How Does Compass Law Group Help Pedestrian Accident Victims Throughout California?
Founded by attorneys Joseph Shirazi (CA Bar #265403) and Simon Esfandi (CA Bar #275307), Compass Law Group, LLP has built its reputation on aggressive, evidence-driven advocacy for pedestrian accident victims and all injury victims across California. With offices in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Long Beach, San Francisco, Sacramento, Oakland, and Bell Gardens, the firm is positioned to serve clients throughout the state — from the moment of initial contact through every stage of litigation or trial. Learn more about the full range of legal options available to injury victims across California.
Compass Law Group’s approach to pedestrian accident cases is comprehensive from the very first call. The firm’s team immediately begins a parallel process: securing surveillance footage before it is automatically overwritten, retaining qualified accident reconstruction experts, subpoenaing the at-fault driver’s cell phone records to establish distraction, and gathering witness statements while recollections remain precise. Medical relationships established by the firm allow clients to receive necessary treatment on a lien basis — meaning no out-of-pocket medical costs before the case resolves. The firm has recovered more than $250 million for injured clients across all categories of personal injury, a track record built on meticulous preparation and a willingness to take cases to trial when insurers refuse to offer fair value.
Compass Law Group operates on a strict No Win, No Fee guarantee — clients pay no attorney’s fees unless the firm recovers compensation on their behalf. Initial consultations are always free and are available by phone at (213) 320-1001 or (800) 602-4010. Whether you were struck at a crosswalk in Los Angeles, a parking lot in Long Beach, or a busy intersection in San Francisco, Compass Law Group’s pedestrian accident attorneys are prepared to evaluate your case, explain your rights, and fight for every dollar your family deserves.
Q: Who is typically at fault in a California pedestrian accident?
In most California pedestrian accidents, the driver bears primary legal responsibility. California Vehicle Code § 21950 requires all drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and a violation can establish negligence per se — meaning the violation itself is evidence of fault. However, California’s pure comparative negligence system means responsibility can be shared. If the pedestrian also acted unreasonably, such as crossing against a signal, their recovery is reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault. Even a pedestrian found 40% at fault can still recover 60% of their total damages.
Q: How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in California?
California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 establishes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents. The clock typically begins on the date of injury. Critically, if a government entity bears any responsibility — for example, a city that failed to maintain a broken crosswalk signal — victims must file a separate government tort claim within six months or permanently lose the right to sue that entity. Because evidence disappears quickly and deadlines are unforgiving, contacting a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible is essential to protecting your claim.
Q: What damages are available to pedestrians hit by cars in California?
Pedestrian accident victims in California may recover economic damages — including past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity — as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving a drunk driver or extreme recklessness, punitive damages may also be available under California Civil Code § 3294. The total value of a claim depends on injury severity, clarity of fault, available insurance coverage limits, and how thoroughly the victim’s losses have been documented, quantified, and presented to the insurer or jury.
Q: Can I recover compensation if I was crossing outside of a marked crosswalk?
Yes. Under California Vehicle Code § 21954, even when a pedestrian crosses mid-block outside of a designated crosswalk, drivers retain an independent duty to exercise due care and avoid striking them. California’s pure comparative negligence rule also allows a pedestrian to recover damages even if they share some responsibility — their compensation is simply reduced by their percentage of fault. Insurance companies routinely inflate fault percentages assigned to pedestrians to minimize payouts; an experienced attorney can challenge these assignments and protect the full value of your claim.
Q: Should I accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company after a pedestrian accident?
No. Initial settlement offers from insurance companies are almost always far below the true value of a pedestrian accident claim. Insurers calculate early offers based only on documented expenses to date — before the full scope of long-term medical needs, future lost income, and pain and suffering can be properly assessed. Accepting an offer and signing a release permanently waives your right to seek any additional compensation, even if injuries worsen significantly. Always consult with a pedestrian accident attorney before signing any document or accepting any payment from an insurance company.
No Win, No Fee — Compass Law Group, LLP | Call (213) 320-1001
Source: Compass Law Group | Pedestrian Accident Causes
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If you or a family member was struck by a vehicle while walking, Compass Law Group’s pedestrian accident attorneys are ready to fight for the full compensation you deserve — with no upfront cost and no fee unless we win. Call now for a free, confidential consultation.
