Encino Pedestrian Accident Attorney | Prestige Law Firm P.C.

Q: Can I file a claim if the driver was using Uber, Lyft, or a delivery service?

Yes. Rideshare and delivery companies have large insurance policies that may cover your injuries if the driver was working at the time. These cases are complex and require experienced legal handling

Q: Can I sue if it was a hit-and-run?

You may still be able to pursue compensation through uninsured motorist coverage and other avenues, depending on the facts.

Q: How much time do I have to file?

Generally, two years from the date of the accident. If you’re considering a claim, it can help to act promptly to preserve evidence.

Q: Can I still file a claim if I didn’t go to the hospital right away?

Yes, but delays can create challenges in documenting injuries and causation. Seek prompt medical attention so your injuries are documented, even if symptoms appear later.

Encino Pedestrian Injury Lawyer — Discuss Your Options

Were you hit by a car while crossing the street, walking your dog, or heading home from work in Encino’s high-traffic zones such as Hayvenhurst Ave, Ventura Blvd, Balboa & Burbank Blvd, or near Newcastle Ave.? A car comes out of nowhere, and suddenly you’re in pain, scared, and unsure what to do next.

If this sounds like you or someone you love, you’re not alone and legal help may be available.

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we know how life turns upside down after a pedestrian accident. The hospital visits, insurance calls, missed work, it all adds up fast. Our Encino legal team steps in to protect your rights and pursue compensation supported by the facts, law, and evidence.

You focus on healing. We handle the legal aspects of your claim, including investigation, communications, and negotiations.

Attorney fees are contingent on recovery. We work to make legal representation accessible, it’s for everyone who was wronged.

1 min read

If you were hit by a car while walking in Encino, Prestige Law Firm P.C. can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our experienced team, led by attorney Paul Aghabala, has experience handling complex pedestrian, rideshare, and auto accident cases across Los Angeles County.
We may help clients explore treatment options with providers who, in appropriate cases, accept medical liens, subject to provider approval and case factors. With multilingual support (English, Spanish, Farsi, Armenian) and a local Encino office, we offer personalized attention and trial-ready preparation when needed.

A pedestrian accident isn’t limited to someone being hit in a crosswalk. Under California law, it includes any situation where a person on foot, skateboard, wheelchair, or mobility device is struck or injured by a moving vehicle or object.
These cases often happen in everyday places most people think are safe, sidewalks, parking lots, driveways, and intersections.

You may have a valid claim if you were:

Hit in a crosswalk or intersection while walking with the light or right-of-way
Struck on a sidewalk or shoulder by a driver who drifted out of their lane or lost control
Injured in a parking lot or driveway, often due to a reversing or distracted driver
Knocked down by a delivery van, scooter, e-bike, or rideshare driver such as Uber or Lyft
Involved in a hit-and-run, even if the driver has not yet been identified
Hurt by debris or unsafe vehicle maneuvers, such as a mirror strike or trailer swing
Injured while helping someone at an accident scene or crossing to a disabled vehicle on the roadside

California defines pedestrians broadly, anyone afoot or using an assistive device (California Vehicle Code §467). That means runners, children playing, elderly individuals with canes, and people using wheelchairs or strollers all fall under pedestrian protection laws.

Even if you weren’t in a marked crosswalk, drivers still have a duty of care. State law requires motorists to:

Remain alert for pedestrians in all parts of the roadway
Slow down when approaching crosswalks, driveways, or congested areas
Yield the right-of-way when a pedestrian is in danger
Avoid reckless behavior like speeding, distracted driving, or failing to signal turns

When a driver violates these responsibilities and someone on foot gets hurt, it’s considered a pedestrian accident under California law, and the injured person may be able to pursue compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

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What Are the Rules for Pedestrian Accidents in California?

California’s Vehicle Code lays out how drivers and pedestrians must share the road. The most relevant statutes include:

Right-of-Way in Crosswalks

CVC § 21950

Drivers must yield to pedestrians within any marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection and use all due care to prevent injury. Failing to slow or stop is a direct violation of state law.

