Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Encino? Attorney Anthony Girgis Can Help.
Pedestrians have virtually no protection when struck by a car, truck, or other vehicle on the streets of Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, or anywhere in the San Fernando Valley. The injuries are often catastrophic and the medical bills can be overwhelming. Attorney Anthony Girgis is based in Encino — one of the highest-risk areas for pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles County — and has recovered millions of dollars for pedestrian accident victims throughout the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles for over 16 years. If you or a loved one was struck by a vehicle you deserve experienced legal representation that fights for every dollar of compensation you are owed.
There are no upfront fees and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call (818) 986-5000 for a free consultation available 24/7.
Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles and Encino
California consistently ranks among the most dangerous states in the country for pedestrians. Los Angeles accounts for a disproportionate share of California’s pedestrian fatalities, with the San Fernando Valley being one of the highest-risk areas in the county. Pedestrian deaths in California increased 46% over the last decade according to transportation safety data, and speeding and distracted driving are the leading contributing factors.
In Encino, pedestrian accidents frequently occur along Ventura Boulevard near shopping centers and restaurants, at crosswalks on Balboa Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard, near the Encino Town Center and Westfield Fashion Square, and along White Oak Avenue near residential neighborhoods. Attorney Anthony Girgis is based steps from these locations and has represented pedestrian accident victims from these exact areas for over 16 years.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Encino
The most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Encino and the San Fernando Valley include drivers failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, distracted drivers looking at phones or navigation systems, drivers running red lights or stop signs, drivers making right turns without checking for pedestrians, vehicles backing out of driveways or parking spaces without seeing pedestrians, drunk or impaired drivers with reduced reaction time, and speeding drivers who cannot stop in time.
Most Dangerous Locations for Pedestrians in the San Fernando Valley
Pedestrian accidents in the San Fernando Valley tend to cluster around high-traffic commercial corridors and intersections where driver inattention and speeding are most prevalent:
Ventura Boulevard through Encino and Sherman Oaks is one of the most dangerous pedestrian corridors in the San Fernando Valley. Heavy traffic, frequent restaurant and retail activity, and multiple unsignalized crosswalks create constant pedestrian conflict with vehicles traveling at high speeds.
Sepulveda Boulevard through Van Nuys and Sherman Oaks carries heavy commercial traffic and has been the site of numerous serious pedestrian accidents. The intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and Sherman Way in Van Nuys is ranked among the most dangerous intersections in all of Los Angeles for pedestrian safety.
Van Nuys Boulevard through Van Nuys and Sherman Oaks sees frequent pedestrian accidents near bus stops and retail centers where pedestrians cross mid-block or against signals.
Reseda Boulevard through Northridge and Reseda passes near California State University Northridge — a high-traffic area where student pedestrians face elevated accident risks from drivers unfamiliar with campus crossing patterns.
Vesper Avenue and Kittridge Street in Van Nuys has been identified by transportation safety researchers as the worst pedestrian accident intersection in the entire San Fernando Valley — with a disproportionately high rate of pedestrian injuries and fatalities.
Balboa Boulevard through Encino and Granada Hills features long stretches where pedestrians must cross wide multi-lane roads with limited crossing infrastructure and poor lighting at night.
If you were struck by a vehicle at any of these locations or anywhere else in the San Fernando Valley attorney Anthony Girgis can help. Call (818) 986-5000 for a free consultation.
Types of Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle
Girgis Law Firm, APC handles all types of pedestrian accident claims throughout the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County including:
Crosswalk accidents — when a driver fails to yield to a pedestrian crossing in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950 drivers must yield to pedestrians at all crosswalks — marked or unmarked. Failure to do so is negligence per se.
Hit and run pedestrian accidents — when a driver strikes a pedestrian and flees the scene. California law allows hit and run pedestrian accident victims to pursue compensation through their own uninsured motorist coverage even when the driver is never identified.
Drunk driving pedestrian accidents — when an impaired driver strikes a pedestrian. These cases often support claims for punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages and frequently result in significant settlements.
Distracted driving pedestrian accidents — when a driver looking at a phone or navigation system strikes a pedestrian. Cell phone records can be subpoenaed to prove distracted driving and attorney Anthony Girgis acts quickly to preserve this evidence.
Backing vehicle accidents — when a driver reversing out of a driveway or parking space strikes a pedestrian. These accidents are common in Encino’s busy commercial areas along Ventura Boulevard and near shopping centers.
