Abogados de Accidentes de California • Car Accident Lawyers of California
Expert legal representation — California City, California
Free Consultation: Call 661-383-9387 today. No fee unless we win. Hablamos Español: 661-669-7362
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1. Pedestrian Accident Attorney Serving California City
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable users of public roadways. Without the protection of a vehicle, pedestrians struck by cars, trucks, or motorcycles suffer devastating injuries — leg and pelvic fractures, traumatic brain injuries from impact with the pavement, spinal cord damage, internal organ injuries, and in the worst cases, wrongful death. A pedestrian has no seatbelt, no airbag, and no chassis to absorb the impact.
In California City, pedestrian accidents are a serious and growing problem. Wide, high-speed arterials, insufficient marked crosswalks at many intersections, distracted drivers on cell phones, and inadequate streetlighting in residential areas create a deadly combination for people walking in the city.
At Car Accident Lawyers of California, Attorney Paula J. Khehra, Esq. has over 10 years of experience representing pedestrian accident victims in California City and throughout Kern County. Our firm has recovered over $100 million for accident victims. With a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating and recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star for 10 consecutive years (2017–2026), your case is in the best hands.
Pedestrian accident cases are particularly complex because insurance companies frequently try to blame the pedestrian — arguing they crossed outside a crosswalk, were not paying attention, or wore dark clothing. Our attorneys know how to fight these tactics and protect your rights under California law.
Our attorneys also handle car accidents, semi-truck accidents, freeway accidents, motorcycle accidents, and tow truck accidents cases in California City.
2. Why Choose a Local Attorney in California City?
Our attorneys know the streets, crosswalks, and traffic patterns in California City. We know which stretches of California City Boulevard, Randsburg Mojave Road, Neuralia Road are most dangerous for pedestrians, we are familiar with high pedestrian traffic zones like California City Boulevard commercial area, Central Park area, school zones near California City High School, and we understand the local factors that contribute to pedestrian accidents. We also know the local courts and legal procedures that give your case a strategic advantage that out-of-area attorneys cannot match. Se habla español — Attorney Khehra is a native Spanish speaker who understands our community's needs.3. Pedestrian Accidents in California City: High-Risk Areas
California City's vast geographic layout and desert environment mean many residential areas have minimal pedestrian infrastructure. Wide, straight roads designed for a much larger population encourage dangerous speeds through areas where residents walk. Limited public transportation forces many residents to walk along California City Boulevard to reach stores and services. The most dangerous areas for pedestrians in and around California City include California City Boulevard commercial area, Central Park area, school zones near California City High School. The most common types of pedestrian accidents in California City include: drivers failing to yield at crosswalks, right turns on red without checking for pedestrians, distracted driving from cell phones, parking lot strikes, and school zone accidents during drop-off and pick-up hours. Hit-and-run accidents are particularly devastating for victims who may be left without identifying the responsible driver — but our attorneys have experience investigating these cases and finding the driver.4. California Laws That Protect Pedestrians
California has specific laws designed to protect pedestrians. Understanding these laws is crucial to maximizing your compensation:
California Laws Applicable to Your Pedestrian Accident Case
CVC §21950(a) — Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. This is the most important law for pedestrian accident victims.
CVC §21954(a) — Outside of crosswalks, pedestrians must yield to vehicles. However, drivers must still exercise due care to avoid hitting a pedestrian under any circumstances.
CVC §21955 — Crossing between adjacent intersections controlled by traffic signals is prohibited (jaywalking). However, violating this law does not eliminate the driver's liability — California uses comparative negligence.
CVC §21453(d) — Drivers turning right on a red light must yield to pedestrians lawfully crossing. Many pedestrian accidents in California City occur when drivers turn without checking for pedestrians.
CCP §335.1 — You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a government entity is responsible (e.g., missing crosswalks or inadequate lighting), you must file an administrative claim within six months.
Civil Code §1714 — Every person is responsible for injuries caused by their failure to exercise ordinary care. Drivers owe a heightened duty of care to pedestrians, who are more vulnerable than other road users.
5. Common Injury Types in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accident victims in California City frequently suffer severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Because pedestrians have no protection against a moving vehicle, injuries tend to be more severe than in vehicle-to-vehicle accidents. The most common injuries include: traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions from impact with the vehicle or pavement, leg, hip and pelvic fractures from direct vehicle impact, spinal cord injuries and paralysis, internal organ damage, severe lacerations and permanent scarring, knee, ankle and foot injuries, facial and dental trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and wrongful death. Children and elderly individuals are especially vulnerable to catastrophic injuries in pedestrian accidents.
6. What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in California City?
Seek medical attention immediately — if you can move, do not leave the scene but get away from traffic. Go to California City Medical Clinic (nearest hospital: Antelope Valley Hospital) as soon as possible, even if injuries seem minor. Internal and brain injuries may not manifest immediately. Do not apologize or admit fault — it is natural to say "I'm sorry" after an accident, but these words can be used against you. Simply report what happened. Document everything — if you can, take photos of the scene, vehicle positions, traffic signals, the presence or absence of crosswalks, and lighting conditions. Get names and phone numbers of all witnesses. Obtain surveillance and dashcam footage immediately — time is your enemy. Many commercial surveillance systems automatically overwrite recordings within 24 to 72 hours. Identify all nearby businesses at the scene that have exterior security cameras and ask them to preserve the footage. Have your attorney send preservation letters to the city to obtain recordings from municipal traffic cameras and red-light cameras at the intersection. Ask other drivers at the scene if they have dashcam footage that may have captured the moment of impact. Surveillance video is often the most powerful evidence in pedestrian accident cases because it objectively shows who had the walk signal, whether the driver was distracted on their phone, and the vehicle's actual speed — evidence insurance companies cannot dispute. Report the incident — call 911 to create an official record. A police report is crucial evidence for your pedestrian accident claim. Do not give recorded statements to insurance adjusters without first consulting an attorney. Insurance companies will try to argue you were partially at fault for walking in a non-designated area. Contact Car Accident Lawyers of California at 661-383-9387 for a free consultation. Se habla español — call 661-669-7362 for service in Spanish.7. Compensation Available for Pedestrian Accident Victims in California City
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users — without a vehicle's protection, injuries are almost always severe or catastrophic. Under California law, pedestrian accident victims in California City can recover significant compensation that reflects the unique severity of these injuries.
