Pedestrian Accidents Attorney in San Gabriel, CA

Attorney Jonathon Perliss
Written By
Jonathon Perliss

Pedestrian Accidents

Every year, hundreds of pedestrians are struck by vehicles in California, often resulting in devastating injuries or even fatalities. You have almost no physical protection against multi-ton vehicles as a walker, runner, or commuter. Those driving without their full attention on the road can change your life forever. Medical bills, lost income, and long-term rehabilitation quickly become overwhelming, and insurance companies will look for any reason to minimize what they pay you for your injuries.

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in San Gabriel, CA, you need a dedicated lawyer in San Gabriel. At Perliss Law Firm, our attorneys bring over 35 years of combined experience handling serious injury claims. We work in both English and Mandarin, offer free, confidential consultations, and pursue every possible source of compensation, from driver liability to municipal or property-owner negligence. We work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today to discuss your case and start getting your life back on track.

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What is a Pedestrian Accident in California?

Pedestrian accident law is a complex and specialized area of personal injury law that deals with accidents involving pedestrians and motor vehicles. These accidents can result in severe injuries, fatalities, and significant financial losses for the victims and their families. 

In San Gabriel, California, pedestrian accident lawyers play a crucial role in helping injured pedestrians navigate the legal process and seek fair compensation for their losses. 

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is essential to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can provide guidance and representation throughout the legal process. These attorneys understand the intricacies of injury law and are dedicated to ensuring injured pedestrians receive the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian collisions, often resulting from a traffic collision, can arise from numerous hazardous conditions and driver errors. Identifying the exact cause is vital to holding the right party accountable and maximizing compensation.

Speeding:

Vehicles traveling above posted limits reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the force of impact, making injuries more severe.

Distracted Driving:

When motorists text, call, or adjust in-car devices, their eyes leave the road, and their focus drifts, often resulting in a blindside collision.

Failure to Yield:

Drivers turning at intersections or backing out of driveways sometimes overlook pedestrians in crosswalks or sidewalks, violating right-of-way laws.

Poor Lighting or Visibility:

Inadequate street lighting, unlit sidewalks, or dark clothing worn by pedestrians can make detection difficult, especially after dusk.

Impaired Driving:

Alcohol or drug influence slows reaction times and impairs judgment, leading to tragic pedestrian impacts.

Defective Road or Sidewalk Design:

Cracked pavement, missing curb ramps, or poorly marked crosswalks can force pedestrians into traffic lanes or hide them from view.

By pinpointing what led to your accident, whether it was a reckless driver, flawed infrastructure, or both, an attorney at Perliss Law Firm can build a strong case. We gather witness statements, review traffic and surveillance footage, and consult traffic safety experts to demonstrate fault and secure the compensation you deserve.

Types of Injuries and Long-Term Consequences

Pedestrian accidents often result in serious, life-altering injuries because the human body has virtually no protection against a moving vehicle. Immediate hospital treatment can save lives, but many victims face lengthy recoveries that carry both physical and emotional challenges. 

Major injuries from such accidents can lead to significant physical harm and financial burdens, making expert legal assistance crucial to navigate the aftermath.

Beyond the first medical response, long-term consequences may include chronic pain, disability, and mental health struggles. Recognizing the full scope of these impacts is critical when seeking compensation for both current and future needs.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):

A blow to the head can cause concussions, bleeding, or swelling, leading to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and ongoing neurological care.

Spinal Cord Damage:

Even a minor fracture in the spine can interrupt nerve signals, resulting in partial or total paralysis and the need for lifelong adaptive equipment.

Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries:

Broken bones often require surgery and extensive physical therapy, with complications such as non-union or arthritis developing over time.

Soft-Tissue Damage:

Sprains, strains, and ligament tears can lead to chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

Internal Injuries:

Damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys may not be immediately apparent but can have life-threatening consequences if untreated.

Psychological Trauma:

Survivors frequently experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), often necessitating counseling and psychiatric support.

An experienced attorney will work with medical experts to document these injuries and their long-term effects. Detailed life-care plans and economic analyses ensure that your claim accounts for all future medical costs, adaptive needs, and loss of enjoyment of life.

