There are multiple parties who may be liable when a pedestrian is involved in a road accident. The most obvious, of course, is the driver. But you might also be able to sue the government and/or the private entity responsible for some problem of design or installation — for example, in the vehicle, or in a crosswalk — which contributed to the accident.

In short, as a pedestrian, you can sue those whose negligence caused or contributed to your accident.

Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable every time they are involved in an accident. Those inside a vehicle are protected by things such as seatbelts and airbags, but the pedestrian is fully exposed, and often severely injured in a collision. That’s why California right-of-way laws are generally designed to favor and protect pedestrians. This increases the chance that some other party bears liability for pedestrian injuries.

If a roadway is dangerous, then the local or national government agency responsible for maintenance may be liable. If a car is defective, the manufacturer may be liable. At any rate, you should keep the statute of limitations in mind. In California, you have two years to file a claim against responsible parties. But if you are going to sue a public entity, then you only have six months to file a personal injury claim against a public entity.

To make sure you are able to recover damages after getting injured in a road accident, consider consulting with personal injury attorneys who specialize in pedestrian accidents. A lawyer will be able to help you figure out who is liable for your injuries and build a strong case against them.