Pedestrians always have the right of way ... on roads where they can be. Pedestrians and cyclists are forbidden on 70 mph highways. If I ever see someone on foot on such highway, after doing my best to avoid that person, I'll call 911 asap to report it.

For anyone mad enough to claim right of way toward a pedestrian, in any situation, just think about the shitload of legal hurdles awaiting you down the road. Not worth it by any standard.

In Washington state (I don’t know CA rules), pedestrians have to yield to traffic if they are not crossing at an intersection, but they are still permitted to cross as long as they yield to traffic. The exception is if they cross between two intersections that are controlled by lights, then that is considered jay walking.

“Right of way” and “must yield” does not mean a car is allowed to hit a pedestrian who doesn’t follow the rules of course. The pedestrian is just not following the rules and can be cited for that. But practically speaking, most collisions involving such situations are not faulted against the driver unless some other factor is involved. It’s still a mess for them, however.

They might not have the legal right of way, but you're still in trouble if you run them over. So by all means, just don't try to kill anybody even if you have right of way (I'm appalled I even have to say this).

Right of way has nothing to do with colliding with people or cars. If I enter a 4 way stop second, but ignore right of way and go first that doesn't mean I'm going to hit another car.