Founder
There’s nothing more terrifying than getting a call that your child has been hit by a car. Pedestrian accidents involving children are all too common in Los Angeles, especially near schools, parks, and busy intersections. As parents, we do everything we can to protect our kids—but when someone else’s carelessness causes harm, it’s important to understand your rights and how to respond.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents Involving Children
Children are especially vulnerable as pedestrians. They’re smaller, less visible to drivers, and may not always judge traffic accurately. In Los Angeles, where traffic moves fast, and sidewalks can be crowded, a simple walk to school can turn dangerous in an instant.
Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:
- Drivers speeding in school zones or residential neighborhoods
- Motorists failing to stop at crosswalks
- Distracted driving, especially with cell phones
- Poor visibility during early mornings or evenings
- Obstructed signs or malfunctioning traffic lights
Even when a child is walking where they’re supposed to be, a driver who isn’t paying attention can cause life-altering harm. In many cases, the accident could have been prevented.
What to Do Right After the Accident
In the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But there are a few steps that can make a big difference, both for your child’s recovery and any legal claim you may file later.
Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 immediately and get medical attention
- Make sure a police report is filed
- If you’re able, take photos of the scene, including traffic signals, crosswalks, and any damage
- Get contact information from any witnesses
- Avoid speaking with the driver’s insurance company before talking to an attorney
Even if your child’s injuries seem minor at first, symptoms can appear later. Always follow up with medical care and keep all treatment records.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
In many cases, the driver who hit your child will be held responsible. But that’s not the only possibility. Sometimes, there are other contributing factors, and more than one party may share liability. Depending on the situation, responsibility may fall on:
- The driver
- A city agency, if there were broken traffic lights or missing signs
- A property owner, if poor maintenance blocked a driver’s view of the crosswalk
- A construction company, if temporary barriers or equipment caused limited visibility or confusion
We’ll look closely at the details of your case to determine who should be held accountable.
What Compensation Can You Pursue?
No amount of money can undo what happened, but compensation can help ease the financial burden and support your child’s healing. Depending on the severity of the injuries, we may be able to help you recover damages for:
- Medical expenses, including surgery, rehab, and follow-up care
- Counseling or therapy for emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term care needs if the injury leads to permanent disability
- Lost wages for parents who need to take time off work
Every case is different. We’ll take the time to understand what your child needs—now and in the future—and fight for the compensation your family deserves.
How We Can Help You and Your Child
When you hire us, you don’t just get a lawyer—you get a team that cares about what happens next. We know how to deal with insurance companies and how to build a strong claim. We can:
- Handle the paperwork and negotiations so you can focus on your child
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your case
- Bring in professionals, when needed, to assess injuries and future care
- Keep you informed every step of the way
Most importantly, we treat your case with the care we’d want if it were our own child. You deserve that kind of support.
Contact Our Experienced Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
If your child has been hurt as a pedestrian in Los Angeles, let us help you take the next step. At Ardalan & Associates, we’ve helped many families recover after devastating accidents. We’re ready to listen, answer your questions, and take action on your behalf. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here when you need us most.