Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Pomona, CA
Pedestrian accidents in Pomona, CA often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protective measures such as seatbelts or airbags. Victims frequently face significant medical expenses, missed work, and challenges with insurance companies seeking to minimize compensation.
Commonwealth Legal Group, PC represents pedestrian accident victims throughout Pomona and the Pomona Valley. Our Pomona, CA pedestrian accident lawyer, Founder Albert Ng, has been handling plaintiff-side personal injury cases since 2016 and has recovered millions for injured clients. That includes a $500,000 recovery for a pedestrian struck by a car and a $300,000 result for a child who was run over in a parking lot. Every case is on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win.
Why Choose Commonwealth Legal Group for Pedestrian Accident Cases in Pomona, CA?
We’ve Won Pedestrian Injury Cases
This isn’t hypothetical for us. Attorney Albert Ng recovered $500,000 for a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle and $300,000 for a minor who was run over in a parking lot, suffering a broken leg and other injuries. Across all personal injury cases, Albert has recovered millions of dollars for clients, including a $2.2 million trial verdict in a rear-end collision where the defense offered $0.
These results don’t happen by accepting whatever the adjuster puts on the table. They come from building strong cases, pushing back on every defense tactic, and being willing to go to trial when the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation.
A Trial Lawyer With a Record That Insurers Respect
Albert earned his J.D. from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego and his bachelor’s degree from Boston University in 2010. He was admitted to the California Bar in December 2016 and is a member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles. His $2.2 million verdict earned a Top 50 Verdict in 2020 and was reported by the Daily Journal. When insurance companies see Albert’s name on a claim, they know they’re dealing with someone who will actually try the case if they have to.
If you need a personal injury lawyer in Pomona, CA who handles pedestrian crash claims specifically, Albert has the case history and courtroom record to fight for your full recovery.
No Fees Unless We Win
Pedestrian accident injuries are among the most severe in all of personal injury law. Extended hospital stays, multiple surgeries, months of physical therapy, and the inability to work create enormous financial pressure. We handle every pedestrian case on a contingency fee basis. Zero upfront costs. If we don’t recover compensation, you owe nothing.
We Take on Government Entities Too
Some pedestrian accidents in Pomona are caused or worsened by dangerous road conditions. Missing crosswalks, broken traffic signals, faded lane markings, and inadequate street lighting all contribute to crashes. When a city or county’s failure to maintain safe infrastructure played a role, the government entity may be liable. Attorney Ng won a $2.2 million verdict against the County of Orange. We are not intimidated by government defendants or their legal teams.
Types of Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle in Pomona
Pomona’s dense commercial corridors, busy intersections, and proximity to multiple freeways create daily hazards for people on foot. Holt Avenue, Garey Avenue, Mission Boulevard, and the streets surrounding the Pomona Transit Center all see heavy pedestrian traffic alongside fast-moving vehicles. Here are the types of pedestrian accident cases we handle:
- Crosswalk accidents. Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks cause devastating collisions. These crashes happen regularly at Pomona’s busiest intersections, including Holt Avenue and Garey Avenue, where pedestrian foot traffic near shopping centers and bus stops is constant.
- Parking lot collisions. Shopping center lots, grocery store parking areas, and restaurant lots are common sites for pedestrian injuries in Pomona. Drivers backing out of spaces frequently fail to see a person walking behind them. We recovered $300,000 for a child who was run over in a parking lot.
- Hit-and-run incidents. When a driver strikes a pedestrian and flees, the victim is left with serious injuries and an unidentified at-fault party. We investigate aggressively using traffic cameras, business surveillance footage, and witness statements. If the driver is never found, the victim’s own uninsured motorist coverage may still provide compensation.
- Distracted driving crashes. A driver looking at their phone for a few seconds can miss a pedestrian stepping into a crosswalk. Cell phone records can be subpoenaed to prove the driver was distracted at the moment of impact.
- Turning vehicle accidents. Left-turning and right-turning drivers frequently fail to check for pedestrians before completing their turn. These collisions are particularly common at Pomona intersections where high traffic volume meets pedestrian foot traffic near transit stops and commercial areas.
