We are all pedestrians at some point walking to your car, crossing the street, or going to work. As more people choose walking over driving for health, convenience, or environmental reasons, the risk from traffic continues to grow. Unfortunately, fatal pedestrian accidents especially hit-and-runs are rising across California.
Key Statistics
- Over the past decade pedestrian deaths in the U.S. have increased by nearly half. California ranks among the states with the highest rates of fatal pedestrian accidents.
- Many cities across the state show especially high pedestrian fatality numbers including major metropolitan areas where traffic is heavy and sidewalks or crossings may be underserved.
- Approximately one in four pedestrian deaths involve hit-and-run drivers. Most of these occur in single-vehicle crashes where a driver flees the scene rather than reporting the collision.
Legal Rights After a Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crash
If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a hit-and-run involving a pedestrian, there are legal options:
- Injured pedestrians or their families can file personal injury claims to recover damages for medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, and other losses.
- If a pedestrian is fatally injured, family members might bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Surviving dependents may seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, loss of income the deceased might have earned, and other losses.
- The responsible driver’s hit-and-run status does not automatically bar legal action if you can show negligence, recklessness, or willful wrongdoing.
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim
- Spouse or registered domestic partner
- Children
- Grandchildren if the children are deceased
- Dependents who relied on the victim for significant support
- Anyone entitled to inherit from the victim under state inheritance laws
Why It’s Important to Contact a Lawyer
- To ensure all relevant evidence (surveillance footage, traffic reports, witness statements) is preserved early.
- To understand what damages you may be entitled to and make sure nothing is overlooked.
- To act within legal deadlines so your case is not dismissed.
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Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
