Pedestrian Accident

Getting hit by a car changes everything in an instant. If a driver’s carelessness put you here, California law gives you the right to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and the pain you’re dealing with every day since.

One Moment on the Road Can Take Years to Recover From

Pedestrians absorb the full force of a collision with nothing between them and the vehicle. The injuries are often catastrophic, and the financial pressure follows fast: hospital stays, surgeries, weeks or months away from work.

What makes these cases harder is what comes after the crash itself. California roads see thousands of pedestrian injuries each year, and in most of them, the driver was doing something they shouldn’t have been. But insurers rarely acknowledge that right away. They have adjusters, timelines, and tactics designed to keep payouts low. Dealing with any of that while you’re still healing is genuinely difficult.

Desert Injury Law handles those conversations on your behalf. We review the evidence, deal with the insurance companies, and build a case around what actually happened, so you’re not left guessing about your options or pressured into accepting something that doesn’t come close to covering what you’ve lost.

What Causes Most Pedestrian Accidents in California?

Causes of the Accident:

  • Distracted driving (phones, GPS, in-car screens)
  • Failure to yield at crosswalks or intersections
  • Speeding through residential or school zones
  • Running red lights or ignoring stop signs
  • Impaired driving (alcohol, drugs, fatigue)
  • Backing out of driveways without looking
  • Poor street lighting or unmarked crossings
  • Reckless or aggressive driving behavior

Types of Injuries:

  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal cord and neck injuries
  • Internal bleeding or organ damage
  • Torn ligaments and soft tissue injuries
  • Deep lacerations and road rash
  • Nerve damage and chronic pain
  • Wrongful death

You Owe Us Nothing Unless We Win

We're reachable any time of day because we understand that questions don't wait for business hours. The first consultation is free. If we move forward together, our fee comes only from what we recover for you. Nothing out of pocket, no upfront costs.

Why People Come to Desert Injury Law

A pedestrian accident leaves behind real, measurable losses: emergency care, follow-up treatment, time off work, and the kind of stress and fear that doesn't just go away on its own. We take all of that into account, not just the bills.

Proven Results

We've handled pedestrian accident cases involving serious, life-altering injuries and have a record of recovering meaningful compensation for our clients. That experience shapes how we approach every new case, from the evidence we gather early to how we handle negotiations.

No Fee Unless We Win

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, full stop. You pay nothing unless there's a recovery. For most people dealing with injuries and financial strain at the same time, that matters.

Trial-Ready Representation

Insurance companies tend to take claims more seriously when they can see a case has been built for court. That's exactly how we prepare, and it makes a difference at the negotiating table long before any trial date gets scheduled.

Our clients’ stories

Our clients share their journey — from challenges to achievements. Each story shows how we help deliver real results.

Got Maximum Policy Limits!

We didn’t settle for less. After a tough negotiation, we secured the full policy amount to ensure our client’s future is fully protected.

Incredible Results!

Some cases are more complex than others, but our persistence paid off. We achieved a settlement that far exceeded initial expectations.

Settlement Reached!

After a long road to recovery, our client finally received the compensation he deserved. Justice served.

Victory for Our Client!

No matter the obstacles, we fight for what’s right. We successfully closed this chapter with a result that brings true peace of mind.

Loved and Trusted by Our Clients

What they’ve said about us!
Nureet Cohen
California
Desert Injury Law, and especially Alina Landver came to my, and my family rescue several times in the past 10 years. No matter if the case is big or small, we always felt we are treated with the best advise.
Verda Valle
California
All I want to say is that my experience with Desert Injury Law firm made things so easy and pleasant working side by side with me until the end. If you ever need a personal injury lawyer, Desert Injury Law is the #1 firm to call on. Thanks for all you do, Desert Injury Law.
Ivan Krasovsky
California
My family had an accident some years ago. And Work with this very professional firm completely satisfies me. They are really professionals!
Alina Butina
California
Amazing law firm! They handled my accident case with professionalism and care, kept me updated every step of the way, and got me a great result. Highly recommend!
Yuliya Munson
California
Alina is professional, responsive, and truly caring about her clients. She and her staff made the whole process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend!

Where We Can Help

Desert Injury Law serves clients across the Coachella Valley, including Palm Springs, Indio, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, and the surrounding communities. We also take on cases throughout the state, because pedestrian accidents happen everywhere in California, not just in city centers.

They happen in grocery store parking lots and along quiet suburban streets. They happen on rural highways where there’s no sidewalk and poor lighting. They happen at intersections people cross every single day. Wherever yours occurred, we can look at what the evidence shows, figure out who’s responsible, and take over all contact with the at-fault party’s insurance so you’re not fielding calls while trying to recover.

We’ll walk through every stage of the process with you, from the initial claim to final resolution. If settlement talks stall, we’re prepared to take the case further. You won’t be handed off to someone unfamiliar with your situation, and distance within the state isn’t an issue for working with us.

Faq

1.

How long do I have to file a claim after a pedestrian accident in California?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a government agency is involved, that window can be much shorter. Waiting too long typically closes off your options entirely.
2.

What if I was partly at fault for being hit?

California uses a pure comparative fault system, which means you can still recover compensation even if you share some of the blame. Your award gets reduced by your percentage of fault, but you're not automatically barred from recovering anything.
3.

What kinds of damages can I claim?

A pedestrian injury claim can include current and future medical costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity going forward, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The amount depends heavily on how serious the injuries are and how they've affected your life.
4.

What should I do right after being hit by a car?

Call 911, and get medical attention even if nothing feels seriously wrong at first. Try to document the scene if you can. Get the driver's insurance information, note anyone who witnessed it, and don't give a recorded statement to the driver's insurer before talking to a lawyer.
5.

I didn't go to the hospital right away. Can I still file a claim?

Yes. A lot of people don't feel the full extent of their injuries until hours or days later. A delay in treatment can complicate things, but it doesn't disqualify you. What matters most is that you seek care and keep records of it.
6.

What if the driver had no insurance?

There may still be ways to recover. If you carry uninsured motorist coverage on your own auto policy, it can apply even in pedestrian accidents. Depending on the circumstances, there could also be other responsible parties, including the vehicle's owner or a local government agency.
7.

How long do these cases usually take?

It really depends on the complexity of the case. Some settle in a few months; others take considerably longer, especially when injuries are severe or the insurer disputes liability. We don't push for fast settlements that leave money on the table.
8.

Should I talk to a lawyer before responding to a settlement offer?

Yes. Early offers from insurance companies are almost always lower than what a case is actually worth, often made before the long-term costs of an injury are fully clear. Accepting one without legal review can waive your right to anything more, even if your medical situation gets worse.

Office Locations

750 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California 92262
Tel: (877) 21-DESERTLAW (213-3737)
info@desertinjurylaw.com
Palm Springs • Coachella • Rancho Mirage • Scottsdale • Las Vegas