- Accidents caused by dangerous road conditions. Missing crosswalks, broken streetlights, faded lane markings, and inadequate pedestrian signals all contribute to crashes. When a government entity failed to maintain safe infrastructure, they may share liability for the injuries. These claims have shorter filing deadlines.
California Legal Requirements for Pedestrian Accident Cases
California law provides specific protections for pedestrians. Understanding these laws strengthens your claim and helps you avoid common mistakes.
California Vehicle Code Section 21950 requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in all crosswalks, both marked and unmarked. A driver who fails to yield and strikes a pedestrian has violated this law, which creates strong evidence of negligence. The statute is available through the California Legislature.
The statute of limitations for a pedestrian accident lawsuit is two years from the date of the crash under CCP Section 335.1. If a government entity is involved, like a city responsible for maintaining a dangerous intersection, you may have as little as six months to file an administrative claim under Government Code 911.2. Missing that deadline can permanently destroy your right to pursue compensation.
California’s pure comparative fault system applies to pedestrian cases. Insurance companies almost always argue the pedestrian was jaywalking, wearing dark clothing, looking at their phone, or crossing against the signal. Even if a jury assigns partial fault to the pedestrian, you can still recover damages reduced by that percentage. Being 25% at fault on a $500,000 claim still means $375,000 in recovery.
What Damages Are Recoverable in a Pomona Pedestrian Accident?
Pedestrian injuries are almost always more severe than injuries in vehicle-on-vehicle crashes. The human body has no protection against a two-ton vehicle. That severity drives higher medical costs and larger damage claims.
Economic damages cover every quantifiable financial loss. Emergency room treatment, hospitalization, surgery, follow-up care, physical therapy, prescription medications, assistive devices, lost wages during recovery, and reduced earning capacity if the injuries prevent you from returning to the same work. Future medical expenses for ongoing conditions like brain injuries or spinal injuries can add hundreds of thousands of dollars. California places no cap on economic damages.
Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, PTSD, anxiety, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and loss of consortium. A pedestrian accident victim who develops severe fear of walking near traffic has suffered a loss that fundamentally changes how they move through the world. California law recognizes and compensates for these losses.
Punitive damages may be available if the driver’s conduct was particularly egregious. Under Civil Code 3294, driving drunk, fleeing the scene after striking a pedestrian, or racing through a residential neighborhood could all support a punitive damage claim on top of compensatory recovery.
In fatal pedestrian accidents, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.
What Steps Should I Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Pomona?
Being struck by a vehicle is violent and disorienting. If you’re physically able, these steps protect your health and your legal rights:
- Stay at the scene if you can. Do not try to get up and walk away. Movement after a serious impact can worsen spinal or internal injuries. Wait for emergency responders to arrive and assess you.
- Call 911. Request police and an ambulance. A police report is one of the most critical pieces of evidence in any pedestrian accident case.
- Get the driver’s information. If you’re able, collect the driver’s name, phone number, license plate, driver’s license, and insurance details. If you can’t do this yourself, ask a witness or wait for the police to document it.
- Identify witnesses. Bystanders who saw the crash can provide testimony about what the driver was doing, whether you were in the crosswalk, and the speed of the vehicle. Get their names and phone numbers.
- Photograph the scene. If possible, take photos of the intersection, traffic signals, crosswalk markings, the vehicle’s damage, your injuries, and any skid marks or debris on the road.
- Go to the hospital. Even if paramedics release you at the scene, get to the emergency room. Soft tissue injuries and internal bleeding can be present without obvious symptoms. A same-day medical evaluation connects your injuries to the accident.
- Do not give a recorded statement. The driver’s insurance company will call. They will sound sympathetic. Their purpose is to minimize your claim. Decline the recorded statement and tell them your attorney will be in contact.
- Save everything. Medical bills, prescriptions, torn or bloody clothing, records of missed work. Every document supports the value of your claim.