How to Determine Liability in a Pedestrian Accident

Proving fault is the cornerstone of any pedestrian accident claim. In California, liability can rest with multiple parties, and your attorney must identify each potentially responsible entity to ensure you receive full compensation.

Driver Negligence:

A motorist who speeds, fails to yield at crosswalks, or drives under the influence can be held accountable for any injuries they cause.

Municipal or Government Liability:

Cities and counties may bear responsibility when defective road design, inadequate signage, or poor lighting contribute to a pedestrian crash.

Property Owner Negligence:

Sidewalk defects, obstructed walkways, and failure to maintain safe pedestrian paths can make homeowners or business operators liable.

Comparative Fault:

California’s pure comparative negligence rule allows you to recover damages even if you share some blame, though your percentage of fault reduces your award.

Multiple Defendants:

In complex cases, more than one party (for example, a distracted driver and a negligent homeowner) may share liability, and your attorney will allocate fault among all responsible parties.

A thorough investigation, including accident reconstruction, witness interviews, and review of traffic and maintenance records, is essential to pinpoint causation and fault. 

Your legal team at Perliss Law Firm will leverage these findings to build a strong liability case on your behalf, guiding you through the process of pursuing compensation for your injuries.

Types of Compensation Available for Pedestrian Accident Victims

After a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to various damages designed to cover your losses and help you move forward. Compensation falls into two main categories: economic damages, which reimburse quantifiable financial losses, and non-economic damages, which address the personal toll of pain, suffering, and emotional harm. 

Punitive damages may also apply to punish wrongdoing and deter similar conduct in cases of egregious negligence or intentional misconduct.

Medical Expenses:

This covers the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, emergency care, rehabilitation, medications, and any future treatments related to your injuries.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity:

Reimburses income lost during recovery and compensates for a reduced ability to earn in the future due to lasting disabilities.

Property Damage:

Pays for repairing or replacing personal items damaged in the accident, such as clothing, electronics, or mobility aids.

Pain and Suffering:

Compensates for the physical pain and discomfort you endured due to the collision.

Emotional Distress:

Addresses psychological impacts like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from the trauma.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life:

Provides for the diminished ability to participate in hobbies, social activities, and everyday pleasures you once enjoyed.

Burial Expenses:

In tragic cases, compensation includes coverage for burial expenses, highlighting the importance of providing comprehensive financial support during difficult times.

Punitive Damages:

In rare cases, awarded to punish particularly reckless or malicious behavior and to discourage similar conduct by others.

An experienced attorney will work with medical and economic experts to accurately quantify these damages. This ensures your claim fully reflects both present hardships and future needs, placing you in the strongest position for settlement or trial.

California Statute of Limitations and Special Deadlines

California law imposes firm deadlines for filing pedestrian accident claims. If you miss these deadlines, the court will likely dismiss your case, even if the facts strongly support your claim. Below are the key time limits and exceptions you need to know:

Two-Year Filing Deadline:

You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1.

Six-Month Government Claim:

When a public road defect or government vehicle caused your injury, you must first send an administrative claim to the responsible agency within six months of the incident. You cannot sue until that claim is denied or six months have passed.

Minor Tolling:

If a minor under 18 is injured, the two-year deadline pauses until their 18th birthday. This extension gives them until age 20 to file a lawsuit.

Discovery Rule:

In rare cases where the injury or its cause could not reasonably have been discovered right away, you may file within two years of learning both of the harm and the responsible party’s negligence.

An attorney experienced with pedestrian claims will track these deadlines and determine which exceptions apply. At Perliss Law Firm, we handle all procedural requirements and ensure your case is filed on time.

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Office Hours - Mon-Fri: 9:30am to 5pm
Legal Disclaimer

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The Perliss Law Firm team is licensed to practice law in California. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.

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How a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Builds Your Case

A successful pedestrian accident claim depends on thorough preparation, skilled advocacy, and hiring a law firm knowledgeable about pedestrian accident cases. From day one, your attorney will take concrete steps to document fault, quantify damages, and present your story in the strongest possible light.

Case Investigation:

Your attorney visits the accident scene to photograph road conditions, skid marks, traffic controls, and visibility issues. This on-site work establishes the context and preserves critical evidence.

