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Santa Ana is one of the most walkable cities in Orange County, with dense neighborhoods, bustling commercial corridors, and a high volume of pedestrian traffic. Unfortunately, negligent drivers frequently endanger pedestrians, resulting in serious consequences.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, the dedicated Santa Ana pedestrian accident lawyers from Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer can help you get the maximum compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation by completing this online form or calling our Santa Ana law offices at (714) 701-8149.
Table of Contents
How a Santa Ana Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Benefits Your Case
Who Is at Fault in a Pedestrian Accident in Santa Ana?
Can I Recover Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault?
What Can Be Compensated in a Personal Injury Claim?
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in California?
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Santa Ana?
Why Choose Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer?
After a pedestrian accident, selecting the ideal attorney can significantly impact the outcome of a personal injury case. Here are the benefits of working with our Santa Ana pedestrian accident lawyers:
- Affordable Representation – Free consultation + ZERO upfront legal fees
- Extensive Local Knowledge – Familiarity with Santa Ana’s roads, intersections, and court systems
- Proven Track Record – Secured millions in settlements and verdicts for injured clients across Orange County
- Personalized Service – Tailor-made representation, treating every case with the unique attention it deserves
- Aggressive Advocacy – Will only accept the best option and never settle for the easiest solution
We offer a complimentary, no-obligation consultation to all prospective clients. Schedule yours today to discover how we can maximize your case.
Who Is at Fault in a Pedestrian Accident in Santa Ana?
Determining liability is one of the most important aspects of any personal injury case. To hold the at-fault party responsible, the following four elements of negligence must be proven.
- Duty of Care: The defendant owed the plaintiff (pedestrian accident victim) a legal obligation to act reasonably and avoid causing harm.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to uphold the duty of care by failing to act reasonably (e.g., speeding, texting while driving, failing to yield).
- Causation: The defendant’s actions directly or indirectly caused the accident that led to the plaintiff’s injuries.
- Damages: The plaintiff suffered damages (measurable harm), such as physical injuries, medical expenses, emotional trauma, or financial losses as a result of the accident.
Ultimately, it must be demonstrated that the other party’s negligence caused harm, and that this harm would not have occurred had the defendant not breached the duty of care. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can streamline this legal process and maximize the outcome.
Comparative Negligence Laws and Shared Fault
Under California law, a pedestrian can still recover compensation for an accident even when partially at fault. In cases of comparative fault, insurance companies often try to place as much blame as possible on the plaintiff to minimize their payout. This is why legal representation is crucial.
Our Santa Ana pedestrian accident attorneys can assess the facts of your case and provide guidance on how to salvage your case.
Right-of-Way Laws in California Pedestrian Accidents
Under California law, motorists are required to yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
A driver who hits a pedestrian while failing to obey this rule has likely breached their legal duty of care, which can form the basis of a successful personal injury claim.
However, insurance companies may try to blame the pedestrian or argue that the accident victim contributed to the accident by not watching for oncoming traffic.
Updates to California’s Jaywalking Laws
According to the Safe Transportation and Research Education Center at the University of California, Berkeley, jaywalking is a primary cause of pedestrian accidents. Other frequent causes include drivers violating a pedestrian’s right of way, driving at an unsafe speed, or making improper turns.
While jaywalking has been decriminalized in California, pedestrians can be held liable if an accident occurs, as they are still expected to exercise caution when crossing outside of a crosswalk.
If there is any immediate danger of a collision, pedestrians are not allowed to jaywalk. If they assume that drivers will slow down or see them, pedestrians could be held liable for their own injuries.
Can I Recover Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes.
The legal principle of pure comparative negligence allows individuals to pursue damages even if partially responsible for an accident. However, any awarded compensation will be reduced in proportion to their assigned degree of fault.
For example, if a plaintiff is found to be 20% at fault, compensation will be reduced by 20%, and the remaining 80% can be collected.
A personal injury lawyer in Santa Ana will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to minimize any assigned fault and maximize your potential financial recovery.
Where Do Most Santa Ana Pedestrian Accidents Occur?
As one of Orange County’s most densely populated cities, Santa Ana experiences significant pedestrian safety challenges. The city currently ranks 5th among California’s 13 most populous cities for pedestrian fatalities and injuries.
