What Should I Do if I'm Hit by a Car in Long Beach?

If you are hit by a car in Long Beach, call for emergency help, get medical care, and report the crash. If you can do so safely, collect the driver’s information, take photos, and get contact details from witnesses. Before accepting money or giving a recorded statement, consider speaking with a California pedestrian accident lawyer.

Your Health Comes First

A pedestrian has little protection from a moving vehicle. Even if you can stand or walk afterward, you may have an injury that is not immediately obvious.

Accept emergency care when you need it. If you do not go for immediate treatment, arrange a medical evaluation as soon as possible and follow the care plan you receive. Keep copies of medical records, bills, prescriptions, and instructions.

How Fault Is Determined in a California Pedestrian Accident

Drivers must use reasonable care around pedestrians. Fault may depend on whether the driver failed to yield, was distracted, was speeding, ignored a signal, or otherwise drove without proper caution.

Pedestrians must also follow traffic rules and act with reasonable care. Evidence such as photos, witness accounts, vehicle damage, medical records, and available video may help show what happened.

What if I was outside a crosswalk?

Being outside a marked crosswalk does not automatically prevent you from bringing a claim. The details still matter, including what the driver could see, how the vehicle was being operated, and whether either person had time to avoid the collision.

California follows pure comparative negligence. That means you may still recover damages if you share some fault, but your recovery can be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

Dealing With the Insurance Company

The driver’s insurer may contact you quickly. An adjuster may ask for a recorded statement, medical authorization, or signed settlement before you know how serious your injuries are.

You can provide basic identifying information without guessing about speed, distance, fault, or your medical condition. Do not sign a broad medical release or settlement you do not fully understand. Once a claim is settled, you generally cannot reopen it because your condition became worse.

What Determines the Value of Your Claim?

No honest lawyer can determine a pedestrian accident claim’s value from a few facts. The value depends on the evidence and how the crash has affected your health, work, and daily life.

• The type and severity of your injuries
• Past and expected medical costs
• Lost income and reduced ability to work
• Pain, emotional distress, and loss of normal activities
• Whether you may need future treatment or assistance
• The strength of the evidence about fault
• Your share of responsibility, if any
• The available insurance coverage and legally responsible parties

Keep a simple record of appointments, symptoms, missed work, and activities you can no longer do. This can help explain the full effect of the collision rather than just the cost of your first medical visit.

California Deadlines That May Affect Your Case

In many California personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit (CCP §335.1). Waiting can still hurt your case because video may be erased, witnesses may become difficult to find, and other evidence may disappear.

A much shorter deadline may apply if a public entity could be responsible. A government claim generally must be presented within six months (Government Code §911.2). Special rules and exceptions may apply, so it is wise to get legal advice promptly if a public vehicle, employee, road condition, or other public-entity issue may be involved.

What to Do After a Crash

1. Call for emergency help. Move away from traffic if you can do so without making an injury worse.
2. Get medical care. Tell the medical provider about every symptom, including pain, dizziness, numbness, or confusion.
3. Report the collision. Ask how you can obtain a copy of the collision report when it becomes available.
4. Collect information. Get the driver’s name, contact details, license plate number, insurance information, and vehicle description.
5. Find witnesses. Ask anyone who saw the crash for a name, phone number, and email address.
6. Take photos and video. If it is safe, document the scene, traffic controls, lighting, road conditions, your injuries, your clothing, and the vehicle.
7. Preserve your belongings. Keep damaged shoes, clothing, bags, bicycle equipment, or personal items without washing or repairing them.
8. Limit insurance discussions. Do not guess, admit fault, sign a release, or accept a settlement before you understand your injuries and options.
9. Save records. Keep medical paperwork, receipts, wage records, insurer letters, and messages related to the crash.
10. Ask a lawyer about your rights. Early advice can help protect evidence and identify filing deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still have a case if I was not in a crosswalk?

Possibly. California’s comparative negligence rule allows an injured person to seek recovery even when that person shares responsibility. Your recovery may be reduced according to your share of fault.

Should I talk to the driver’s insurance adjuster?

You should be careful. A recorded statement can be used to challenge your account or minimize your injuries. You can speak with a lawyer before answering detailed questions or signing documents.

What if the driver left the scene?

Call for emergency help and report the collision as soon as possible. Write down everything you remember about the vehicle, driver, direction of travel, and any witnesses. Preserve photos, medical records, and any available video while other possible sources of coverage are reviewed.

What if I felt fine right after the crash?

Some symptoms may not be obvious at the scene. Seek medical attention if you develop pain, dizziness, confusion, numbness, weakness, or any other concern. Tell the provider when and how the collision happened.

Can I recover lost wages after being hit by a car?

Lost income may be part of a pedestrian accident claim when your injuries prevent you from working. Save pay records, work schedules, employer communications, and medical restrictions. Future loss of earning ability may also matter if an injury has lasting effects.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit?

Many California personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the injury (CCP §335.1). A claim involving a public entity may require action within six months (Government Code §911.2). Because the correct deadline depends on the facts and exceptions may apply, get legal advice promptly.

What if the insurance company says I caused the accident?

An insurer’s statement is not the final decision on fault. Photos, witness accounts, video, vehicle damage, medical records, and other evidence may tell a different story. California law may still permit recovery when responsibility is shared.

If you were hit by a car in Long Beach, Hollywood Injury Law Center — Bash & Polyachenko P.C. can review what happened and explain your options. Call (323) 850-0101 for a free consultation.