Pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles: what to know in the first days

A common and serious type of crash

Los Angeles has a large walking population and many wide, fast arterial streets. The City of Los Angeles identifies traffic safety on its streets through its Vision Zero program, which focuses on reducing traffic deaths and serious injuries, including those involving people walking.

A pedestrian has no vehicle around them, so even a crash at moderate speed can cause serious injuries. Getting medical care quickly matters, and some injuries, including head injuries, may not be obvious immediately.

Crosswalk rules in California

California Vehicle Code section 21950 requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. The same section also says pedestrians should not suddenly leave a curb into the path of a vehicle that is so close it creates an immediate hazard.

California law changed in 2023 regarding crossing outside a crosswalk. Under the Freedom to Walk Act, police generally may not stop a pedestrian for crossing outside a crosswalk unless a reasonably careful person would realize there is an immediate danger of a collision. How any rule applies to a specific crash depends on the facts.

Reports and records

Inside the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Police Department usually handles traffic collision reports; on state highways and in unincorporated areas, the California Highway Patrol may. Ask for a report number at the scene, or contact the agency afterward.

People also keep photos of the location, signals and lighting, names of witnesses, medical records, bills, and records of missed work. Nearby businesses may have cameras, but footage is often overwritten quickly.

Insurance that may be involved

The driver’s liability insurance is usually the first coverage people think about. Your own auto policy may also include medical payments or uninsured motorist coverage that applies even while you are walking, depending on the policy language. Health insurance can help with treatment costs while other questions are worked out.

Questions to ask

Questions often include which agency took the report, whether the driver had insurance, whether your own policy applies, and what deadlines may apply. In California, many injury claims have a two-year limit, and claims involving a public entity can require a written claim within six months. A licensed attorney can explain how these rules apply. Next Step Injury is a free consumer advertising platform, not a law firm or a lawyer referral service. It does not evaluate situations or give legal advice. After an inquiry, a participating attorney may contact you, and you decide whether to work with that attorney.