Pasadena is known for its charming neighborhoods, bustling business districts, and walkable streets—but for pedestrians, it can also be dangerously unpredictable. Whether you’re crossing at a busy intersection like Colorado Boulevard or navigating foot traffic along Lake Avenue or near local schools, a simple walk can turn tragic in seconds due to a driver’s negligence.
In recent years, pedestrian accidents have surged across Pasadena and Los Angeles County. Despite safety initiatives, drivers continue to speed, run red lights, or fail to yield at crosswalks—putting walkers, joggers, and children at serious risk of catastrophic injury or death.
The physical toll of a pedestrian accident is often severe: broken bones, head trauma, internal injuries, or worse. But the emotional and financial fallout can be just as devastating. Victims and their families face overwhelming medical bills, missed work, pain, and uncertainty about what comes next.
If you or a loved one has been hit by a car while walking in Pasadena, you don’t have to go through this alone. At Tim Wright Law, we stand up for injured pedestrians and their families—ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Under California law, pedestrians have the right-of-way at both marked and unmarked crosswalks. An unmarked crosswalk exists at most intersections, even if lines are not painted on the road. Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing the street within these zones and exercise caution when approaching intersections.
If a driver fails to stop or slow down when a pedestrian is legally crossing, they may be found negligent and liable for resulting injuries.
CVC §21950 is one of the primary laws protecting pedestrians in California. It states that:
This means both drivers and pedestrians have responsibilities. A violation of this code by a driver can be powerful evidence in a pedestrian injury claim.
While pedestrians are given broad legal protection, they’re also expected to act responsibly. Jaywalking—crossing outside a crosswalk or against a traffic signal—can impact your case. However, even if a pedestrian was partially at fault, they may still recover compensation under California’s comparative fault laws (discussed in Section 4).
At Tim Wright Law, we carefully evaluate the full context of your accident. Just because you were outside a crosswalk doesn’t mean the driver is free from responsibility.
Understanding California’s pedestrian laws is key to building a strong case. These laws help establish:
Our legal team uses state and local codes to hold negligent drivers accountable, even when insurance companies try to shift blame.
The most common cause of pedestrian accidents is driver negligence. This includes:
If the driver was on the job at the time of the crash—such as a commercial vehicle operator or delivery driver—their employer may also be liable under California’s “vicarious liability” laws. This expands your options for recovering full compensation.
Sometimes, a pedestrian accident is caused by dangerous road conditions rather than driver error. The City of Pasadena, Caltrans, or other public agencies may be held liable if they failed to:
Claims against government entities are more complex and must be filed within six months, so it’s critical to consult with an attorney right away.
Accidents involving Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or Amazon drivers introduce a unique set of legal issues. Depending on the driver's status at the time of the crash (available, on a trip, or off-duty), different insurance policies and levels of coverage may apply.
At Tim Wright Law, we know how to navigate these overlapping policies to ensure that rideshare and delivery companies don’t dodge responsibility when their drivers cause harm.
In some situations, the pedestrian may share partial responsibility. For example, if a pedestrian was:
Under California’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation—even if you were partially at fault. Your total compensation would simply be reduced by your percentage of fault.
That’s why having a lawyer on your side is essential—to challenge exaggerated claims of pedestrian negligence and fight for your rightful recovery.
Even if your injuries seem minor at first, seek emergency medical care immediately. Many serious conditions—like internal bleeding, concussions, or fractures—can worsen quickly without treatment. Prompt care also creates a medical record that links your injuries directly to the incident, which is essential for any injury claim.
Make sure the accident is officially documented by calling 911 or the Pasadena Police Department. An officer will arrive to create an accident report, take driver and witness statements, and note key details at the scene. This police report is a critical piece of evidence when pursuing a claim for compensation.
If you’re able, gather evidence at the scene:
This documentation can help prove fault and protect you against false claims later.
The driver’s insurance company may contact you quickly and ask for a statement or offer a small settlement. Do not speak with them or accept anything before consulting a lawyer. Insurers often try to minimize payouts or shift blame onto you—especially in pedestrian cases.
At Tim Wright Law, we act fast to secure evidence, communicate with insurers, and build a strong claim for your recovery. Whether you’re dealing with serious injuries, missed work, or emotional trauma, we’re here to help you focus on healing while we fight for justice.
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries that require:
We fight to recover both current and future medical expenses, so you’re not left paying out of pocket for someone else’s negligence.
If your injuries forced you to miss work—or you’re unable to return to your previous job—you may be entitled to compensation for:
We work with economists and medical professionals to fully calculate the financial impact of your injuries.
A pedestrian accident can have a lasting emotional toll. You may be entitled to compensation for:
These non-economic damages are just as real—and we work to ensure they are fully recognized in your claim.
Life-changing injuries such as amputation, paralysis, or scarring may entitle you to additional compensation for the personal, professional, and emotional effects of permanent harm.
At Tim Wright Law, we ensure the long-term implications of your injury are fully reflected in your claim.
If a loved one was tragically killed in a pedestrian accident, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover for:
We handle these sensitive cases with compassion and a commitment to justice for your family.
Pedestrian accidents often leave behind lifelong consequences—not just physically, but emotionally and financially. Whether you're dealing with serious injuries, loss of mobility, or the tragic death of a loved one, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. And while the law protects pedestrian victims, navigating the legal system alone is no easy task.
That’s why you need an experienced, local attorney who understands the complexities of California pedestrian law and the challenges facing victims in Pasadena.
At Tim Wright Law, we’re committed to helping injured pedestrians and grieving families get the justice and compensation they deserve—with personal attention and no upfront fees.
📍 Office Address:
1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302
Burbank, CA 91506
📞 Phone: (323) 379-9995
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: www.timwrightlaw.com