School zone pedestrian accidents — when a pedestrian is struck near a school crossing. Drivers have heightened duties of care in school zones and violations of school zone speed limits are strong evidence of negligence.
Parking lot pedestrian accidents — when a pedestrian is struck in a parking lot or garage. These accidents frequently involve questions about property owner liability in addition to driver negligence.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents frequently cause severe and life-altering injuries because pedestrians have no protection from the force of impact. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries and skull fractures, spinal cord injuries including partial or complete paralysis, broken bones and fractures including legs, hips, arms, and pelvis, internal organ damage from the force of impact, road rash and deep lacerations, soft tissue injuries and torn ligaments, and psychological trauma including PTSD and anxiety.
Even pedestrian accidents at lower speeds can result in serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment. Attorney Anthony Girgis works with trusted medical providers throughout the San Fernando Valley who treat pedestrian accident victims on a lien basis — meaning you can receive treatment without health insurance or upfront payment.
California Pedestrian Laws and Your Claim
California law provides strong protections for pedestrians. California Vehicle Code Section 21950 requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. Drivers who violate this law are negligent per se — meaning their violation is automatic proof of negligence in your personal injury claim. California follows pure comparative negligence, meaning you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault — your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. The statute of limitations for pedestrian accident claims in California is two years from the date of the accident.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
If you were struck by a vehicle in Encino, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and future treatment, lost wages and lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working, pain and suffering for the physical and emotional impact of your injuries, property damage to personal belongings, and punitive damages in cases involving drunk driving or extreme recklessness.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Encino
Call 911 immediately and stay at the scene. Accept medical attention from paramedics even if you feel able to walk away — adrenaline masks pain and symptoms can appear days later. Photograph the scene, the vehicle, your injuries, and the crosswalk or road conditions. Get contact information from all witnesses. Get the driver’s insurance and contact information. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster without consulting an attorney first. Call Girgis Law Firm at (818) 986-5000 for a free same-day consultation.
Why Choose Girgis Law Firm for Your Pedestrian Accident Case?
Over 16 years of personal injury experience in Encino and the San Fernando Valley. Millions recovered for pedestrian accident victims throughout Los Angeles County. You work directly with attorney Anthony Girgis — not case managers or assistants. No fees unless we win — 100% contingency fee basis. Free consultation available 24/7. Access to trusted medical providers who treat on a lien basis — no health insurance needed. Conveniently located on Ventura Boulevard in Encino near the US-101 corridor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in California
What if I was crossing outside of a crosswalk when I was hit?
California’s pure comparative negligence system means you can still recover compensation even if you were jaywalking when you were struck. Your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault but you are not completely barred from compensation. Attorney Anthony Girgis has experience minimizing fault allocations against pedestrian accident victims.
What if the driver claims I came out of nowhere?
This is one of the most common defenses in pedestrian accident cases. Drivers have a legal duty to watch for pedestrians at all times — including in areas where pedestrians might not be expected. Attorney Anthony Girgis builds cases with witness statements, surveillance footage, and accident reconstruction to counter this defense.
What if I was hit by a hit and run driver?
If the driver who struck you cannot be identified you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. Attorney Anthony Girgis handles hit and run pedestrian accident cases throughout the San Fernando Valley and knows exactly how to pursue all available compensation sources.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in California?
California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. If a government entity is involved — such as a city bus or municipal vehicle — you must file a government tort claim within six months. Contact Girgis Law Firm immediately to protect your rights.
What if I was partly at fault for the pedestrian accident?
California follows pure comparative negligence meaning even if you were partially at fault — crossing against a signal or outside a crosswalk — you can still recover compensation reduced by your percentage of fault. Attorney Anthony Girgis fights aggressively to minimize your fault allocation and maximize your total recovery.
Can I recover compensation for emotional distress after a pedestrian accident?
Yes — emotional distress including PTSD anxiety and depression resulting from a pedestrian accident is fully recoverable as part of your pain and suffering damages. Attorney Anthony Girgis works with medical providers who document the psychological impact of serious pedestrian accidents to maximize your emotional distress award.
Request a Free Consultation
Injured in a pedestrian accident in Encino? Call attorney Anthony Girgis at (818) 986-5000 for a free consultation — available 24/7. No fees unless we win.
Girgis Law Firm, APC 16055 Ventura Blvd., Suite 810, Encino, CA 91436 Phone: (818) 986-5000 Email: anthony@girgislawfirm.com