- Stay off social media. A single post can be used against you. Insurance adjusters will look for anything that suggests your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim.
- Contact a pedestrian accident attorney. Evidence disappears fast. Traffic camera footage gets overwritten. Witnesses move on. The sooner an attorney can begin preserving evidence and investigating, the stronger your case will be. Learn about when to hire an attorney and post-accident steps.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Pomona
Walking in California is far more dangerous than most people appreciate. The Office of Traffic Safety reported 1,106 pedestrian fatalities statewide in 2023. That’s down from 1,213 in 2022, but still roughly three people killed on foot every single day. Pedestrians account for approximately 26% of all traffic deaths in California, one of the highest proportions in the country.
Los Angeles County is the most dangerous county in California for pedestrians. The county recorded 293 pedestrian fatalities in 2023 and more than 1,470 between 2020 and 2024. No other county comes close. The NHTSA reports that over 80% of pedestrian fatalities nationwide occur in urban areas, and 77% happen after dark.
Pomona’s pedestrian risk factors are concentrated along its busiest corridors. Holt Avenue carries heavy vehicle traffic past commercial centers where pedestrians cross constantly. Garey Avenue connects residential, commercial, and industrial zones with dense intersection traffic. Mission Boulevard handles both local and commuter traffic with frequent pedestrian conflicts near transit stops.
The City of Pomona has identified pedestrian safety as a key priority in its Safety Action Plan under the federal Safe Streets for All program, with planned improvements to Indian Hill Boulevard, Mission Boulevard, Towne Avenue, and Garey Avenue. But those infrastructure upgrades are ongoing, and in the meantime, pedestrians continue to face serious risks at these locations every day.
Pomona Pedestrian Accident Lawyer FAQs
Can I still recover damages if I was jaywalking when I was hit?
Yes. California’s pure comparative fault system allows recovery even if you share some blame. If a jury finds you 30% at fault for jaywalking and your damages total $400,000, you would still recover $280,000. The driver’s negligence is evaluated separately from yours.
What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?
Report the hit-and-run to Pomona Police immediately. Your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply. We investigate using traffic camera footage, business surveillance video, and witness identification to locate the driver.
Who is liable if a pedestrian is hit in a crosswalk?
California Vehicle Code 21950 requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in all crosswalks. A driver who fails to yield and strikes a pedestrian is presumed negligent. The city may also share liability if the crosswalk was poorly designed, maintained, or lacked adequate signage or signals.
How much is a pedestrian accident case worth in Pomona?
It depends on the severity of injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance coverage. Our pedestrian recoveries include $500,000 for a pedestrian struck by a car and $300,000 for a child hit in a parking lot. Cases involving permanent disability or death can be worth significantly more.
What injuries are most common in pedestrian accidents?
Broken bones in the legs, pelvis, and ribs. Traumatic brain injuries from impact with the pavement or the vehicle. Spinal cord injuries. Internal organ damage. Facial fractures. Road rash. In the most severe cases, wrongful death. Pedestrians take the full force of impact with zero protection.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Pomona?
Two years from the date of the accident under CCP Section 335.1. If a government entity is involved, you may have only six months to file an administrative claim. Contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Does it matter if there was no crosswalk where I was hit?
Not necessarily. Drivers owe a duty of care to pedestrians everywhere, not just in crosswalks. If the driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to keep a proper lookout, they can be liable even if you were crossing outside a marked crosswalk.
Can I sue the city if a dangerous intersection caused my accident?
Potentially. If a missing crosswalk, broken traffic signal, inadequate lighting, or poor road design contributed to the crash, the responsible government entity may share liability. These claims have a six-month administrative filing deadline.
What if the driver was texting when they hit me?
Cell phone records can be subpoenaed to prove distraction at the time of the crash. Texting while driving violates California Vehicle Code 23123.5 and is strong evidence of negligence.
Will the driver’s insurance cover my injuries?
In most cases, the at-fault driver’s auto liability insurance is the primary source of compensation. If the driver was uninsured or underinsured, your own UM/UIM coverage may apply. We identify every available source of recovery early in the case.
