Severe Pedestrian Injury in Sherman Oaks Raises Crucial Question: Is Hiring a Car Accident (Pedestrian) Attorney Essential for Fair Compensation?
Severe Pedestrian Injury in Sherman Oaks Raises Crucial Question: Is Hiring a Car Accident (Pedestrian) Attorney Essential for Fair Compensation?
Late Tuesday night (February 11, 2025) in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, witnesses reported a serious car accident where a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle just before 10 p.m. on busy Ventura Boulevard. The pedestrian sustained critical injuries and was rushed to the hospital. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities, as the Valley Traffic Division investigates the incident. While the cause is still unknown, this accident underscores the importance of seeking legal counsel from an experienced car accident attorney when facing life-altering injuries.
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- No detailed information on the pedestrian’s condition or the driver’s liability is available at this time. We sincerely hope the injuries are not severe.
“Your health is priority one, but the clock is ticking. Waiting to hire a personal injury attorney can cost you crucial evidence, witness accounts, and negotiation power with insurers. Need clarity? Read our in-depth analysis: The Truth About Car Accident Lawyers: Do You Really Need One?”
Pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common in Sherman Oaks. Legal representation benefits both pedestrians seeking fair compensation and drivers defending against claims. A pedestrian accident lawyer protects victims’ rights, while a car accident lawyer offers drivers a defense strategy. Both attorneys are essential in negotiating with insurance companies and establishing fault.
View the accident location on Google Maps.
Legal Uncertainty: Who Is Liable?
Determining liability in this accident is complex. Responsibility could lie with the driver, the pedestrian, or even external factors like road conditions or signage issues. LAPD’s findings will be crucial. As the LAPD continues its investigation, the legal landscape remains unclear.
The driver may face reckless driving charges under California Vehicle Code § 23103. If not found at fault, the pedestrian’s compensation claim may be affected. A seasoned lawyer ensures victims’ voices are heard and their rights protected.
Facts: Location, Injuries, Communication
- Location and Time: The car accident occurred on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, just before 10:00 p.m. in Sherman Oaks at the 14700 block of West Ventura Boulevard, one of Los Angeles' busiest traffic corridors.
- Participants: The incident involved an unidentified pedestrian struck by a vehicle. The driver, whose identity has not yet been released, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
- Injuries: The pedestrian sustained severe injuries and was immediately transported to a nearby hospital. The current condition of the injured party has not yet been confirmed by police or hospital officials.
- Emergency Response: LAPD units from the Van Nuys Division and firefighters from the Los Angeles Fire Department arrived at the scene, provided first aid to the injured pedestrian, and ensured safe transport for further medical care.
- Traffic Measures: A section of Ventura Boulevard was closed to facilitate a thorough investigation. Officers conducted on-site measurements and collected evidence for further examination.
- Investigation: The case is being handled by the Valley Traffic Division of the LAPD, which specializes in traffic accidents in the San Fernando Valley area. The cause of the collision has not yet been disclosed as all available evidence is under review.
- Potential Legal Classification: Responsibility for the accident is still unclear. Under California law, charges could range from a misdemeanor for negligent driving to a felony for reckless driving resulting in injury under Vehicle Code § 23103.
- Next Steps: The investigation will focus on traffic camera footage, witness statements, and toxicology tests to rule out alcohol or drug use by the driver. If a lawsuit is filed, the injured party may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and damages for physical and emotional suffering as outlined in California Civil Code § 1714 (negligence).
Involved in a car accident? Whether you were driving, walking, cycling, or on a scooter, don’t delay. Talk to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible - most offer free consultations. If you’re asked to pay upfront, find another lawyer. Many work on contingency, meaning no fees unless you win.
In California, pedestrians can be held liable for an accident if their negligence contributed to the collision. Under California Vehicle Code § 21950, while drivers must yield to pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks, pedestrians must also exercise caution. Jaywalking, ignoring traffic signals, or crossing outside designated areas can lead to pedestrian liability. In such cases, the pedestrian may be responsible for damages, unless comparative negligence is established, which could reduce or eliminate their fault depending on the driver's actions.
Pedestrians in California generally have the right of way in marked crosswalks and unmarked crosswalks at intersections under Vehicle Code § 21950, but numerous exceptions exist. Pedestrians lose this right if they suddenly step off the curb into the path of an oncoming vehicle, create an immediate hazard, or unnecessarily delay traffic while crossing.
Additionally, pedestrians cannot walk in bike lanes when sidewalks are available, cross outside of designated crosswalks at intersections, or ignore traffic signals. Notably, blind pedestrians with a white cane or guide dog always have the right of way, and failing to yield to them is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000. California’s “pure comparative negligence” law means pedestrians who violate these rules may be partially liable for an accident, reducing their potential compensation based on their share of fault, even if they sustain severe injuries.
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