Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman changed its name to Wisner Baum in January 2023.

Pedestrian Accidents

California Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Pedestrians Face Rising Injury and Fatality Risks in Crashes

Across the country, pedestrian accident injuries and fatalities have been steadily increasing since 2009, rising by 35.4% by 2017 – and here in California, pedestrians face higher risks than almost anywhere else in the U.S. In 2015, the Golden State led the nation in pedestrian deaths for a second consecutive year, and in 2019, California was one of only six states to report double-digit increases in pedestrian fatalities.

These numbers clearly show that pedestrians in Los Angeles and throughout California face exceptional risks to their safety and wellbeing, and at Wisner Baum, we’re dedicated to holding the right parties accountable when those risks become realities. By representing pedestrians in civil lawsuits, our litigators can seek compensation for victims of negligence and advocate for improved traffic safety standards.

With recognition from international and domestic news sources and a long track record of successful outcomes in truck accident, commercial motor vehicle, motorcycle, and car accident cases, our award-winning attorneys have won over $4 billion in recovery for injury victims. It is our goal to ensure that you and your family have enough resources to account for personal injuries and wrongful death, and with compassion and skill, we can help you navigate the legal process.

Give our team a call at (855) 948-5098if you’ve been injured or lost a loved one to a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles. We also take cases throughout California and nationwide.

Your Rights as a California Pedestrian

Whether you’re walking down Hollywood Boulevard or enjoying California’s scenic beaches, you have certain fundamental rights as a pedestrian. This is because California law recognizes that pedestrians tend to be more vulnerable than drivers and need protections. While pedestrians do have a duty to obey the law and avoid disrupting traffic, drivers also have a “duty of care” to drive in a reasonably safe manner.

Key pedestrian rights you should keep in mind:

  • You have the right of way when using a marked or unmarked crosswalk (provided that you are using reasonable care when doing so)
  • You have the right to not be struck by a dangerous, impaired, or distracted driver who is breaking traffic safety laws.
  • You always have the right to use a sidewalk unimpeded, and vehicles who cross your path must cede you the right of way without exception.
  • You have the right to file a lawsuit if a vehicle driver, bicyclist, motorcyclist, or another pedestrian causes you to become injured because of their negligence or traffic violations.

Holding Negligent Parties Accountable for Your Injuries

It goes without saying that pedestrians involved in motor vehicle crashes are often the ones left with the most debilitating and life-altering injuries. From amputations to broken bones to traumatic brain injuries, you could be facing a lifetime of expenses and pain after your accident. Of course, it isn’t always easy to tell when a driver has been negligent – and when you are entitled to bring a lawsuit against them.

In general, there are four areas where liability may fall in pedestrian accidents:

  1. The pedestrian. If you are acting in an unsafe manner – for example, by walking while intoxicated or jaywalking – then you may also be considered negligent. However, under the rule of comparative negligence, pedestrians may still have the right to bring a lawsuit even if they were partially responsible for the crash.
  2. Another party (such as a driver, motorcyclist, or biker). Any other motorist or pedestrian who acts without regard for your safety can be held accountable when you become injured. Some common reasons to file a lawsuit against a driver include reckless driving, drunk driving, hit-and-run, and disobeying traffic safety rules.
  3. A property owner. Under premises liability laws, property owners have the responsibility to maintain their property for invited guests, and that includes the walkways and areas leading up to a building. If you trip and fall because of a hazardous condition on someone else’s properties, you could have a premises liability claim.
  4. Local or city government. Finally, the government has a responsibility to maintain public areas that are available to pedestrians and make them reasonably safe. Poorly-advertised curbs, missing safety signs, and other lapses can make them accountable for injuries.

Do you have questions about your rights as an injured pedestrian? Contact Wisner Baum, online or at (855) 948-5098to schedule a free consultation in Los Angeles or beyond.

Contact Us Today

No Fees Unless We Win
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • +1
    Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please enter your city.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • Toxic Torts $2.0 Billion Verdict

    In May of 2019, the jury in the case of Pilliod et al. v, Monsanto Company ordered the agrochemical giant to pay $2.055 billion in damages to the plaintiffs, Alva and Alberta Pilliod, a Bay Area couple in their 70s.

  • Pharmaceutical Settlement $105 Million Settlement

    Wisner Baum obtained $105 million on behalf of multiple clients involved in a pharmaceutical negligence case.

  • Whistleblower Settlement $18 Million Settlement

    Wisner Baum secured an $18 million settlement against the Boeing Company for overcharging the U.S. government on aircraft maintenance.

  • A Major US Plane Crash $17.5 Million Settlement

    Wisner Baum obtained a $17.5 million settlement on behalf of a client who was killed in a major U.S. plane crash.

  • Commercial Truck Accident $15 Million Settlement

    Wisner Baum secured a $15 million settlement for a person gravely injured by a major truck company.

  • Commercial Truck Accident $8.5 Million Verdict

    Wisner Baum secured a $8.5 million wrongful death verdict against the food industry company, Tyson Foods, for the wrongful death of a young man.

