Protecting Your Rights After a Pedestrian Accident in Glendale
Getting hit by a car while walking is a frightening incident. One moment, you're just walking—going home, doing chores, or having fun. After that, everything changes. A careless driver and a brief distraction can quickly lead to pain, increasing medical costs, lost income, and an unsure future. Dealing with insurance companies while trying to heal can be very stressful and may sometimes make you feel lost.
But you don’t have to go through this alone. At Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we understand the deep emotional and financial toll a pedestrian accident can take. We have a proven track record of success in pedestrian accident claims, helping injured victims recover the compensation they deserve. As experienced Glendale personal injury lawyers, we fight tirelessly to hold negligent drivers accountable and secure financial relief for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on what truly matters—your recovery.
Understanding Pedestrian Accident Trends in Glendale
Glendale’s High Rate of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian safety is a growing concern in Glendale. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), Glendale ranked 5th out of 60 cities of its size in pedestrian injuries and fatalities in 2021, with 91 reported incidents. This alarming statistic highlights the dangers pedestrians face daily due to negligent drivers, unsafe road conditions, and increasing traffic congestion.
Glendale’s Most Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrians
Certain areas in Glendale have a higher incidence of pedestrian accidents due to heavy foot traffic and negligent driving behaviors. Studies and local reports indicate that some of the most dangerous intersections include:
- Brand Boulevard & Broadway – A high-traffic commercial area with frequent pedestrian crossings.
- Glendale Avenue & Colorado Street – Known for poor visibility and reckless driving incidents.
- Central Avenue & Los Feliz Boulevard – A major roadway with heavy congestion and speeding vehicles.
If you were injured in one of these high-risk areas or anywhere in Glendale, you may be entitled to compensation through pedestrian accident claims. Our experienced Glendale personal injury attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process and recover the maximum compensation possible.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Glendale
Pedestrian accidents can happen in an instant, but the consequences can last a lifetime. Whether it’s a careless driver, a poorly designed intersection, or a pedestrian caught off guard, the reality is that these accidents are often preventable. If you or a loved one has been injured, knowing who is responsible and understanding your rights is the first step toward getting the medical care, financial compensation, and legal counsel you deserve.
Negligent Drivers: When Carelessness Turns Dangerous
Many pedestrian accidents in Southern California happen because of distracted driving, drunk driving, or reckless behavior. Too often, drivers fail to see pedestrians in crosswalks or ignore road signs, putting lives at risk. Some of the most common causes of driver-related pedestrian accidents include:
- Texting or Using a Phone – Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents. A driver looking at their phone for even a few seconds can fail to see a pedestrian stepping into the street.
- Speeding – A speeding driver has less time to react, increasing the likelihood of a fatal accident.
- Failure to Yield – Pedestrians have the right of way at marked crosswalks, but some drivers ignore their duty of care and put lives at risk.
- Running Red Lights and Stop Signs – Ignoring road signs or trying to “beat the light” often leads to devastating pedestrian crashes.
- Drunk Driving – Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making drunk drivers a serious threat to pedestrians.
- Aggressive or Reckless Driving – Speeding through intersections, making illegal turns, or ignoring public transportation stop areas can put pedestrians in harm’s way.
When a pedestrian accident attorney takes on a case, one of the first steps is reviewing accident reports, traffic footage, and insurance claims to determine if a driver’s negligence caused the crash.
Pedestrian Behavior: When Small Mistakes Lead to Big Consequences
Not every pedestrian accident is solely the driver’s fault. Sometimes, pedestrians put themselves at risk by crossing outside of designated areas or stepping into traffic without looking. Common risky behaviors include:
- Jaywalking – Crossing outside a marked crosswalk makes it harder for drivers to anticipate a pedestrian.
- Ignoring Crosswalk Signals – Walking against a red light can increase the chances of an accident.
- Walking While Distracted – Texting, wearing noise-canceling headphones, or simply not paying attention can be dangerous.
Even if a pedestrian made a mistake, California pedestrian accident law allows them to seek compensation if the driver was also at fault. A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer can help navigate these complex claims.
