The Harsh Reality of Pedestrian Accidents in Hollywood
Hollywood is one of the busiest areas in Los Angeles. Tourists flood the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard, rideshare vehicles circle popular venues, and film crews frequently block lanes. This mix of heavy foot traffic and dense vehicle flow creates a dangerous environment for pedestrians.
If you’ve beenhit by a car in Hollywood, CA, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up, work becomes impossible, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies only adds to the pain. That’s where an experienced Hollywood pedestrian accident lawyercan protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Are So Common in Hollywood
The unique layout and activity in Hollywood make it one of LA’s pedestrian danger zones. Contributing factors include:
- Tourist congestion – Visitors unfamiliar with crosswalks and traffic patterns
- Distracted driving – Drivers looking at GPS or their phones instead of the road
- High-speed corridors – Streets like Highland Avenue and Sunset Boulevard
- Limited visibility – Crowded intersections and parked cars blocking sight lines
- Nighttime activity – Restaurants, bars, and events increase evening risks
Unfortunately, even the most cautious walker can become a victim when a driver fails to yield or ignores traffic laws.
Common Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents
Because pedestrians have no physical protection, collisions with cars often result in severe injuries, such as:
- Fractures – Broken legs, arms, ribs, or pelvis
- Head injuries – Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage – Risk of partial or total paralysis
- Internal injuries – Organ damage or internal bleeding
- Severe lacerations – From impact or being thrown onto pavement
Many victims face long recovery times, permanent disabilities, or lifelong pain. This is why getting immediate medical care and legal representation is critical.
What to Do Immediately After Being Hit by a Car in Hollywood, CA
Taking the proper steps after a pedestrian accident can make all the difference in your recovery and your case outcome.
Step 1: Call 911
Police and paramedics will document the scene and provide emergency care. The police report is vital for proving fault.
Step 2: Get Medical Attention
Even if you feel “okay,” some injuries (like brain trauma) can appear hours or days later, and medical records link your injuries to the accident.
Step 3: Gather Evidence
If you’re able, or with a friend’s help:
- Photograph the scene, vehicle, and your injuries
- Collect the driver and witness contact information.
- Note street names, traffic signals, and weather conditions.
Step 4: Avoid Recorded Statements to Insurers
Insurance companies may try to get you to admit partial fault. Politely decline until you speak to your pedestrian accident lawyer.
California Laws Protecting Pedestrians
California law requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks. However, pedestrians must also exercise reasonable care for their safety.
Key legal points:
- Right-of-way – Drivers must stop for pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks.
- Comparative negligence – Even if you’re partly at fault, you can still recover damages, reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Statute of limitations – You generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim.
Determining Fault in a Hollywood Pedestrian Accident
Your lawyer will investigate to determine fault by reviewing:
- Police and accident reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Vehicle damage and skid mark analysis
- Driver phone records (to prove distraction)
In some cases, multiple parties share liability, such as a negligent driver and a poorly maintained intersection owned by the city.
Potential Compensation for Victims
If you’ve been injured, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses – Emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation
- Lost income – Wages missed during recovery and reduced future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering – For physical pain and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life – If injuries prevent you from daily activities
- Wrongful death damages – For families who lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident
How a Hollywood Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Helps
An experienced attorney will:
- Investigate the crash using local knowledge of dangerous Hollywood intersections
- Gather evidence to build a strong liability case.
- Work with medical experts to fully calculate your damages
- Negotiate with insurance companies to avoid lowball settlements.
- File a lawsuit if the insurer refuses fair compensation.
We’ve handled cases involving high-profile locations near the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and Sunset Strip, where complex liability issues often arise.
Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrians in Hollywood
Some intersections see repeated pedestrian accidents due to poor visibility, heavy traffic, and noncompliant drivers:
- Hollywood Blvd & Highland Ave
- Sunset Blvd & Vine St
- Santa Monica Blvd & La Brea Ave
- Franklin Ave & Cahuenga Blvd
Knowing these hotspots can help attorneys locate witnesses and surveillance footage quickly.
If you’ve beenhit by a car in Hollywood, CA, you don’t have to face the medical bills and insurance companies alone. Call ourpedestrian accident lawyers for afree consultation, and we only get paid if we win.
Time Limits and Why Acting Fast Matters
The standard two-year deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit in California can be much shorter if:
- The claim involves a government entity (such as unsafe crosswalk maintenance) – only6 months to file a government claim
- You’re filing on behalf of a minor – deadlines may be extended, but evidence fades quickly.
The sooner your lawyer starts, the better your chances of securing key witness statements and traffic footage.
Mistakes to Avoid After a Pedestrian Accident
- Posting on social media about your injuries or the accident
- Accepting the first settlement offer without legal advice
- Skipping follow-up medical appointments can weaken your claim.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians in Hollywood
While you can’t control driver behavior, you can lower your risk by:
- Using designated crosswalks and obeying signals
- Making eye contact with drivers before crossing
- Wearing bright or reflective clothing at night
- Staying alert, avoid using your phone while crossing streets.
Pedestrian accidents in Hollywood can leave victims with life-changing injuries and financial hardship. Ourpedestrian accident lawyers have decades of combined experience holding negligent drivers accountable and winning maximum compensation for victims.
Call LA Injury today for yourfree consultation, and handle the legal fight so you can focus on healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I still sue if I wasn’t in a crosswalk?
Yes, drivers still must avoid hitting pedestrians, though your compensation may be reduced. - What if the driver fled the scene?
Your lawyer can help you file an uninsured motorist claim through your insurance. - Will the driver face criminal charges?
Possibly, especially in hit-and-run cases or if DUI was involved, but your civil claim is separate. - Do I need a lawyer if the driver admitted fault?
Yes, admitting fault doesn’t mean their insurer will pay fairly. - How long will my case take?
Most pedestrian accident cases settle within several months, but complex cases can take a year or more.