Crossing Outside Crosswalks

CVC § 21954

A pedestrian walking in a roadway outside of a crosswalk must yield the right-of-way to vehicles that are close enough to be an immediate hazard. Crucially, this rule does not relieve the vehicle driver of their separate duty to exercise due care for the pedestrian’s safety. Additionally, a police officer is prohibited from stopping a pedestrian for violating the yielding rule unless the officer reasonably perceives an immediate danger of a collision.

Crossing Between Signalized Intersections

CVC § 21955

Between traffic-controlled intersections, pedestrians are generally required to cross within a crosswalk, subject to enforcement limitations and safety considerations under California law. However, a peace officer cannot stop a pedestrian for violating this rule unless there’s an immediate danger of a collision. Regardless of this, pedestrians must use due care for their safety, and drivers must always exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian in the roadway.

Obeying Pedestrian Signals

CVC § 21456

Pedestrians must follow “WALK” and “DON’T WALK” signals. Still, drivers who enter the crosswalk during a legal walk phase remain liable for any resulting collision.

Driver Duty of Care

CVC § 21951

A driver may not overtake and pass a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross. Violating this section often leads to severe injuries and clear fault.

Use of Freeways and Restricted Roads

CVC § 21960

Pedestrians are generally barred from walking on freeways or limited-access highways unless authorized for emergencies or maintenance work.

Use of Sidewalks

CVC § 21966

A pedestrian must not walk on a bicycle path or lane if an adequate pedestrian facility is available right next to it. A peace officer cannot stop a pedestrian for this violation unless there is an immediate danger of a collision. Importantly, this restriction on stops does not excuse the pedestrian from using due care for their own safety, nor does it relieve a bicyclist from exercising due care for any pedestrian in the roadway.

Statute of Limitations

California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1

Pedestrian injury victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can permanently bar recovery.
If the at-fault party is a government entity (such as the City of Los Angeles for unsafe roads or signals), a special claim must be filed within six months under the California Government Claims Act.

Comparative Negligence

California Civil Code §1714

California uses a comparative fault system, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you share some blame for the accident.
We understand how these statutes interact in real cases, from insurance disputes to civil trials, and use them to build well-supported claims for injured pedestrians across Encino and greater Los Angeles.

Who Is Liable in a Pedestrian Accident?

Determining who’s at fault in a pedestrian accident isn’t always simple, but it’s often important to pursuing fair compensation. Liability depends on how the collision happened, who acted negligently, and whether multiple parties share responsibility.

1. Negligent Drivers

In most cases, fault lies with the driver who failed to yield, sped through a crosswalk, ran a red light, or was distracted. Under California Vehicle Code §21950, drivers must exercise due care and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks, marked or unmarked.

2. Rideshare and Delivery Companies

If the at-fault driver was working for Uber, Lyft, Amazon, or another delivery service, their employer’s commercial insurance may also be responsible.
California law allows injured pedestrians to pursue claims against both the driver and the company when the collision occurred during active work duties.

3. Government or Property Owners

Cities, counties, and property owners can share liability if unsafe street design, broken signals, poor lighting, or missing crosswalk markings contributed to the accident. Claims against public entities must follow California’s Government Claims Act, which has strict filing deadlines (often six months from the date of injury).

4. The Pedestrian (Comparative Fault)

California follows a comparative negligence rule under Civil Code §1714, meaning fault can be divided between the driver and the pedestrian.
Even if you were partly at fault, for example, crossing mid-block or looking at your phone, you can still recover damages, reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

California law recognizes that drivers operate heavier, faster vehicles and therefore imposes heightened duties of care when pedestrians are present. Whether you were walking to work, crossing a parking lot, or jogging through an intersection, drivers must remain alert and yield the right-of-way. When they don’t, Prestige Law Firm P.C. helps to hold them and their insurers accountable.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Encino

Encino’s mix of schools, shops, and busy commuter streets makes it a hotspot for pedestrian incidents. Below are the leading causes behind these accidents in Los Angeles County and Encino specifically:

Distracted driving

Speeding in residential or retail zones

Failure to yield at intersections or crosswalks

Unsafe left-hand turns

Impaired or drowsy driving

Poor street lighting or visibility

Aggressive or impatient driving

Jaywalking and mid-block crossings

Inadequate pedestrian infrastructure

Weather and slippery road conditions

High-foot-traffic areas near bus stops or transit zones

School zones and child pedestrian activity

Alcohol-related nightlife areas

Top Personal Injury Lawyers |
Prestige Law Firm P.C – Get
Justice Today

Injured in a car accident or due to someone else’s negligence? Prestige Law’s experienced injury attorneys are ready to fight for you.
Book your free consultation today and let us help you win the compensation you deserve.

