a pedestrian is hit, the driver is automatically 100% responsible. That is not always true in California. The state uses a pure comparative negligence system, which means an injured pedestrian may still recover damages even if they were partly at fault, but their recovery is reduced by their share of fault.
Why people make this mistake:
- Because many assume pedestrians always have the right of way.
- Because the immediate emotions of being hit overshadow the later legal analysis.
The correct approach:
- Engage a qualifiedpedestrian accident attorney who understands pedestrian-vehicle collision liability.
- Don’t wait to gather evidence; the condition of a crosswalk, lighting, and driver behaviour matter.
- Keep detailed records of your medical treatment and any lost income, which may be vital in assessing damages.
What Happens When You Take the Right Steps
When you act promptly and with informed guidance, you are positioned to secure the full evidence that supports your case. For example:
- A consistent legal timeline ensures you don’t miss the statute of limitations for filing a claim in California, which is typically two years for pedestrian accidents.
- Clear documentation of driver negligence, such as speeding or distracted driving, can strengthen a claim. Learn how speed limits and pedestrian injuries are connected, and why lower speeds can significantly reduce crash severity.
- With evidence and expert legal support, you may recover compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation, lost earnings, and long-term impairment expenses. If you’re unsure about how medical bills are covered after a pedestrian crash in California, this guide breaks down health insurance, MedPay, UM/UIM, and personal injury claims.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What legal rights does a pedestrian have after being hit in Beverly Hills?
In California, a pedestrian struck by a vehicle may have a legal claim even if they bear some fault. The state follows a pure comparative negligence standard.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a pedestrian accident in California?
You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for injuries or damages in California.
What if the pedestrian was outside a marked crosswalk when the accident happened?
Even if a pedestrian is outside a marked crosswalk, the driver still owes a duty of care. That said, the pedestrian may share fault.
Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault during the incident?
Yes. Under California law, even if you share fault in the crash, you may still recover damages, but the amount will be adjusted by your percentage of fault.
For help with pedestrian accidents lawyer in Beverly Hills, contact Crown Law Group, PC at (310) 734-0504.