Poor Road Conditions and Environmental Hazards
Sometimes, it’s not the driver or the pedestrian who is to blame—it’s the environment. Dangerous road conditions in Glendale and other parts of Southern California contribute to many pedestrian accidents.
- Dimly Lit Intersections – Lack of streetlights makes it difficult for both pedestrians and drivers to see each other.
- Blocked Crosswalks – Construction zones, public transportation stops, or property damage from prior crashes can create hazards.
- Broken Traffic Signals – Malfunctioning pedestrian crossing lights can confuse both drivers and walkers.
When government agencies or private property owners fail to maintain safe road conditions, they may be held accountable. A personal injury law firm can investigate whether a city or property owner contributed to the accident.
Injuries Resulting from Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian Accidents Can Lead to Life-Changing Injuries
Unlike people in cars, pedestrians have no protection when they’re hit by a vehicle. That’s why pedestrian auto accidents often cause some of the most severe injuries in personal injury claims. These injuries don’t just affect a person’s physical health—they also impact quality of life, emotional well-being, and financial stability.
Common Pedestrian Injuries
Some of the most common injuries in pedestrian accidents include:
- Broken Bones – Pedestrians frequently suffer fractures in the legs, arms, ribs, or hips from the force of impact.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Damage to the spine can lead to permanent disability, chronic pain, or paralysis.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Concussions and head trauma can cause memory loss, cognitive impairments, and mental anguish.
- Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage – Internal injuries can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
- Road Rash and Lacerations – When pedestrians are thrown onto the pavement, road rash and deep cuts can lead to permanent scarring.
The severity of these injuries often determines how much compensation a victim can recover. A pedestrian injury attorney can work with doctors to analyze medical records and physical therapy needs to estimate long-term costs.
The Long-Term Impact of a Pedestrian Accident
The consequences of a pedestrian accident don’t end once a victim leaves the hospital. Many people struggle with long-term pain, emotional distress, and financial hardship for months or years after the accident. Some of the biggest challenges include:
- Chronic Pain – Many victims never fully recover and experience lasting pain that affects daily life.
- Loss of Income – Serious injuries may prevent victims from working, leading to financial instability.
- Mental and Emotional Trauma – Anxiety, PTSD, and emotional pain are common after a fatal accident or severe injury.
- Wrongful Death Claims – When a pedestrian accident results in death, family members can file a claim for punitive damages, funeral expenses, and loss of consortium.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a pedestrian accident, getting legal counsel early on is critical. The statute of limitations in California typically allows two years to file a personal injury claim, but time limits may be shorter in certain cases. A wrongful death attorney or injury lawyer can make sure you don’t miss important deadlines.
Steps to Take Following a Pedestrian Accident
A pedestrian accident can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure of what to do next. In the aftermath, taking the right steps can make all the difference—not just for your physical recovery but also for protecting your legal rights. Here’s what you need to do immediately after an accident.
Immediate Actions to Protect Your Rights
1. Seek Medical Attention – Even If You Think You’re Okay
Your health comes first. Even if you feel “fine” right after the accident, adrenaline can mask serious injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, or spinal trauma. Some symptoms don’t appear until hours or even days later, so getting checked by a doctor is critical.
Why This Matters:
- A doctor will diagnose and treat hidden injuries, preventing long-term complications.
- Your medical record becomes key evidence in your personal injury claim.
- Insurance companies often argue that delayed medical care means the injuries weren’t serious. Don’t give them that excuse!
Pro Tip: If emergency responders offer medical transport, take it. If you don’t go to the hospital immediately, see a doctor within 24 hours.
2. Document the Scene – Your Best Evidence is in the Moment
If you’re physically able, gather as much evidence as possible before the scene changes. Accident scenes are cleaned up quickly, and witness memories fade—so every detail you can capture will strengthen your case.
What to Do:
- Take photos and videos of your injuries, the accident location, road signs, and any vehicle involved.
- Get contact information from witnesses who saw what happened.
- Note weather conditions, traffic signals, and any hazards (such as broken sidewalks or missing crosswalk markings).