Book your free consultation today and let us help you win the compensation you deserve.

Book a Free Consultation

See our Results

Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Here are the types of injuries most often seen in pedestrian accidents that help explain why medical treatment and strong legal support are both essential:

Head and Brain Injuries

Spinal Cord Injuries

Broken Bones and Fractures

Soft Tissue Injuries

Internal Injuries

Psychological Injuries

Head and Brain Injuries

When a person is thrown onto pavement or against a hard surface, the impact can cause anything from a mild concussion to a life-altering traumatic brain injury.
A concussion happens when the brain moves suddenly inside the skull, often leading to headaches, dizziness, confusion, or memory loss. More serious trauma can result in a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, which may permanently affect cognitive ability, speech, coordination, and mood.
Victims may also suffer skull fractures, hematomas, or deep lacerations that require surgery and leave lasting disfigurement. These conditions can demand extensive rehabilitation and lifelong care, making fair compensation critical to long-term recovery.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

What you do right after a pedestrian accident can make all the difference in your physical recovery and your legal case. The shock of being hit by a vehicle can leave you disoriented, but by taking the below right actions, you can protect your health and your right to compensation:

1

Stay Calm and Check for Injuries

whThe first and most important step is to stay calm. Take a few deep breaths and assess whether you are injured. Adrenaline can hide pain, so even if you think you’re fine, be cautious. If you can move safely, get out of the road and away from further danger.

2

Call 911 and Request Police and Medical Help

teEven if bystanders have already called, ensure police and paramedics are on their way. A police report provides an official record of the crash, which becomes vital evidence later.

Emergency medical personnel can check for hidden injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, or shock, conditions that often don’t show symptoms immediately. Always accept medical evaluation at the scene, even if you feel fine.

3

Exchange Information and Document the Scene

Before leaving, exchange essential details with the driver:

Full name, address, and phone number
Driver’s license number and license plate
Insurance company and policy number

Keep the interaction brief and polite. Do not apologize or discuss who was at fault, even casual remarks can be misinterpreted later.

If possible, document the accident scene:

Take photos and videos of your injuries, the vehicle, crosswalks, traffic signals, and road conditions
Record nearby street signs or skid marks
Collect names and contact information from witnesses

This evidence can help your attorney prove liability and reconstruct what happened.

4

Preserve Evidence for Your Case

Keep everything related to the crash. Do not wash or discard the clothes you were wearing, they may show the point of impact or injury severity. Hold onto damaged items such as your phone, bag, or shoes.

As soon as possible, write down or record everything you remember about the accident, when, where, and how it happened. Small details often make a big difference in proving fault.

5

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Go to an emergency room or urgent care clinic right after the accident, even if you were evaluated by paramedics. A full medical exam can uncover hidden injuries.

Make sure the doctor documents all symptoms, bruises, cuts, pain, dizziness, or numbness. Keep copies of your medical records, prescriptions, and treatment bills. These are essential for verifying the extent of your injuries and recovery costs.

6

Notify Insurance, But Be Careful What You Say

You may need to report the accident to your insurer, especially if the driver is uninsured or underinsured.

However:

Avoid giving recorded statements without legal advice
Do not admit fault or agree to early settlement offers
Let your attorney handle communications with adjusters

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Having legal representation can help protect your rights and reduce avoidable mistakes.

7

Stay Organized

Keep all accident-related documents in one place:

Police report and witness statements
Medical records, prescriptions, and hospital bills
Employment letters confirming lost wages
Photos, receipts, and communication logs

A well-documented case strengthens your attorney’s ability to negotiate a fair settlement.

8

Contact an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Consider speaking with a qualified attorney to understand deadlines and options. A lawyer experienced in pedestrian cases can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and manage key aspects of your claim.

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., attorney Paul Aghabala personally oversees each case to support clear communication and a thorough, evidence-driven approach. Our firm operates on a contingency basis.

