Walking through Sherman Oaks should be safe—but with congested intersections and distracted drivers, pedestrian accidents are an all-too-common risk. Even a low-speed collision can cause life-changing injuries, leaving victims with medical bills, lost wages, and long recoveries. At Pilavjian Law, we help injured pedestrians pursue justice and hold negligent drivers accountable.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen
The layout of Sherman Oaks—busy shopping areas, crosswalk-heavy boulevards, and freeway access roads—creates unique hazards for pedestrians. Some of the most common causes of accidents include:
- Distracted driving due to texting or navigation apps
- Failure to yield at crosswalks and intersections
- Speeding on major streets like Ventura Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard
- Left-turn accidents, where drivers fail to see crossing pedestrians
- Poor visibility at night or in bad weather
In nearly every case, driver negligence plays a central role—and California law allows injured pedestrians to seek compensation when a driver’s careless actions cause harm.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Collisions
Because pedestrians have no protection, the injuries from these accidents are often severe. Victims may experience:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Permanent disfigurement or loss of mobility
These injuries often require extended hospitalization, rehabilitation, and long-term medical care. Pilavjian Law works with medical experts to accurately document the full extent of your injuries to strengthen your claim for compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable
Determining liability in a pedestrian accident requires a detailed investigation. Potentially responsible parties may include:
- The driver who caused the accident
- The vehicle owner, if different from the driver
- Commercial entities, if the driver was working at the time
- The city or municipality, if unsafe road design or malfunctioning traffic signals contributed
A knowledgeable attorney at Pilavjian Law can review police reports, video evidence, and witness statements to determine who should be held accountable.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
If you’ve been hit by a car in Sherman Oaks, protect your health and your legal rights by taking the following steps:
- Call 911 to report the accident and request immediate medical care.
- Obtain driver and witness information including insurance and contact details.
- Document the scene with photos of the crosswalk, vehicle, and traffic lights.
- Avoid discussing fault or posting about the incident online.
- Contact Pilavjian Law at (818) 380-3021 for legal guidance before speaking to insurers.
Prompt legal representation ensures your claim is filed correctly and helps preserve critical evidence.
Compensation Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims
In California, injured pedestrians may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
- Property damage (such as damaged personal items)
Pilavjian Law fights to secure the maximum recovery for each client, whether through negotiation or trial.
Protect Your Rights After a Sherman Oaks Pedestrian Accident
Recovering from a pedestrian accident can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone. The attorneys at Pilavjian Law provide compassionate, strategic representation for injured pedestrians throughout Sherman Oaks and the greater Los Angeles area. Call (818) 380-3021 today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you move forward.