Pro Tip: If you’re too injured to take photos, ask someone else to do it for you. A friend, bystander, or even a first responder may be willing to help.
3. Report the Incident – A Police Report is Key Evidence
Always call 911 and file a police report—no matter what. Even if the driver apologizes or promises to pay for your injuries, do not let them leave without reporting the accident.
Why This is Essential:
- A police report officially documents the accident, making it harder for the driver to change their story later.
- Officers collect witness statements, driver details, and accident conditions that may support your case.
- Many insurance companies require a police report before processing insurance claims.
Pro Tip: Ask for a copy of the police report as soon as it’s available. If there are mistakes, work with your pedestrian accident lawyer to request corrections.
4. Consult a Legal Professional Near You – Don’t Let Insurance Companies Take Advantage of You
After an accident, the auto insurance company may reach out quickly—offering a lowball settlement or asking you to make a recorded statement. Do NOT speak to them before consulting a lawyer.
How a Lawyer Helps:
- Handles all communication with the insurance company to protect your case.
- Investigates the accident using witness statements, accident reports, and medical records.
- Calculates the full value of your claim, including lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and long-term medical care.
Pro Tip: You don’t pay anything upfront. Most pedestrian accident law firms work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if you win.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident?
After a pedestrian accident, your safety and health should be the top priority. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance, even if you think your injuries are minor. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, or fractures, so it’s crucial to get checked by a doctor.
If you’re physically able, gather evidence at the scene. Take photos of your injuries, the vehicle that hit you, any road signs, and traffic signals. Get contact information from the driver and any witnesses who saw the accident. A police report will document the details of the incident, which can be vital if you decide to file a claim. Once you’ve received medical care, consult a pedestrian accident lawyer to protect your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
How is fault determined in pedestrian accidents in California?
Fault in a pedestrian accident is determined based on negligence—meaning the party responsible for causing the accident can be held liable. California follows a comparative negligence system, which means both the driver and the pedestrian’s actions will be analyzed to determine fault.
Some common factors that help establish fault include police reports, traffic camera footage, witness statements, accident reconstruction reports, and driver behavior. If the driver was speeding, distracted, or under the influence, they will likely be held responsible. However, if a pedestrian was jaywalking or crossing against a red light, they may share some fault. Even if you were partially responsible, you can still recover compensation, but your settlement may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
What types of compensation can I expect from my claim?
A pedestrian accident claim can help you recover both economic and non-economic damages, depending on the severity of your injuries.
- Medical expenses – This includes hospital bills, surgery costs, physical therapy, prescription medications, and future medical care.
- Lost wages – If you had to miss work due to your injuries, you could recover compensation for lost income. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you may also be entitled to future lost earnings.
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for emotional and physical distress, including anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain.
- Property damage – If your phone, clothing, or other personal items were damaged in the accident, you may be reimbursed.
- Punitive damages – In cases involving extreme negligence, such as a hit-and-run or drunk driving accident, the court may award additional compensation to punish the at-fault driver.
Every case is different, so the best way to understand the full value of your claim is to speak with a pedestrian accident attorney who can evaluate your losses and fight for maximum compensation.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Glendale?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
However, there are exceptions. If your accident involved a government vehicle or unsafe road conditions, you may need to file a claim within six months. Additionally, if the victim is a minor, the time limit may be extended. Since missing a deadline can result in losing your case entirely, it’s important to contact a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible to begin the legal process.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your settlement amount will be reduced based on your level of responsibility.
For example, if you were jaywalking when a distracted driver hit you and you were found to be 20% at fault, your total compensation would be reduced by 20%. If your total damages were $100,000, you would still be eligible to receive $80,000.
Insurance companies may try to unfairly shift blame onto you to reduce their payout. This is why having a skilled pedestrian accident attorney on your side is crucial—they will challenge unfair fault claims and fight to maximize your compensation.
Schedule Your Free Consultation with a Glendale Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. At Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we provide personalized legal representation and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. We know how overwhelming this experience can be, which is why we handle everything for you—from dealing with the insurance company to gathering evidence and negotiating your settlement.
Let us help you take the first step toward justice and financial recovery—call now!