Do I need a lawyer for a pedestrian accident in Pomona?
Pedestrian cases involve severe injuries, high medical costs, and aggressive insurance tactics designed to shift blame to the pedestrian. A Pomona pedestrian accident attorney understands how to counter those arguments and fight for the full value of your claim.
What if my child was hit by a car while walking?
Children are among the most vulnerable pedestrians. Parents or guardians can file a claim on the child’s behalf. The statute of limitations for minors is tolled until age 18, but acting early preserves evidence and allows treatment to begin promptly.
Can I recover compensation for PTSD after being hit?
Yes. PTSD, anxiety, fear of crossing streets, and other psychological effects are recognized non-economic damages in California. These can be documented through therapy records and psychological evaluations and are compensable alongside physical injury damages.
What should I do if the insurance company offers a quick settlement?
Do not accept it without speaking to an attorney. Early offers are calculated before your full medical costs are known. Once you sign a release, you cannot seek additional compensation later regardless of how your injuries develop.
What is the average settlement for a pedestrian accident in California?
There is no meaningful average because every case depends on injury severity, fault, and insurance coverage. Minor injuries may settle for tens of thousands of dollars. Cases involving surgery, permanent disability, or death regularly exceed six figures. Our pedestrian recoveries range from $300,000 to $500,000.
Most Dangerous Locations for Pedestrian Accidents in Pomona
Several Pomona roads and intersections pose elevated risks for pedestrians:
Holt Avenue. Pomona’s primary east-west commercial corridor carries high vehicle traffic past shopping centers, restaurants, and bus stops where pedestrians constantly cross. Evening hours are especially dangerous due to poor lighting in some stretches and high volumes of turning traffic near Pomona Ranch Plaza.
Garey Avenue. This north-south corridor connects residential areas to commercial and transit hubs. The intersection with Holt Avenue is one of the most documented accident hotspots in Pomona. Heavy pedestrian traffic from the nearby Pomona Transit Center creates regular conflicts with vehicles.
Mission Boulevard. A mix of commuter and local traffic, with pedestrian crossings near schools, churches, and neighborhood businesses. The intersection with White Avenue has been flagged for speeding and failure-to-yield crashes involving pedestrians.
Foothill Boulevard (Route 66). This historic corridor runs through Pomona with a combination of high-speed vehicle traffic and commercial pedestrian activity. The mix of fast travel and unexpected stops near cross streets creates dangerous conditions for people on foot.
School zones. Areas near Pomona High School, Garey High School, Village Academy High School, and numerous elementary schools see heavy pedestrian traffic during drop-off and pick-up hours. Impatient and distracted drivers create significant danger for students and families walking to and from school.
What Are Important Local Resources for Pomona Pedestrian Accident Victims?
If you or a family member was hit by a car while walking in Pomona, these local resources can help:
Pomona Police Department, (909) 620-2155, 490 W. Mission Blvd., Pomona, CA 91766. File a police report or obtain a copy of an existing one. Collision reports are available online.
California Highway Patrol, Baldwin Park Area, (626) 338-1164. CHP handles pedestrian accidents occurring on or near state highways including I-10, SR-60, SR-71, and SR-57.
Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, (909) 865-9500, 1798 N. Garey Ave., Pomona, CA 91767. Full emergency department and trauma center, centrally located in Pomona.
City of Pomona Public Works, (909) 620-2281. Report dangerous crosswalk conditions, broken traffic signals, missing signage, or inadequate street lighting.
Disclaimer: Listing these resources does not constitute an endorsement by Commonwealth Legal Group, PC. They are provided for informational purposes only.
Contact Commonwealth Legal Group
Being hit by a car while walking is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can go through. If it happened to you or your child in Pomona, CA, Attorney Albert Ng is ready to help. Consultations are free. Every pedestrian accident case is handled on contingency. No upfront costs. No fees unless we recover money for you. We respond quickly to every inquiry and provide honest evaluations from the start.
Contact us to schedule your free case evaluation today.