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Walking through Burbank’s neighborhoods should be safe, especially when crossing at designated crosswalks. Yet every year, more pedestrians are injured or killed in crosswalk-related accidents throughout Burbank and greater Los Angeles. Whether near schools, intersections, or busy shopping areas like Magnolia Park or downtown Burbank, pedestrian accidents have become a serious public safety concern.
Unlike vehicle-to-vehicle crashes, collisions between drivers and pedestrians often result in catastrophic injuries. With little to no physical protection, pedestrians may suffer broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, or worse—even when crossing legally and with the right-of-way. Tragically, some of these accidents result in fatalities, leaving families devastated and searching for justice.
If you or your loved one has been hit by a vehicle while walking in a Burbank crosswalk, you’re likely facing overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and pain—both physical and emotional. And you’re probably asking one critical question: Who is liable?
Under Vehicle Code § 21950, drivers are legally required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the street within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections. This law is designed to protect people on foot, especially in urban areas like Burbank where foot traffic is common near schools, parks, shopping centers, and transit stops.
Key points of the law include:
While pedestrians have the right-of-way in most crosswalk scenarios, they are also expected to act responsibly. California law requires pedestrians to:
Even though drivers are usually held responsible in crosswalk cases, liability can be shared. If, for example, a pedestrian darted out between cars or ignored a “Don’t Walk” signal, they may be found partially at fault under California’s comparative negligence system.
This means:
In most crosswalk accidents, the driver is at least partially at fault, especially when their actions directly cause the crash. Common examples of driver negligence include:
Although pedestrians have strong legal protections, they also have a duty to act responsibly. In some cases, pedestrian behavior can contribute to or cause an accident:
California follows the rule of pure comparative negligence, which means that an injured party can still recover damages even if they were partially at fault for the accident.
Here’s how it works:
This system allows for fairness in complex situations where both parties share some responsibility.
The City of Burbank, Los Angeles County, or other public agencies can be held liable when dangerous road conditions or poor infrastructure contribute to a pedestrian accident.
When a city fails in its duty to maintain safe public roadways, it may be held accountable. However, claims against government entities in California must be filed within 6 months under the California Tort Claims Act, making it crucial to act quickly.
Sometimes, a pedestrian accident occurs not because of driver error, but because the vehicle itself was defective. In these cases, the vehicle manufacturer or parts supplier may be held liable under product liability law.
If the driver who struck the pedestrian was on the job at the time of the accident, their employer may also be liable under a legal principle called respondeat superior. This doctrine holds companies accountable for the actions of their employees performed within the scope of their employment.
Always call 911 to report the incident—even if your injuries seem minor. A formal police report creates an official record of the crash, including:
Your health comes first. Even if you feel "okay" initially, get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries—like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage—can take hours or days to fully appear.
Prompt medical care also documents the connection between the accident and your injuries, which is crucial for your claim.
If you're able—and it's safe to do so—gather as much information from the scene as possible:
Treat the incident like a typical car crash. Ask the driver for:
Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly and ask for a recorded statement or offer a fast settlement. Politely decline until you've spoken with a personal injury attorney.
Why? Because insurers are trained to:
Don’t delay in seeking legal help—especially if your injuries are serious or if you suspect city infrastructure played a role. At Tim Wright Law, we can:
Pedestrians have the legal right to safety when using crosswalks in Burbank. But when that right is violated by a negligent driver, poor road design, or a preventable traffic hazard, the consequences can be life-changing. Whether you’re dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, or the emotional trauma of a loved one’s accident, you don’t have to face it alone.
At Tim Wright Law, we’re committed to helping injured pedestrians and their families understand their rights and recover the compensation they deserve. The sooner you act, the better your chances of building a strong, successful case. Time-sensitive evidence like surveillance footage, witness statements, and traffic signal data can be critical—and it’s often lost or deleted quickly.
📞 Call Tim D. Wright Today for a Free Consultation
Office: 1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302, Burbank, CA 91506
📱 (323) 379-9995
📧 firm@timwrightlaw.com 🌐 www.timwrightlaw.com
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