Pasadena is known for its pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods—from the vibrant energy of Old Town to the artsy Playhouse District and the academic atmosphere around Caltech. Locals and visitors alike enjoy walking these areas, whether to shop, dine, or commute. With wide sidewalks, scenic routes, and frequent crosswalks, Pasadena is often considered one of the more walkable cities in Los Angeles County.
Despite well-marked crosswalks and pedestrian signals, many people crossing Pasadena streets still find themselves in harm’s way. Distracted drivers, rushed turns at intersections, and even unclear right-of-way rules create a dangerous environment for walkers. These risks are heightened during rush hour or around popular areas like Lake Avenue or the Rose Bowl, where vehicle and foot traffic often intersect.
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents in crosswalks are not uncommon—and when they happen, the injuries are often severe. From broken bones and concussions to long-term disability, pedestrians rarely walk away from collisions unscathed.
Under California Vehicle Code §21950, drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within both marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. This means even if the crosswalk is not visually marked with painted lines, if it’s at an intersection, it’s considered legally valid.
However, the law also places some responsibility on pedestrians. Pedestrians are advised not to suddenly leave a curb or safe place and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close it creates an immediate hazard.
One of the most common violations is simply failing to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk. Whether at a four-way stop, signalized intersection, or mid-block marked crossing, drivers must slow down and allow walkers to cross safely. When they fail to do so and strike someone, they are usually considered negligent.
Running a red light or stop sign is a clear breach of traffic law and often leads to high-impact pedestrian accidents. These crashes are particularly common at busy intersections in Pasadena, like those near Fair Oaks Avenue or Colorado Boulevard. If a driver runs a signal and hits a pedestrian, they will almost always be found at fault.
Drivers who are texting, adjusting their dashboard, or otherwise distracted pose a serious threat to pedestrians. Likewise, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s ability to see and react in time. In both situations, the law is clear: the driver is at fault and can be held liable for the pedestrian’s injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
Although pedestrians are often the most vulnerable and protected parties in traffic law, there are circumstances where they may share responsibility for an accident. California law acknowledges that both drivers and pedestrians have a duty to exercise reasonable care for their own safety and the safety of others.
If a pedestrian enters a crosswalk against a red light or “Don’t Walk” signal, they may be considered partially at fault for the accident. This is especially true if the driver had a green light or legal right-of-way and had no reasonable opportunity to stop.
Pedestrians who suddenly leave a curb and walk or run into the path of an oncoming vehicle—especially outside of a marked crosswalk or at a location with poor visibility—may also bear some of the blame. While drivers are expected to remain alert, they can’t always prevent a collision when a pedestrian appears without warning.
California operates under a pure comparative negligence system. This means that even if a pedestrian is partially at fault, they can still recover damages—though their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, if a pedestrian is found to be 30% responsible for crossing against a signal, and their damages total $100,000, they could still recover $70,000 from the driver or another liable party.
Insurance companies often use this rule to shift blame and minimize payouts, which is why it's so important to have an experienced personal injury attorney who can protect your interests and ensure the facts are fairly presented.
Your health comes first. Even if you feel okay, many serious injuries—like concussions or internal trauma—aren’t always visible right away. Call 911 and seek medical attention on the scene, or go to a hospital as soon as possible afterward. Delaying treatment can not only worsen your condition but may also harm your legal case.
Make sure the accident is reported to the Pasadena Police Department or another responding agency. A police report will serve as an essential record of what happened and may contain the driver's statement and witness accounts.
If you’re physically able, collect the names and contact information of any bystanders who saw the crash. Their statements can help confirm that you were in the crosswalk or that the driver failed to yield. Eyewitness testimony can be powerful when an insurance company tries to dispute liability.
Also, take photos of the scene including:
Many parts of Pasadena—especially in commercial zones like Old Town or near South Lake Avenue—have security cameras on nearby businesses or public buildings. These cameras may have captured the accident as it happened.
Act quickly to preserve this footage, as many systems automatically delete recordings after a short period. An attorney can send a preservation letter to request that this evidence be saved before it’s overwritten.
Insurance adjusters often reach out to victims soon after an accident. They may seem helpful—but their real goal is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line. Do not give a recorded statement, accept a settlement offer, or discuss fault until you’ve spoken with a personal injury attorney.
Even casual remarks like “I didn’t see the car coming” can be twisted and used against you. Let an attorney handle all communication with the insurance company to ensure your rights are fully protected.
One of the most urgent concerns after a pedestrian accident is the cost of medical care. You may be facing:
Your claim can cover both current medical expenses and anticipated future costs, especially if your recovery will take months or years.
If your injuries keep you from working—whether temporarily or permanently—you may be able to recover the wages you’ve lost. This includes:
If you’re unable to return to your previous job or work at all, you may also be entitled to compensation for reduced earning capacity, reflecting the long-term effect on your income.
Not all damages are financial. A pedestrian accident can leave lasting emotional scars, including:
In serious cases, a pedestrian injury can result in permanent disability, such as:
These cases may require home modifications, long-term nursing care, or ongoing medical supervision. Your compensation should reflect not just your current needs, but your projected lifelong care and loss of independence.
Pedestrian accidents in crosswalks are more than just unfortunate events—they’re life-altering experiences that often leave victims facing physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial stress. These cases can be complex, especially when fault is disputed or shared. But one thing is clear: you have legal rights, and you don’t have to face this battle alone.
Whether the driver failed to yield, was distracted, or you’re unsure who’s at fault, getting experienced legal guidance is essential. Insurance companies are quick to minimize payouts, and they often try to shift blame onto the pedestrian. Don’t give them the upper hand.
At Tim Wright Law, we fight for pedestrian accident victims across Pasadena and Southern California. We’ll help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and pursue the maximum compensation available under California law.
Let us focus on the legal recovery while you focus on healing. There are no upfront fees, and you don’t pay unless we win.
Contact Information:
📍 Tim Wright Law – Personal Injury Office
1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302
Burbank, CA 91506
📞 (323) 379-9995 📧 firm@timwrightlaw.com 🌐 www.timwrightlaw.com
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