Injured? We Fight for What You Deserve
Walking should be one of the safest things you do, but drivers who are distracted, speeding, or not paying attention put pedestrians at serious risk every single day. Unlike people inside vehicles, you don't have airbags or a steel frame to protect you when a car comes out of nowhere. My Lawyer Manwel knows how devastating pedestrian accidents can be. It can leave victims with broken bones, head injuries, and months of recovery ahead of them. California law tends to favor pedestrians in these cases, but getting fair compensation still requires knowing how to build a strong claim. If you need a pedestrian accident lawyer in Los Angeles, keep reading to understand your rights after being hit by a vehicle and how to avoid the tactics insurance companies use to shift blame onto you.
Los Angeles streets are a challenging environment for anyone traveling on foot. The city was designed around cars, and many neighborhoods lack the sidewalks, crosswalks, or pedestrian signals that give people enough time to cross safely. Drivers here are used to moving quickly, and that mindset doesn't always change when someone steps into the crosswalk. Add to this the issue of distracted driving caused by smartphones, and you have a recipe for tragedy. A driver scrolling through a text message at thirty miles per hour covers the length of a football field before looking up again. Pedestrians cannot move fast enough to get out of the way when a driver isn't watching the road. Evening hours prove especially dangerous because visibility drops, and many drivers have been drinking or are fatigued after long workdays. Certain intersections in the city have earned reputations as pedestrian danger zones, yet improvements come slowly while accidents continue to pile up. The physical vulnerability of walking means that what would be a minor fender bender between two vehicles becomes a life-altering event when a person absorbs that same impact with their body.
The human body was never meant to withstand the force of a moving vehicle, and the injuries that result from these collisions reflect that brutal reality. Lower extremity damage is extremely common because the bumper height on most cars and SUVs lines up directly with a pedestrian's knees and legs. Broken tibias, shattered kneecaps, and torn ligaments are common results of pedestrian accidents, and these injuries sometimes require multiple surgeries along with extensive physical therapy. The secondary impact creates additional trauma. When the body rolls onto the hood or windshield and is then thrown to the pavement, the head, spine, and upper body take the force. Traumatic brain injuries affect thousands of pedestrian accident victims each year, and even mild concussions can cause cognitive problems that last for months. Internal bleeding is a hidden danger that many people don't think about. A victim may walk away from the scene believing they escaped serious harm, only to collapse hours later when damaged organs fail. Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis. Road rash and lacerations can leave permanent scars that serve as constant reminders of the accident. A pedestrian hit by a car lawyer in Los Angeles understands how these injuries compound and works to make sure settlements account for future medical needs, not just immediate expenses.
Insurance adjusters have one job, and that's to pay out as little as possible on every claim that crosses their desk. They accomplish this goal by finding ways to pin responsibility on the injured pedestrian, and they've developed an arsenal of tactics to do exactly that. The most common argument involves jaywalking. Adjusters claim that because you crossed outside a marked crosswalk, you bear responsibility for your own injuries. California law actually allows pedestrians to cross at unmarked crosswalks in many situations, but insurance companies count on you not knowing that. They'll also dig through your social media accounts looking for photos or posts that contradict your injury claims or suggest you were distracted by your phone when the accident happened. Recorded statements represent another trap because adjusters ask leading questions to get you to admit fault or minimize your injuries while you're still shaken up from the collision. A pedestrian accident attorney in Los Angeles can handle all communication with the insurance company so you don't accidentally say something that damages your case.
Evidence disappears quickly after a pedestrian accident, which makes the first few days critical for building a strong claim. Witness testimony provides an independent account of what happened, and people who saw the collision can confirm details about the driver's speed, whether they were looking at their phone, or ran a red light. The problem is that witnesses forget details and become harder to locate as weeks pass. Surveillance cameras mounted on nearby businesses, traffic signals, and residential doorbell systems may have captured the accident, but this footage gets recorded over on a regular cycle. Your legal team needs to send preservation letters immediately to prevent this evidence from being erased. Dashcam footage from other vehicles in the area provides another potential source of proof that can establish exactly what the driver was doing in the moments before impact. Medical records documenting the full extent of your injuries form the foundation of your damage claim, so getting thorough examinations right away matters for both your health and your case. A pedestrian hit by car lawyer in Los Angeles knows where to look for evidence and how to secure it before it vanishes.
You didn't ask to be hit by a careless driver, and you shouldn't have to fight alone for the compensation you deserve. The medical bills, lost wages, and pain you're dealing with right now are real, and you need an advocate who will take your case seriously. Contact My Lawyer Manwel today for a consultation to discuss what happened and find out how we can help. Our team has spent years standing up for injured pedestrians across Los Angeles, and we know what it takes to hold negligent drivers and their insurance companies accountable. A pedestrian accident attorney in Los Angeles from our firm will fight for every dollar you're owed so you can focus on healing.
At My Lawyer Manwel, we fight for your rights in personal injury and employment law. See what our clients say about working with us.
