Are You a Pedestrian Accident Victim?

Pedestrian accidents in Orange, CA | Santiago Accident Lawyers

With its historic plaza and buzzing dining scene, Orange is one of the top destinations in Southern California. A significant number of students from nearby Chapman University also reside here. Its walkability makes Orange a great place to see the sights on foot, but also poses real risks for pedestrian-auto accidents. 

If you have been involved in an accident with a car, truck, motorcycle or bus while walking down the street or crossing a crosswalk, our Orange County pedestrian accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and work to get you compensation for your injuries. Don't go through this difficult time alone – contact us at (714) 912-6901 today for a free consultation. 

How Our Orange, CA Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help

With millions recovered and a 99% success rate, Santiago Accident Lawyers will fight tirelessly for you to recover the compensation you deserve after a pedestrian accident. We have over 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases, and we will guide you through the entire legal process here. We take the guesswork out of filing a claim so you can focus on your recovery.

We will handle all communication with the other parties involved and the insurance company. By working with our experienced pedestrian accident lawyer, your Orange County pedestrian accident case will not be put at the bottom of the pile. We are skilled in handling tough insurance adjusters and will not settle for less. As part of our contingency fee arrangement, we will not ask for upfront legal fees unless and until we win your pedestrian accident case. To set a completely free, no-risk consultation, call our Orange law firm or send us a message online. 

 

Getting Compensation After a Car Accident as a Pedestrian in Orange, CA

Lost wages and medical expenses in a pedestrian collision claim.

Pedestrian accident victims may be able to recover damages, also known as losses, in a personal injury claim. With the help of a qualified attorney, he or she can walk you through the types of damages available to you depending on your injuries and the nature of the accident. 

  • Medical expenses, including hospital bills and medical treatment
  • Lost wages
  • Personal property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Scarring or disfigurement
  • Loss of consortium 
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

In tragic cases where a loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. In a claim, the family may recover damages such as funeral and burial expenses and other related costs. Our Orange wrongful death lawyer can discuss more in a free call. 

Is There a Time Limit to File a Claim?

Yes. Injured victims have two years from the date of their pedestrian accident to file a claim under California's statute of limitations. While there are certain exceptions, it’s best to start the claims process as soon as possible so you do not lose your right to financial compensation. 

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Most pedestrian accident cases result in some form of driver negligence. Whether it’s speeding, running a red light, or driving drunk, drivers who fail to drive carefully and respect the law may find themselves on the receiving end of a lawsuit. Below are some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in California: 

Failure to yield the right of way

Pedestrians have the right-of-way at marked and unmarked crosswalks and intersections. Unfortunately, due to driver negligence or blind spots, a driver making a turn or speeding may not see a pedestrian crossing and cause a serious accident. 

Reckless driving

Speeding, running red lights, and breaking traffic laws are all reckless behaviors that have serious consequences. Pedestrians who find themselves at the wrong place and time may become a victim of a reckless driver. 

Intoxicated driving

Over 10,000 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence in Orange County, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making them more likely to cause pedestrian accidents.

Distracted driving

Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do. Despite the risks, many drivers of all ages still do it. If you are a victim of a distracted driving accident, you may be able to recover compensation. 

Poor visibility

According to the CDC, most pedestrian accidents happen at night. Nighttime and bad weather conditions can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians. Pedestrians walking at night are encouraged to wear bright or reflective clothing to be easily seen.

Turning accidents

An IIHS study found that SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans are more likely than cars to hit pedestrians when making turns. Turning crashes, which may be caused by poor driver visibility, accounted for more than 900 of around 5,800 fatal pedestrian accidents at or near intersections from 2014 to 2018. 

Who Can Be Found At Fault For Orange County Pedestrian Accidents?

Fatal pedestrian accidents occur away from intersections.

The basis of most personal injury claims is negligence. Negligence is the legal term for failing to exercise reasonable care or caution, resulting in harm or injury to another person. In order for an attorney to take on your case, you must prove the other driver failed to act with care, resulting in the accident and your own injuries. You must also show that you suffered financial damages from the accident, such as medical bills.

In many cases, drivers are found at fault for pedestrian accidents if they are driving negligently, recklessly, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drivers may also be held responsible if they fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or violate traffic laws. However, pedestrians may also be found at fault for accidents if they are crossing the street outside of a crosswalk, jaywalking, or walking under the influence of drugs or alcohol. California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, meaning that both parties may claim damages if they are found partially liable. 

Take this for example: A pedestrian is crossing outside of a crosswalk, and a driver traveling over the speed limit strikes the pedestrian. In this case, both parties are at fault. The pedestrian can still recover damages, but their settlement amount will be reduced according to the percentage of fault. An experienced Orange County pedestrian accident lawyer can go into more detail about fault in a free consultation. 

Types of Injuries Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents

Considering their little to no protection on the road, it’s no surprise that pedestrians suffer serious and traumatic injuries, when an accident occurs. A speeding vehicle can cause a pedestrian to suffer significant injuries, resulting in a long road to recovery. Our pedestrian accident attorneys have been successful in obtaining compensation for the following types of injuries:

  • Cuts, bruises and scrapes
  • Internal organ damage
  • Bone fractures
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Internal injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Amputation/loss of limb
  • Dental injuries and facial fractures 

An Orange County pedestrian accident lawyer can help you schedule medical treatment and doctor’s visits for many different types of injuries. Call our law office to learn about treatment and next steps. 

What Should You Do If You're Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian?

Orange County pedestrian accident attorneys

Being hit by a car as a pedestrian is a traumatic experience, but it's important to stay calm and take the following steps to protect yourself. 

Seek medical attention

A medical examination is a critical piece of evidence in a personal injury lawsuit. Without it, the insurance company might deny your claim. See a doctor as soon as possible after your accident to assess your injuries. 

Call the police

An Orange police officer will arrive at the accident scene and take your statement. Make sure you get a copy of the police report or file one online. 

Gather evidence

if you are able to, take photos of the accident site, the car that hit you, and your injuries. 

Exchange information

Get the other driver's insurance company information and contact details, as well as the contact information from any witnesses. 

Call a pedestrian accident lawyer

An Orange County pedestrian accident lawyer will make sure your rights are protected and explain your options for seeking compensation.  

Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Orange, CA

The city of Orange, CA is home to Old Towne Orange, a beautiful and historic area that is best experienced on foot. Be mindful of these dangerous roads and intersections while walking in Orange: 

  • Chapman Ave. and Yorba St.
  • State Route 57 (The Orange Fwy)
  • Katella Ave. and Glassell St.
  • Tustin St. and Collins Ave.
  • East Chapman Ave. and South Cambridge St.

Our Old Towne Orange accident lawyer will help you file a claim against the at-fault driver if you were struck by a car while walking or jogging in Orange. 

Schedule a Free Consultation With an Attorney

If you or a loved one was seriously injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, Santiago Accident Lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation of your case, build a strong claim, and present it to the other driver's insurance company. With countless successful settlements in our history, we will work hard to secure the compensation you deserve – not the lowball offer from the insurance company. Keep in mind your case is running on a time limit, and if you miss the deadline, you lose the right to compensation. 

Our Orange County personal injury attorney works on a contingency fee basis, meaning we will not ask for any legal fees until we win your case. To begin your case, schedule a free consultation with our experienced pedestrian accident lawyer by phone or in person. We look forward to hearing from you.