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Right of Way in Sherman Oaks Crosswalks: When Is the Driver Liable?

Pedestrian Accidents · By Payam Soliemanzadeh · September 22, 2026

Written and reviewed by Payam Soliemanzadeh, Founder and President — Updated September 22, 2026

Pedestrian Accident in Sherman Oaks, California

Struck in a Sherman Oaks crosswalk? California law gives pedestrians strong right-of-way protection. Here's when the driver is liable — and when fault is shared.

The crosswalks along Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks put pedestrians and turning drivers in constant contact. If a car hit you while you were crossing, you may wonder whether the driver is automatically at fault. California law leans heavily in the pedestrian's favor, but the details decide the case.

What California law says about crosswalks

Under Vehicle Code § 21950, drivers must yield to pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. A driver who fails to yield, turns into a crossing pedestrian, or 'rolls' a right turn without looking has almost certainly breached that duty — strong evidence of liability.

When fault can be shared

Pedestrians also have duties: not darting out from between parked cars, not leaving a curb suddenly into oncoming traffic, and following signals. If some of that is present, an insurer will argue comparative fault. It rarely eliminates the claim, but it affects the value, which is why the facts of your specific crossing matter.

Comparative negligence protects your recovery

California uses pure comparative negligence, so even a pedestrian found partly at fault still recovers — reduced by their percentage. A person 15% at fault for crossing slightly outside the lines still recovers 85% of their damages.

Evidence that wins crosswalk cases

Signal timing, the point of impact, the driver's turn path, and nearby business or traffic cameras often settle the dispute. Much of this footage is overwritten within days, so preserving it quickly is critical.

Local details for Sherman Oaks

County: Los Angeles County
Where a case is filed: A Sherman Oaks pedestrian case is generally filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court in Van Nuys.
Key deadline: Generally 2 years (CCP § 335.1); six months if a government entity is involved (Gov. Code § 911.2).

Ventura Boulevard through Sherman Oaks — and the intersections near the 101/405 interchange — carries dense foot traffic past restaurants and shops, a frequent setting for turning-vehicle strikes. Injured pedestrians are often taken to Sherman Oaks Hospital or a Los Angeles trauma center. Where a malfunctioning signal or crosswalk maintained by the city is involved, the shorter six-month government-claim deadline can apply.

Frequently asked questions

Does the driver always lose if they hit a pedestrian in a crosswalk?

Not automatically, but California law requires drivers to yield in crosswalks, so a failure to yield is strong evidence of liability. The specific facts still matter.

Can I recover if I wasn't in the crosswalk lines exactly?

Often yes. Under pure comparative negligence you can recover even if you share some fault; your compensation is reduced by your percentage.

What evidence should I preserve?

Nearby business and traffic camera footage, witness contacts, and the police report — footage especially is often overwritten within days.