Los Angeles Pedestrian Fatalities: A Crisis on Our Streets

~300
Pedestrian fatalities per year in LA County
65%
Of traffic fatalities occur on just 6% of LA streets (High Injury Network)
~20%
Of LA pedestrian collisions involve hit-and-run drivers

Los Angeles is one of the most dangerous cities in the United States for pedestrians. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) Vision Zero program — launched in 2015 with a goal of zero traffic fatalities by 2025 — identifies a "High Injury Network" of streets where pedestrian deaths are most concentrated. Despite Vision Zero investments, LA pedestrian fatalities have remained stubbornly high, with South LA, East LA, the San Fernando Valley, and the Harbor area recording the highest concentrations of crashes.

According to LADOT and California SWITRS data, the highest-risk pedestrian corridors include sections of Figueroa Street, Vermont Avenue, Van Nuys Boulevard, Broadway, Central Avenue, and Crenshaw Boulevard. Many of these are long, wide arterial streets with high vehicle speeds and frequent pedestrian crossing activity.

California Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws

California's pedestrian right-of-way laws are governed primarily by Vehicle Code §21950 through §21970:

CVC §21950 — At Crosswalks

Drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians in any marked or unmarked crosswalk. An "unmarked crosswalk" exists at every intersection with sidewalks, whether or not lines are painted on the pavement. This is a critically misunderstood concept: if you're crossing at an intersection — even without painted lines — you are in a crosswalk under California law, and drivers must yield.

CVC §21954 — Pedestrians Outside of Crosswalks

When a pedestrian crosses a roadway at any point other than a crosswalk (mid-block), the pedestrian must yield the right of way to vehicles. However, this does not absolve a driver who fails to exercise due care. California's pure comparative fault system means a driver speeding or distracted who hits a jaywalker is still liable for their proportional share of fault.

CVC §21955 — Mid-Block Crossings

Pedestrians are prohibited from crossing mid-block between two adjacent intersections controlled by traffic signals, except at marked crosswalks. Violating this provision doesn't bar recovery — it reduces it proportionally under comparative negligence.

CVC §21960 and Freeway Pedestrians

Pedestrians on freeways face different legal standards. However, accidents involving pedestrians on or near freeway on-ramps and off-ramps — particularly in areas like South Central and East LA — raise complex liability questions involving CALTRANS and the City.

📍 Key Principle: Even if you were crossing outside a crosswalk, California's pure comparative negligence rule means you can still recover damages if the driver was also at fault. A driver going 50 mph in a 35 zone who hits a pedestrian crossing mid-block is not absolved simply because the pedestrian wasn't in a crosswalk. InjuryAllies will fight to assign fault accurately — not accept the version the insurance company presents.

Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has one of the highest hit-and-run rates in the country. The California Office of Traffic Safety estimates that approximately 20% of pedestrian collisions in LA involve hit-and-run drivers. Under California Penal Code §20001, a hit-and-run involving injury is a felony — but many drivers still flee the scene.

How to Recover Compensation After a Hit-and-Run

A hit-and-run doesn't mean you have no legal recourse. Options include:

Can You Sue the City of Los Angeles for a Dangerous Crosswalk?

Yes. Under California Government Code §835, a public entity is liable for injury caused by a dangerous condition of its property if the entity had actual or constructive notice of the condition and failed to repair it. In pedestrian cases, dangerous conditions can include:

⚠️ Critical Deadline: Claims against the City of Los Angeles, LA County, LADOT, or CALTRANS require a government tort claim filing within 6 months of the incident under Government Code §911.2. Missing this deadline permanently bars your lawsuit against the government entity. If a dangerous road condition contributed to your accident, contact InjuryAllies immediately.

Injuries Pedestrian Accident Victims Typically Suffer

Because pedestrians have no protective structure around them, collision injuries tend to be severe. Common injuries include:

What Compensation Is Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims?

California law allows pedestrian accident victims to recover:

Hit by a Car in Los Angeles? We Fight for You.

Pedestrian accident injuries can be catastrophic. InjuryAllies represents victims throughout LA County — including hit-and-run cases, crosswalk fatalities, and dangerous intersection claims. Free consultation, no fee unless we win.

✆ (323) 372-1216 — Free Case Review Contact Online

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Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this content. Every case is different; past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. InjuryAllies is a California-licensed law firm. Statistics cited are sourced from LADOT, SWITRS, and the California OTS and are subject to change.