Evidence Collection:

We gather police reports, witness statements, medical records, and surveillance or dashboard-camera footage. Every piece of documentation helps demonstrate how the collision occurred and who is at fault.

Expert Coordination:

Traffic safety engineers, accident-reconstruction specialists, and medical professionals provide technical analyses that explain injury mechanisms and liability. Their expert reports bolster your claim.

Demand Preparation and Negotiation:

A detailed demand package outlines all economic and non-economic losses. Armed with solid evidence and expert opinions, we negotiate aggressively with insurers to secure a full settlement.

Trial Readiness:

If negotiations stall, we prepare for litigation by drafting pleadings, deposing witnesses, and formulating persuasive opening and closing statements. Being trial-ready puts pressure on insurers to settle fairly.

Ongoing Client Communication:

You receive regular updates on case progress, upcoming deadlines, and negotiation offers. Clear communication ensures you understand each step and can make informed decisions.

By combining diligent investigation with strategic negotiation and, if necessary, tenacious trial advocacy, your attorney maximizes the chance of securing the compensation you need to recover and rebuild.

Why Choose Perliss Law Firm

With over 35 years of combined experience, Perliss Law Firm has earned a reputation for securing maximum compensation for pedestrian accident victims in San Gabriel. Our proven record in handling pedestrian accident cases highlights our extensive experience and the effectiveness of our legal representation. We offer bilingual services in English and Mandarin, ensuring clear communication with every client.

Our contingency fee promise means you pay nothing unless we win your case, allowing you to focus on recovery rather than legal bills. We handle all aspects of your claim, from investigation and expert coordination to negotiation and trial, so you always have a dedicated advocate in your corner.

Our deep knowledge of local traffic laws and connections with medical and accident-reconstruction experts give us an edge when building your case. Choose Perliss Law Firm for personalized, results-driven representation when it matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in California

As with any personal injury case, it’s important for your lawyer to get a full picture of the circumstances in order to argue your case to the best of their ability. Therefore, it’s necessary for your attorney to know all the details of the incident leading up to and following the crash, especially if you’re filing a lawsuit for an accident that happened weeks or months ago. Let them know if:

What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident?

First, seek medical attention; even if you feel fine, some injuries may manifest later. Call 911 so law enforcement can document the scene and emergency responders can begin treatment. Photograph the area, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries, and collect contact information from witnesses. Finally, contact an experienced attorney before speaking in detail with insurance adjusters.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?

Yes. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover damages even if you share some blame. Your percentage of fault will reduce your total award. An attorney can help minimize your assigned fault and maximize your recovery.

How long does it take to resolve a pedestrian injury claim?

The timeline varies based on injury severity and case complexity. Minor injuries may settle in 6 to 9 months, while serious accidents requiring extensive medical care often take 12 to 18 months or more. If your case goes to trial, the process can extend beyond two years.

How do I prove driver negligence in a pedestrian accident?

To establish negligence, you need evidence showing the driver breached a duty of care and caused your injuries. This may include police reports, traffic-camera footage, witness statements, and accident-reconstruction analysis demonstrating speed, distraction, or failure to yield. These elements are crucial in building a strong personal injury claim to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Do I have to go to court to resolve my case?

Not always. Many pedestrian claims are settled through negotiation or mediation. However, if the insurer refuses a fair settlement, we will file a lawsuit and represent you at trial to secure the full compensation you deserve.

Contact Perliss Law Firm for a Free Consultation

Don’t face the aftermath of a pedestrian accident alone. Perliss Law Firm is here to guide you every step of the way. We serve clients throughout San Gabriel, Los Angeles County, and Riverside County and offer bilingual consultations in English and Mandarin.

Our firm works on a contingency basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we secure compensation for you. Reach out today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, explore your legal options, and take the first step toward recovering the justice and support you deserve.

Schedule a
Free Consultation

Office Hours - Mon-Fri: 9:30am to 5pm
Legal Disclaimer

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The Perliss Law Firm team is licensed to practice law in California. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.

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Office Hours - Mon-Fri: 9:30am to 5pm
Legal Disclaimer

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The Perliss Law Firm team is licensed to practice law in California. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.

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