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My Lawyer Manwel was incredibly helpful during my personal injury case. After my accident, I felt stressed and unsure of what to expect. Manwel explained everything in simple terms and was always available to answer my questions. He handled the legal details with professionalism and care, allowing me to focus on recovery. The settlement he secured helped cover my medical expenses and eased my financial worries. I truly appreciate his dedication and highly recommend his services.
I had a great experience working with My Lawyer Manwel on an employment law matter. He listened carefully to my concerns and provided clear, honest advice. Manwel was always responsive and made sure I understood every step of the process. He handled my case professionally and worked hard to protect my rights. The outcome was fair and allowed me to move forward with confidence. I’m very grateful for his help and would recommend My Lawyer Manwel to anyone facing workplace legal issues.
My Lawyer Manwel provided excellent support during my personal injury case. From the beginning, he was professional, patient, and very knowledgeable. He took the time to explain my rights and the legal process clearly, which made me feel confident and informed. Manwel handled all communication with the insurance company and kept me updated throughout the case. His dedication and attention to detail truly stood out. Thanks to his hard work, my case had a positive outcome. I highly recommend My Lawyer Manwel to anyone needing a trustworthy personal injury attorney.
Don't sign without carefully reviewing all of the terms, including release of claims, non-disparagement clauses, and confidentiality provisions. You usually have the right to consult with an attorney who can negotiate better terms on your behalf.
Enforceability varies dramatically by state, with some banning them entirely and others enforcing them when reasonable in scope and duration. Recent legal trends have moved toward limiting these agreements. Having an attorney review your specific agreement is essential.
Most discrimination claims must first be filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or your state's equivalent agency before pursuing a lawsuit. Strict deadlines apply, often within one hundred eighty to three hundred days of the discriminatory act.
Misclassification occurs when employers label workers as contractors to avoid providing benefits owed to employees. The determination depends on factors like company control over your work, schedule flexibility, and who provides tools and equipment.
Numerous federal and state laws protect employees who report illegal activity, safety violations, or fraud from employer retaliation. Whistleblowers may be entitled to reinstatement, back pay, and other remedies if they face adverse employment actions.
Generally speaking, employers have some flexibility to modify duties and compensation, but they can't make any changes that violate contracts, discriminate, or constitute retaliation. Sudden changes following a complaint or protected activity may raise legal concerns.
A hostile work environment exists when unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic is pervasive or severe enough to create an intimidating or abusive workplace. This goes beyond occasional rudeness and must materially affect your ability to do your job.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the majority of employees working more than forty hours per week must receive overtime pay at one and a half times their regular rate. However, certain exemptions apply based on salary level and job duties, which employers sometimes misapply.
Wrongful termination happens if an employee is fired in a way that violates federal or state laws, employment contracts, or public policy. Examples include being fired due to discrimination, retaliation for whistleblowing, or refusing to engage in illegal activities.
Federal and state law prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who report illegal conduct or file discrimination complaints. Retaliation can include termination, demotion, or creating a hostile environment. If you experience retaliation, you may have an additional legal claim.
Document every incident in detail. That includes dates, times, witnesses, and what occurred. Report the harassment through your company's internal complaint process and keep copies of all communications. If internal channels don't resolve the issue, consulting with an attorney is an important next step.
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer treats someone unfavorably because of a protected characteristic like race, gender, age, religion, disability, or national origin. This can include hiring and firing decisions, promotions, pay, job assignments, and harassment.
If your health insurance paid for any treatment that's related to your injury, they may have a right to reimbursement from any settlement through a process called subrogation. Your attorney can often negotiate these liens down to maximize what you keep.
A settlement is an agreement that is reached outside of the court, where the at-fault party agrees to pay compensation in exchange for releasing liability. A verdict is a decision that's made by a judge or jury after a trial determines the outcome.
While you can represent yourself, insurance companies often take advantage of unrepresented claimants with lowball settlements. Studies show that injured individuals who hire attorneys recover significantly more compensation even after paying legal fees.
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case, the severity of injuries, and whether it settles or goes to trial. Simpler cases may resolve in a few months, while complex litigation can take several years.
You may still have options, including your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if the incident involved a vehicle. An experienced attorney can identify all of the potential sources of compensation available to you.
Fault is normally established by examining evidence like police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony. Your attorney will investigate the circumstances to build a compelling case. In some states, you may still recover damages even if you were partially at fault.
First, get medical attention even if you feel okay, as some injuries don't show symptoms right away. Document everything, including photos of the scene and witness contact information, and avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before talking to an attorney.
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court via negotiations with insurance companies or the opposing party. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, taking your case to trial may be necessary to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court via negotiations with insurance companies or the opposing party. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, taking your case to trial may be necessary to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Victims can recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, pain, and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer.
Every state has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits, typically ranging from one to four years depending on where you live. Missing this deadline almost always means losing your right to pursue compensation, so consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your injury.
A personal injury case is when someone suffers harm because another party was negligent, reckless, or engaged in intentional misconduct. A few examples include car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries. If someone else's actions led to your injury, you may have grounds for a claim.