Downtown Los Angeles is alive with movement — commuters rushing to work, tourists exploring landmarks, and residents walking to restaurants or shops. But amid the city’s constant activity, a growing danger lurks: pedestrian accidents.
If you or someone you love has been struck by a vehicle in LA, you’re not alone. Recent statistics suggest thatpedestrian accidents are on the rise, particularly in high-traffic areas such asDowntown LA, Hollywood, and Koreatown.
AtLA Injury Lawyers, our experiencedpedestrian accident lawyer in Los Angeles helps victims recover compensation and rebuild their lives after devastating crashes. Here’s what you need to know about this alarming trend — and what to do if you’re injured.
The Growing Crisis of Pedestrian Accidents in Downtown LA
Downtown Los Angeles is one of the busiest and most densely populated areas in Southern California. With thousands of cars, delivery trucks, rideshare vehicles, scooters, and pedestrians sharing the same space, collisions are inevitable — and often deadly.
According to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) Safety Reports, pedestrian fatalities have risen steadily over the past five years. In fact, nearlyhalf of all traffic deaths in LA involve pedestrians.
Data from the Vision Zero Los Angeles initiative, the city’s traffic safety program, shows that intersections along streets likeFigueroa Street, 7th Street, and Alameda Street are among the most dangerous for pedestrians.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Are Increasing
The spike in pedestrian accidents in Downtown LA isn’t random — it’s the result of several converging factors.
1. Increased Foot Traffic and Rideshare Use
The post-pandemic boom in rideshare services and e-scooters has intensified congestion in already busy downtown corridors. Vehicles often double-park near curbs or speed through intersections to meet ride quotas, putting pedestrians at risk.
2. Distracted Driving
Texting, GPS use, and social media distractions cause countless drivers to take their eyes off the road. Even a two-second glance away can have deadly consequences for someone crossing a street.
3. Poorly Designed Crosswalks
Many Downtown LA intersections lack proper lighting, visible signage, or adequate pedestrian signals. This makes it difficult for drivers to notice walkers at night or in bad weather.
4. Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Drivers in dense areas often rush through yellow lights or make illegal turns to avoid traffic delays. In most cases handled by ourcrosswalk injury attorney team, speeding plays a significant role in the severity of the impact.
Common Locations for Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles
Pedestrian collisions can happen anywhere, but certain areas are far more dangerous. Some of the most accident-prone zones in Los Angeles include:
- Downtown LA: Near 7th and Broadway, Figueroa Corridor, and South Park District.
- Hollywood: Along Hollywood Blvd and Highland Ave.
- Koreatown: Dense intersections with limited crosswalk time.
- Westlake & Pico-Union: High pedestrian density, especially during evening hours.
- Santa Monica: Busy crosswalks near shopping and tourist areas.
These areas combine heavy foot traffic with impatient drivers — a dangerous mix that can lead to tragedy.
What to Do After Being Hit by a Car in Los Angeles
If you’ve been apedestrian hit by a car in LA, the steps you take right after the crash can determine the success of your injury claim.
- Call 911 immediately. Get medical help and report the incident to law enforcement.
- Collect evidence. Take photos of the vehicle, street signs, traffic lights, and your injuries.
- Get witness information. Statements from bystanders can strengthen your case.
- Avoid admitting fault. Even saying “I didn’t see the car” can come back to haunt you later.
- Contact a lawyer. Apedestrian accident lawyer in Los Angeles can help you file an insurance claim and pursue damages.
Understanding California’s Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws
California law protects pedestrians, but drivers don’t always follow the rules. Under California Vehicle Code §21950, drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks.
However, pedestrians also have a duty to use reasonable care — such as obeying traffic signals and avoiding sudden entries into the street.
If both parties share some blame, California’scomparative negligencerule applies. This means you can still recover compensation, but your percentage of fault reduces your award.
For example, if you were 10% at fault, you can still collect 90% of your damages. An experiencedcrosswalk injury attorney can help ensure insurers don’t unfairly shift blame to you.
The Devastating Impact of Pedestrian Accidents
Being struck by a vehicle is one of the most traumatic experiences imaginable. Pedestrians are completely unprotected, which makes even low-speed collisions catastrophic.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Disfigurement or amputation
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
These injuries often require long-term rehabilitation and may permanently change a victim’s quality of life.
How LA Injury Lawyers Can Help You Recover
At LA Injury Lawyers, ourpedestrian accident lawyers havedecades of combined experience representing victims across the city.
When you hire our firm, we handle every aspect of your case — from investigating fault to negotiating with insurers.
Here’s what we do for you:
- Investigate the accident using surveillance footage, police reports, and witness testimony.
- Establish liability by analyzing traffic laws and driver behavior.
- Handle insurance negotiations for fair compensation.
- Represent you in court if the insurer refuses a fair settlement.
We have recoveredmillions in verdicts and settlements for injured pedestrians throughout Los Angeles County.
Filing an Urban Accident Claim in Los Angeles
After a pedestrian crash, you may be entitled to anurban accident claim — a type of personal injury case specific to dense city environments like Downtown LA.
These claims can involve multiple liable parties, such as:
- Negligent drivers
- Rideshare companies (Uber/Lyft)
- City agencies (for unsafe crosswalks)
- Property owners (for poor visibility or obstruction)
An urban accident claim often requires complex evidence and expert testimony—our attorneys partner with accident reconstruction specialists and traffic engineers to prove fault and secure maximum compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
Yourpedestrian accident lawyer in Los Angeles can help you pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost income and diminished earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In cases involving reckless or drunk driving, you may also seekpunitive damages — meant to punish the driver for extreme negligence.
Preventing Pedestrian Accidents: What the City Is Doing
TheCity of Los Angeles launched the Vision Zero initiative in 2015, aiming to eliminate traffic deaths by improving infrastructure and enforcing safer driving behaviors.
Projects include:
- Adding high-visibility crosswalks
- Installing pedestrian refuge islands
- Reducing speed limits in dense areas
- Expanding protected bike and walk lanes
However, progress has been slow. Many residents and safety advocates argue that the pace of improvement hasn’t kept up with population growth and increasing traffic.
Why You Need a Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian injury cases are complex and emotionally draining. Insurance companies often argue that pedestrians caused the crash or minimize payouts for “minor” injuries.
A skilled lawyer protects your rights by:
- Gathering medical and forensic evidence
- Identifying all liable parties
- Calculating the full extent of your losses
- Negotiating aggressively for a fair settlement
- Taking your case to trial if necessary
With ourno-upfront-fee policy, you owe nothing unless we win your case.
Free Consultation: Protect Your Rights Today
If you werehit by a car in Los Angeles, don’t wait to get help. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
AtLA Injury Lawyers, we understand the challenges of recovering from a pedestrian accident in Downtown LA. Our team will handle the legal process while you focus on healing.
Contact us todayat (818) 418-4000for a free case review — no fees unless we win.
Frequently Ask Questions
- Are pedestrian accidents really increasing in Los Angeles?
Yes. According to city data from LADOT, pedestrian fatalities have risen nearly 20% in recent years, with Downtown LA among the highest-risk areas. - What should I do if I am hit while crossing a crosswalk?
Get medical attention, report the crash, and contact acrosswalk injury attorney immediately to protect your rights. - Can I still get compensation if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Under California’s comparative negligence law, you can recover damages even if you share partial responsibility. - Who is liable if poor lighting or design caused my accident?
City or municipal agencies may share liability in anurban accident claim, depending on the circumstances. - How much time do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim?
You have two years from the date of injury to file. However, claims involving government entities require notice within six months.