  • Best Law Firms 2023
    Best Law Firms 2023

    A ranking in The U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” is widely regarded by both client and legal professionals as a significant honor. It is considered the most reliable, unbiased source of legal referrals anywhere.

  • The Truck Safety Coalition
    The Truck Safety Coalition

    Wisner Baum is proud to be a sponsor of The Truck Safety Coalition, a a group of caring individuals dedicated to reducing the number of deaths and injuries caused by truck-related crashes. Our support enables them to help families and save lives.

  • California Powerhouse
    California Powerhouse

    Law360 recognizes law firms that have a strong regional presence, working on important matters within their home state. “[Wisner Baum] possesses a David v. Goliath-sized slingshot while seeking justice for everyday citizens it believes were harmed or killed through corporate wrongdoing.”

  • Elite Trial Lawyers
    Elite Trial Lawyers

    NLJ and American Lawyer Media honor law firms and attorneys as Elite Trial Lawyers for their cutting-edge legal work on behalf of plaintiffs in practice areas ranging from mass torts to securities litigation.

  • Listed in Best Lawyers
    Listed in Best Lawyers

    Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. A listing in Best Lawyers is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor, conferred on a lawyer by his or her peers.

  • AV Top Ranked Law Firm
    AV Top Ranked Law Firm

    Less than one-half of one percent of firms across the nation have achieved this ranking. A firm must have a high percentage of lawyers who have achieved the prestigious AV® Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell®.

  • Verdicts Hall of Fame
    Verdicts Hall of Fame

    The National Law Journal inducted Wisner Baum into the Verdicts Hall of Fame for obtaining the $2 billion landmark verdict in the Roundup cancer case of Pilliod et al. v. Monsanto. The verdict was #1 in California and #2 in the U.S. in 2019 and is #9 in American history.

  • Super Lawyers
    Super Lawyers

    Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

  • National Trial Lawyers Top 100
    National Trial Lawyers Top 100

    The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 recognized the law firms of Wisner Baum, the Miller Firm and Audet & Partners with the 2019 Trial Team of the Year award (in the Mass Torts category) for their work in the groundbreaking case of Dewayne “Lee” Johnson v. Monsanto Company.

  • AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
    AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated

    An AV® rating reflects an attorney who has reached the heights of professional excellence. The rating signifies the highest legal ability, and very high adherence to professional standards of conduct, ethics, reliability, and diligence.

  • Avvo 10.0 Rating
    Avvo 10.0 Rating

    Wisner Baum is proud to have all of its lawyers listed in Avvo, a legal directory connecting people in need of legal services with lawyers and connecting lawyers to lawyers. Eight of our attorneys have earned a 10.0 perfect rating with Avvo.

  • Top Jury Verdict in <br> CA and USA
    Top Jury Verdict in
    CA and USA

    TopVerdict.com ranks our $2 billion verdict in Pilliod et al. v. Monsanto as the biggest verdict in California and the second largest verdict in the U.S. in 2019. It is the ninth largest verdict in U.S. history.

  • Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers
    Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers

    Published annually, the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list recognizes the “best of the best” in this area of the law through nominations, research, and review by a board of their peers.

  • Product Liability Practice Group of the Year
    Product Liability Practice Group of the Year

    In 2020, Law360 honored the law firms ”behind the litigation wins and major deals that resonated throughout the legal industry.” It recognized our success in several landmark cases.

  • Top Personal Injury Jury Verdict in California
    Top Personal Injury Jury Verdict in California

    In 2018, our $289 million Johnson v. Monsanto verdict was the largest personal injury verdict in California. TopVerdict.com also ranked it #2 among all verdicts in California and #10 in the nation.

  • Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
    Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

    The Bar Register is the definitive guide to the most distinguished law firms in America. It includes only those select law practices that have earned the highest rating in the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory and have been designated by their colleagues as preeminent in their field.

/

Firm Reviews

What Our Clients Are Saying
  • I Can’t Imagine a Better Law Firm

    “Multiple lawyers recommended Wisner Baum to me and I have been consistently impressed with the quality of their work.”

    - Best Law Firms Survey
  • They Are About Changing the Systems...

    “Wisner Baum are not only amazing attorneys but more importantly, they are activists. They are about changing the systems which got us into trouble in the first place. They understand their role in the process of making change.”

    - Kim Witczak
  • Top Legal Minds in the Country

    “The Wisner Baum firm has some of the top legal minds in the country; they are driven, determined, trustworthy, ethical and passionate.”

    - From Best Lawyers® Best Law Firms
  • Diligent & Professional Representation

    “Thanks to your efforts I was able to recover from a tragic experience and turn my life around for the best.”

    - W.T.
  • Our Best Interest Was Always Number One on Your List

    “A special thank you to your Spanish-speaking staff for the extra effort put into this case. The language barrier was never a problem, and we are so very thankful to them. Your name holds much respect in our family.”

    - G.C. & C.C
/