Catastrophic medical expenses — emergency treatment and trauma care, orthopedic and neurological surgeries, facial and dental reconstructive surgery, long-term physical therapy and rehabilitation, medications, and future medical care including lifetime treatments. Pedestrian injuries frequently require multiple surgeries and prolonged rehabilitation lasting 6 months to several years. Children and elderly individuals, who are the most frequent pedestrian victims, may require additional specialized care.
Lost wages and loss of earning capacity — income lost during your recovery and the permanent diminished ability to earn income. Pedestrian injuries frequently affect mobility permanently, which can prevent a return to occupations requiring standing, walking, or physical activity.
Pain, suffering, and psychological trauma — chronic physical pain, emotional distress, depression, fear of walking near traffic (a specific form of PTSD common in pedestrian victims), visible scarring and disfigurement, and permanent reduction in quality of life. For children, the psychological trauma of the accident can affect emotional development for years.
Disability adaptation costs — wheelchairs, walkers, prosthetics, home modifications (ramps, grab bars, widened doorways), and vehicle modifications if injuries result in permanent disability. These costs can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars over the victim's lifetime.
Hit-and-run — compensation options — hit-and-run incidents are disproportionately common in pedestrian accidents. If the driver fled, our attorneys work with investigators to locate them using surveillance cameras, witnesses, and physical evidence. If the driver is not identified, you may file a claim under your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Drivers who flee face additional criminal charges under CVC §20001, which strengthens your civil case.
Government entity liability — if the accident was caused or worsened by poorly marked crosswalks, missing traffic signals, damaged sidewalks, or lack of lighting, Caltrans or the local municipality may be liable under Government Code §835. Remember: government claims have a deadline of only 6 months.
Punitive damages — in cases where the driver acted with extreme negligence — hit-and-run, DUI (CVC §23152), speeding in a school zone, or cell phone use — the court may award substantial punitive damages in addition to regular compensation.
8. Case Example
Example: A California City resident was walking along the shoulder of Neuralia Road at dusk — the only route to the nearest store — when a speeding driver struck him. He suffered multiple fractures. Our firm pursued compensation from the driver and also filed a claim against the city for failing to provide sidewalks on a necessary pedestrian route.9. Frequently Asked Questions: Pedestrian Accidents in California City
What if there was no crosswalk where the accident happened?
The absence of a crosswalk does not mean you have no rights. Under California law, pedestrians have the right of way at unmarked intersections, and drivers always have a duty to exercise caution. If the lack of crosswalks or signage contributed to the accident, the city can be sued for creating a dangerous condition.
Can I recover compensation if I was jaywalking?
Yes. California follows a pure comparative negligence system. Even if you were crossing outside a crosswalk, the driver still had a duty to exercise due care to avoid hitting you (CVC §21954). Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover. For example, if you were 30% at fault, you can still recover 70% of your total damages.
Can the city be held liable if there was no crosswalk or streetlight?
Yes. If the absence of a crosswalk, adequate lighting, or proper traffic controls contributed to your accident, the city or government entity responsible for road design may be liable for creating a dangerous condition. Under the Government Claims Act, you must prove the condition was dangerous and the entity knew or should have known about it. Our attorneys investigate infrastructure defects alongside driver negligence to maximize your recovery.
What if the driver who hit me fled the scene (hit-and-run)?
Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents are illegal in California (VC §20001) and unfortunately common. Even if the driver is not identified, you may have options: your own auto insurance policy may include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage that covers hit-and-runs. Additionally, police, surveillance cameras, witnesses, and accident reconstruction technology can often identify the driver. Our firm works with private investigators to track down hit-and-run drivers.
How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?
Pedestrian accident cases are generally worth more than vehicle-to-vehicle accidents because the injuries are more severe. The value depends on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and the permanent impact on your quality of life. Cases involving traumatic brain injuries, pelvic fractures, spinal cord injuries, or wrongful death can result in significant compensation. Under California law, there is no cap on non-economic damages in pedestrian accident cases.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim?
The statute of limitations in California (CCP §335.1) is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if a government entity is partially responsible — for example, for failing to maintain marked crosswalks, inadequate lighting, or broken sidewalks — you must file an administrative claim within six months. Contact us as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Do pedestrians always have the right of way in California?
Not always, but pedestrians have the right of way in more situations than most people realize. Pedestrians have the right of way at all marked crosswalks and at unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Even where pedestrians do not have the right of way — such as mid-block crossings — drivers still have a legal duty to exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians. California law always requires drivers to yield to pedestrians already in the roadway, regardless of who technically has the right of way.
What compensation can I get for scarring and disfigurement after being hit?
Pedestrians frequently suffer visible injuries like facial scars, disfigurement, and amputations. In California, compensation for disfigurement includes not only reconstructive surgery costs but also significant non-economic damages for emotional and psychological impact. California juries historically award substantial compensation for visible scars, especially facial ones. Your age, occupation, and scar location all affect the claim value.