Pedestrian Accidents in California: What to Do If You’re Hit by a Car

California is one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians. Busy intersections, distracted drivers, speeding, and poorly marked crosswalks all contribute to thousands of injuries every year. If you were hit by a car, you may be dealing with shock, pain, confusion, and uncertainty about what to do next.

This guide breaks down exactly what steps to take, how pedestrian accident compensation works in California, and how JusticeGuys can help you protect your rights and recover the full amount you’re owed.

Whether your injuries are mild, moderate, or severe, your actions in the first hours and days after the collision can make or break your case.

Let’s walk through what to do.

Step 1: Get Medical Care Immediately (Even If You “Feel Fine”)

Many pedestrian accident injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Adrenaline masks pain, and serious conditions—like internal bleeding, concussions, nerve damage, and soft tissue injuries—can take hours or days to reveal themselves.

Why medical care matters:

• Protects your health

• Creates documentation for your claim

• Connects the injury to the accident

• Prevents the insurance company from denying your case

Tell your doctor exactly what happened, where you feel pain, and mention any dizziness, nausea, stiffness, or numbness.

Step 2: Contact the Police and File an Official Report

In California, a police report is critical in pedestrian accident claims because it includes:

• Driver statements

• Witness statements

• Fault assessment

• Collision details

• Scene documentation

Even if the driver begs you not to call the police — call anyway.
A police report protects you from blame-shifting and gives your attorney the foundation they need to build your case.

Step 3: Gather Evidence (If You’re Able)

If you’re not badly injured and can safely move around, collect what you can. If not, ask someone nearby to help.

Important evidence includes:

• Photos of the scene

• Photos of your injuries

• Driver’s license + insurance

• Vehicle damage

• Crosswalks, traffic signals, or lack thereof

• Names & phone numbers of witnesses

This evidence helps prove:

• Liability

• Vehicle speed

• Lighting conditions

• Visibility

• Safety hazards

• The exact point of impact

The more evidence, the stronger the claim.

Step 4: Do Not Talk to the Driver’s Insurance Company

The insurance company’s job is simple:
Pay you as little as possible.

They may:

• Pressure you for a recorded statement

• Ask leading questions to make you seem at fault

• Offer a fast but tiny settlement

• Ask about your medical history

• Try to get you to admit “you didn’t see the car”

You are under zero obligation to speak with them.

Tell them:
“I am consulting with my lawyer. All communication must go through my attorney.”

Step 5: Document All Pain, Symptoms & Life Disruptions

Pedestrian injuries rarely affect just your body—they affect your daily life.

Document:

• Missed work

• Doctor visits

• Medications

• Physical limitations

• Sleep issues

• Emotional distress

• Loss of mobility

This helps calculate:

• Pain & suffering

• Lost wages

• Reduced earning capacity

• Long-term effects

Your attorney will use this to build your compensation case.

Step 6: Know Your Rights Under California Pedestrian Laws

California gives pedestrians strong legal protections. In most cases, drivers are responsible when they hit a pedestrian—even if visibility was low or the pedestrian was partially outside the crosswalk.

You may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills

• Lost wages

• Future earning loss

• Pain & suffering

• Emotional distress

• Disability or mobility impairment

• Property damage

If the driver was speeding, texting, or intoxicated, additional damages may be available.

Step 7: Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Quickly

The sooner you have legal help, the better your outcome.

A JusticeGuys attorney will:

• Handle insurance communications

• Protect your rights

• Gather video footage and evidence

• Calculate the full value of your injuries

• Prevent lowball settlements

• Prepare your case for negotiation or litigation

• Ensure you’re compensated fairly—not just quickly

Most pedestrian accident victims have no idea how much their case is truly worth. Insurance companies take advantage of that.

JusticeGuys doesn’t let them.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Even “minor” pedestrian accidents can lead to serious injuries, including:

• Broken bones

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Concussions

• Neck & back injuries

• Spinal cord damage

• Hip, knee, and joint trauma

• Severe bruising

• Internal injuries

• Scarring

The human body isn’t designed to withstand the force of a moving vehicle. Always err on the side of caution and get checked out thoroughly.

How Compensation Works in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Insurance companies don’t calculate compensation based on fairness. They base it on formulas designed to minimize payouts.

Your settlement may include:

Economic damages

• ER bills

• Surgery

• Physical therapy

• Medications

• Lost wages

• Future income loss

Non-economic damages

• Pain & suffering

• Emotional trauma

• Disfigurement

• Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive damages (rare but possible)

If the driver was drunk, fleeing police, or acting recklessly.

Your attorney’s role is to prove how the accident will affect you today, tomorrow, and in the future—not just this week.

Why Many Pedestrian Victims Lose Their Claims

Because they:

• Don’t get medical care soon enough

• Accept the first settlement offer

• Give recorded statements

• Don’t document their injuries

• Wait too long to get an attorney

Insurance companies move fast.
You need someone on your side who moves faster.

If you were hit by a car in California—even if you think the injuries are minor—you deserve clarity, protection, and full compensation.

Get a free case review from JusticeGuys today.
We’ll tell you exactly what your rights are, what your case is worth, and how to move forward safely.

No pressure. No confusion. Just answers.

Top 5 FAQs: Pedestrian Accidents in California

1. Do I need a lawyer for a pedestrian accident?

If you were injured—even slightly—it’s highly recommended. Insurance companies often deny or undervalue pedestrian claims without legal representation.

2. What if I wasn’t in a crosswalk?

You may still recover compensation. California law protects pedestrians even outside marked crosswalks.

3. What if I didn’t feel hurt until days later?

This is common. Delayed pain is still legally valid if documented. See a doctor and contact an attorney immediately.

4. What if the driver fled the scene?

You may still get compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or other legal options. A lawyer can help investigate.

5. How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim?

In California, you typically have 2 years, but cases involving government vehicles or public property can have much shorter deadlines.

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