Protecting The Rights Of Injured Pedestrians

Last updated on June 26, 2025

The San Diego metropolitan area has many busy spots filled with pedestrians and motor vehicles. Areas such as North County, the pedestrian walkway at Del Mar Highlands Town Center and the busy shopping intersection at El Camino Real and Del Mar Highlands Town Center sees many accidents every year.

Pedestrian accidents can be severe, and often lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. You need an experienced personal injury lawyer to help guide you through the legal process and help you fight for the compensation you deserve. At AK Injury Law Firm, we passionately fight for the rights of injured pedestrians to hold responsible parties accountable and obtain just compensation.

Work With An Attorney Who Understands Your Injuries

Our attorney, Dr. Azadeh Keshavarz, has a decade of experience assisting injured patients as a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine. She has seen many pedestrian injuries firsthand and understands the kinds of injuries these accidents can cause. Without the body of a car or vehicle to protect them, when pedestrians are involved in an accident, the results can be catastrophic. With unique medical experience behind us, we can build a strong case that takes the details of your injuries into account.

Common injuries after a pedestrian accident include:

• Broken bones
• Amputations
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ injuries

In California, injured pedestrians can file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your financial and emotional damages resulting from the accident. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you can file a clam to recover compensation for your medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, lost future income, and pain and suffering. If you lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, we can help you file a wrongful death claim on their behalf.

Pedestrian Laws In California

California law establishes specific rights and responsibilities for both pedestrians and drivers to promote safety on roadways and sidewalks. Pedestrians have the right to use crosswalks and sidewalks safely, expect drivers to yield at marked crosswalks and receive protection under traffic laws when following proper procedures.

Pedestrian responsibilities include obeying traffic signals and signs, using designated crosswalks when available, and avoiding sudden movements into traffic that could endanger themselves or drivers. Drivers bear the responsibility to exercise due care around pedestrians, yield the right-of-way at crosswalks, maintain safe following distances, and remain alert for pedestrians in all areas, including parking lots and residential neighborhoods.

California Pedestrian Accident Statistics

California pedestrian accident data reveals the serious nature of these incidents and highlights the need for increased safety awareness throughout the state:

• Approximately 1,000 pedestrians are killed annually in California traffic accidents
• Over 14,000 pedestrians sustain injuries requiring medical treatment each year
• Pedestrian fatalities account for nearly 25% of all traffic deaths in California
• More than 75% of pedestrian fatalities occur during nighttime hours when visibility is reduced
• Urban areas experience significantly higher pedestrian accident rates than rural locations due to increased traffic density
• Senior citizens aged 65 and older represent a disproportionate number of pedestrian fatalities despite comprising a smaller portion of the walking population
• Children under 15 years old account for approximately 10% of all pedestrian injuries statewide

These statistics demonstrate the urgent need for improved pedestrian safety measures and driver awareness throughout California communities, particularly in high traffic urban areas where most accidents occur.

Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents

Understanding the primary factors that contribute to pedestrian accidents helps identify preventable situations and establish liability in injury cases:

• Distracted driving involving cellphone use, texting or other activities that divert driver attention from the roadway
• Speeding that reduces reaction time and increases the severity of impacts when collisions occur
• Failure to yield the right-of-way at crosswalks, intersections or when pedestrians have legal priority
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs that impairs judgment, reaction time, and decision-making abilities
• Reckless driving behaviors including aggressive lane changes, running red lights or ignoring traffic control devices
• Poor visibility conditions during dawn, dusk or nighttime hours when pedestrians are harder to see
• Driver inexperience or elderly drivers with diminished reflexes and vision capabilities

These factors often combine to create dangerous situations that result in preventable pedestrian injuries and fatalities.

Contact Us Today To Get Started On Your Case

As a locally owned law firm, we take pride in providing personalized representation to all of our clients. We ensure that our team is available to clients 24/7, so you always feel comfortable coming to us with your questions and concerns. Schedule a free consultation by calling us at 877-470-4878 or filling out our online contact form.