What Damages Can You Recover?

A pedestrian accident can change your life in seconds. Beyond the physical pain, many victims face mounting medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma that can last years. Under California law, injured pedestrians, and families who’ve lost loved ones, may be able to pursue compensation for all resulting losses:

1

Medical Expenses

The cost of medical care after a pedestrian accident can be staggering. You may be able to seek recovery for both past and future medical expenses related to your injuries, including:

Emergency room treatment and ambulance transport
Surgeries, hospital stays, and follow-up care
Rehabilitation and physical therapy
Prescription medications and medical equipment
Long-term or in-home medical support
Ongoing monitoring for permanent conditions

2

Lost Wages and Loss of Future Earning Capacity

When serious injuries prevent you from working, the financial impact can be immediate and long-lasting. You may recover compensation for lost income during recovery and loss of future earnings if you’re unable to return to the same occupation or workload.

Recoverable damages include:

Missed paychecks, overtime, or bonuses
Loss of self-employment or contract income
Interrupted education or delayed career progression
Reduced earning capacity due to disability

Proper documentation, such as pay stubs, tax returns, and employer letters, helps establish the full extent of your financial losses.

3

Pain and Suffering

Not all damages can be measured in bills or receipts. Pain and suffering damages cover the physical and emotional hardships caused by the accident, the anxiety, sleepless nights, loss of mobility, or fear of crossing the street again. These damages recognize the human toll of a traumatic experience.

They may include compensation for:

Chronic physical pain or limitations
Emotional distress and mental anguish
Loss of enjoyment of life
Disfigurement or permanent scarring
Depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress

These non-economic damages are a crucial part of restoring balance and dignity after such a life-altering event.

4

Wrongful Death Damages

When a pedestrian accident results in the tragic loss of life, surviving family members have the right to seek wrongful death damages. No amount of money can replace a loved one, but compensation can ease the financial and emotional burden left behind.

Recoverable damages in a wrongful death claim may include:

Funeral and burial costs
Medical expenses related to the fatal injury
Loss of the deceased’s financial support and household services
Loss of love, companionship, and guidance

Every injury and every loss tells a story, and our job is to make sure yours is fully heard. Prestige Law Firm P.C. evaluates each category of damages, consults experts, and negotiates with insurers to pursue compensation supported by the evidence.

Contact our personal injury lawyers in Encino for a consultation, let our Encino pedestrian accident attorneys discuss your options and the compensation you may be able to pursue.

Book a Free Consultation

Why Choose Prestige Law Firm P.C. for Pedestrian Injury Cases in Encino

When you’ve been injured as a pedestrian, choosing the right attorney can determine the size of your recovery, and how smoothly your case moves forward. At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we combine trial-ready advocacy, personal attention, and decades of experience to help clients rebuild their lives with confidence.

Case Experience

With more than two decades of experience in California personal injury law, our attorneys have obtained recoveries for victims of pedestrian, auto, and catastrophic injury cases.

From complex rideshare claims to multi-party collisions, we know how to build strong, well-documented cases for negotiation and, when needed, litigation.

Insider Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Counsel

Attorney Paul Aghabala is licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of California (Bar #223585). He began his career representing insurance companies. That experience provides insight into how insurers evaluate and devalue claims.

We know the playbook and we use it to apply that insight to strategy and case preparation.

Trial-Ready Preparation

We prepare from day one as if every case will go to trial. That level of readiness signals strength to insurers and can improve leverage in settlement discussions.

And when trial becomes necessary, our litigation team is already prepared with expert testimony, medical evidence, and detailed economic projections.

Handling the Tough Cases

We take on difficult cases, the ones with disputed liability, multiple parties, or severe injuries. Our attorneys have represented pedestrians in cases involving rideshare drivers, commercial fleets, and uninsured motorists.

Personalized, Compassionate Representation

Clients typically communicate directly with an attorney, not a call center or case manager.

We maintain close communication throughout your case and provide regular updates on case progress. Our size allows us to provide boutique-style service with the resources to handle complex matters.

Contingency Fee Basis

No upfront attorney fees. Attorney fees are contingent on recovery. We may advance case costs; costs and expenses may be reimbursed from any recovery as described in the fee agreement. This structure is intended to make legal representation more accessible to individuals pursuing injury claims.

