Beverly Hills Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries in Beverly Hills

Pedestrians lack the protective barriers that vehicle occupants have, such as airbags, seat belts, and the car’s frame itself. Consequently, when a collision occurs, a pedestrian’s body directly absorbs the full impact, so even a low-speed collision can cause catastrophic injuries.

Our Beverly Hills pedestrian accident attorneys can help you understand your legal options if you suffered any of the following injuries because of a collision:

• Broken bones. Pedestrians hit by vehicles often suffer from fractures, particularly in the legs, arms, and ribs. The force of impact can cause bones to break, leading to long recovery times, possible surgeries, and, in some cases, long-term disability.
• Head injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions, are common and potentially life-changing injuries. When a pedestrian's head strikes an oncoming vehicle, the ground, or another object, the brain can suffer severe damage, potentially affecting cognitive functions, memory, and emotional stability.
• Spinal cord injuries. These injuries can result from the forceful impact against a pedestrian’s back or neck, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis. The severity of spinal cord injuries varies greatly, but they often require extensive, costly medical treatments and can result in permanent disability.
• Soft tissue injuries. Sprains, strains, and contusions are among the most common injuries in pedestrian accidents. While they are less severe than fractures or head injuries, they can still cause significant pain, require medical treatment, and may lead to chronic issues if not properly addressed.
• Cuts and lacerations. Broken glass, metal parts, and the asphalt itself can cause deep cuts and lacerations upon impact. These injuries may require stitches and can lead to infection or significant scarring.
• Internal injuries. The force of an accident can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs. These injuries are particularly dangerous because they may not be immediately apparent but can lead to life-threatening conditions if not treated promptly.

Do I Always Have the Right-of-Way as a Beverly Hills Pedestrian?

You do not always have the right-of-way as a pedestrian navigating Beverly Hills. Not necessarily having the right-of-way doesn’t mean drivers can behave irresponsibly, either.

As a pedestrian, you have the right-of-way when crossing the road at a marked crosswalk or at an intersection with an unmarked crosswalk. Drivers must slow down, stop, and allow you to cross the street in these areas. This does not mean that drivers are permitted to ignore you and run you down if you attempt to cross the street in other circumstances, but liability may be more complicated if you did not have the right-of-way at the time of the accident.

Under California law, you are expected to behave safely, too. This means that even if you have the right-of-way, you must look both ways before crossing the street and confirm the road is clear before attempting to cross. Additionally, you should not step onto the road if there’s a vehicle close enough to hit you, as you should never assume the driver will be able to stop in time. 

Whether or not you had the right-of-way in the moments before a collision can influence liability, which can then affect your ability to recover compensation. If you have questions about your rights and legal options after a pedestrian accident, we encourage you to get in touch with our team at Carpenter & Zuckerman. 

I Got Hit by a Car While Jaywalking on Rodeo Drive. Can I Still Recover Compensation?

If you were hit by a car while jaywalking – meaning you were attempting to cross the street somewhere other than an intersection or marked crosswalk – you could share some blame for the accident, depending on the circumstances. Fortunately, under California’s comparative negligence rules, you can still potentially recover some compensation for your losses if the other driver’s negligence contributed to the collision. After all, while jaywalking is generally considered a violation of pedestrian laws – which could imply negligence on your part – it does not necessarily absolve the driver from fault.

In California, your percentage of fault will determine how much you can recover. If your damages total $100,000 and you are found to have been 40% responsible for the accident due to your jaywalking, you could still recover 60% of your damages, or $60,000. 

Our Beverly Hills pedestrian accident lawyers are not afraid to fight for injury victims in cases involving comparative negligence. After assessing the facts of your case, we can advise whether you have a case and walk you through what to expect.