Respected Legal Reputation

Our attorneys have been recognized across the Greater Los Angeles legal community, earning distinctions such as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.

These honors reflect not just results, but also ethics, client service, and peer respect, qualities that define every case we take.

Local Presence, Statewide Reach

Our Encino office provides in-person accessibility to clients throughout Los Angeles County. We also handle cases statewide, offering remote consultations for those unable to travel.Wherever you are in California, our resources and network are available to you.

Access to Medical Care Through Liens

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we help clients connect with medical providers who may accept liens even if they lack health insurance or can’t afford care upfront.
We work with some of the best doctors and experts in California who agree to treat our clients on a medical lien basis, meaning payment is deferred until the case settles. If appropriate, you may sign a lien agreement that explains how bills may be handled; terms vary and should be reviewed carefully.

Prestige Law Firm P.C – Trusted Injury Attorneys | No Fee Unless We Win

With decades of experience and a proven track record, Prestige Law stands by your side every step of the way. Talk to an attorney today—pay nothing unless we win your case.

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Trusted Advocates for Pedestrian Accident Victims in Encino

A pedestrian collision can create serious medical and financial disruption. Legal guidance can help you understand options and next steps.
At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we handle the legal aspects so you can focus on recovery. From helping you find trusted doctors to dealing with insurance companies and handling key legal steps, our team supports you through each stage of the process.

Call to request a consultation; you can ask to speak with an attorney.

📍 15915 Ventura Blvd. Penthouse 5\Encino,CA 91436

📞 818-425-9815

📧 paul@prestigelaw.com

A call can help you understand your options. We can discuss your options and next steps.

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FAQ

What if I wasn’t in a crosswalk?

You may still recover damages if the driver acted negligently. California law doesn’t eliminate protection for pedestrians outside a crosswalk

Can I file a claim if the driver was using Uber, Lyft, or a delivery service?

Can I sue if it was a hit-and-run?

How much time do I have to file?

Can I still file a claim if I didn’t go to the hospital right away?

What Our Client Say About Us

Thank you Prestige law firm. They are great at communicating and providing updates. Thank you Mr. Paul and Team.

Sam Aguila
Estoy muy agredecido con Paul. El abogado Paul me ayudo con mi caso. Recomiendo a esta firma porque son muy professionales y se preocupan de sus clientes. Muchas gracias Prestige law.

Vicente Ixmay
Fue muy buena, y me atendieron de inmediato y siempre al pendiente de lo que se necesitaba para que mi caso fuera lo mejor posible, el abogado muy bien y todo el personal de oficina amables y al pendiente de todo, fue una experiencia muy buena. Muchas gracias. Atte. DANIEL GARCIA BALDERAS.

Lencho Cruz
I’d like to sincerely thank Paul Aghabala and the Prestige Law firm for all of their time and hard work. I was a scared kid when I reached out and they helped me through the hardest time in my life. They truly fought for me. Thank you!

emily.
It has been a pleasure dealing with Paul and his associates. They genuinely care about you and your case. They are knowledgeable, honest and caring about you and your progress. Thank you for your service. I will definitely be back.

Irina Law
Awesome firm to handle my car accident! I got rear ended last year on Valentine’s Day 2024 and that was a bummer. After being referred to this team of professional attorneys they handled my case with care and continuous communication through all of my medical care. I felt they did their job with integrity and I would recommend them if you’re ever in a car accident. Thanks Prestige!

Michelle Landrum
Prestige Law son un grupo de Abogado’s Que me ayudaron a obtener lo Maximo en llevar mi caso de accidente

Carlos Castanon
Maravillosos mi caso ya esta cerrado con muy buenas ganancias para mi. Super recomendados.

Ivon Guerra Leon
I never in a million years thought that I would be one of those people to get hit in the rear it was totally devastating and I had no idea what to do. I made contact with the prestige law firm and they totally put me at ease not only did they get me Immediate medical attention and help with my aches and pains they got me a settlement that was beyond my wildest dreams I will always be grateful to them. I hope I’m never in another accident but if I am I will definitely be calling the prestige Law Firm

Lisa McClelland