Additionally, local data and city reports show that Santa Ana experiences a high number of pedestrian accidents in several key areas, such as:
- Bristol St. Corridor from West 17th St. in Santa Ana to Sunflower Ave., including the South Coast Metro area
- Civic Center Plaza
- Downtown Santa Ana, near 4th St. and Main St.
- MacArthur Blvd., approaching John Wayne Airport
- School Zones, notably Santa Ana High School, Century High School, and Valley High School
- Transit Stops along Harbor Blvd.
Such high-traffic areas require increased caution from all motorists. Unfortunately, many fail to uphold their duty of care to operate their vehicles in a responsible manner.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Santa Ana, CA
Santa Ana ranks among the top cities in California for pedestrian injuries and fatalities. High-risk zones like 4th Street downtown, the Bristol Street corridor, and the areas around local schools and transit stops see frequent accidents involving drivers who fail to yield, speed through intersections, or are texting and driving.
Santa Ana’s busy streets and intersections are prime locations for vehicle-pedestrian crashes. Most pedestrian accidents are often the result of the following:
- Aggressive or Reckless Driving: Road rage or cutting off other cars, causing other drivers to swerve into a pedestrian’s path
- Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or using a GPS, diverting a driver’s attention from the road
- Driving Under the Influence: Impaired judgment due to drunk driving or impaired driving (prescribed or illegal drugs)
- Failure to Yield: Drivers who do not yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections
- Illegal Turns: Unsafe left or right turns without checking for foot traffic, particularly at crosswalks or large intersections
- Poor Visibility or Weather: Rain, fog, dim lighting, and other conditions that affect visibility
- Rolling Stops: Not coming to a complete stop and rolling through stop signs or red lights
- Roadway Hazards: Broken street lamps, lack of sidewalks, poorly maintained crosswalks, or unclear signage
- Speeding: Exceeding speed limits, which reduces reaction time and increases the severity of the collision
A pedestrian has no protection in a collision with a motor vehicle. Even at lower speeds, these accidents can cause catastrophic injuries or death. This is why it’s critical to consult with a Santa Ana pedestrian accident lawyer who understands the local landscape and legal system as soon as possible.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Recent data indicated that nearly 10,850 people suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident. That same study showed that in a statewide survey, 16% of car drivers witnessed pedestrians stepping off the curb without checking for traffic, and 18% not using a crosswalk.
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries, requiring extensive medical care. Some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Amputation
- Broken bones and fractures
- Emotional distress
- Head injuries
- Internal Bleeding
- Lacerations, cuts, and road rash
- Nerve Damage
- Pierced organs
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Torn Ligaments
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Wrongful death
The recovery process can be extensive, painful, and costly. This is why expert legal counsel is so crucial, as it ensures you can secure compensation for lost income, property damage, and current and future medical expenses.
What Can Be Compensated in a Personal Injury Claim?
Each pedestrian accident case presents unique circumstances, but injured pedestrians may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
Medical Treatment
- Current medical bills, like hospital stays or ER bills
- Future medical bills, like long-term care needs
- Medical costs for surgeries
- Medical equipment and assistive devices
- Prescription medications
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
Lost Wages
- Income that could not be earned while recovering
- Loss of future earning potential, due to disability-related job changes
- Permanent injury, preventing the return to work
Pain and Suffering
- Disfigurement or permanent impairment
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical pain
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety
Wrongful Death Damages
If a pedestrian accident tragically results in death, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover funeral costs, financial losses, and other damages.
At Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer, our legal team works with financial and medical experts to ensure your compensation reflects the full scope of your losses—both now and in the future.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in California?
Under California’s statute of limitations, personal injury lawsuits are generally required to be filed within two years from the date of injury. Non-compliance with this timeframe may result in the case being dismissed and losing the right to seek compensation.
There are also specific regulations when a governmental entity (like a city-maintained sidewalk or poorly marked crosswalk) is involved in the pedestrian accident, with the filing period being reduced to just six months.
Contact our pedestrian accident attorneys in Santa Ana as soon as possible to avoid missing such important filing deadlines.
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Santa Ana?
Taking appropriate measures immediately following a pedestrian accident will be pivotal to safeguarding your health and strengthening your pedestrian accident claim:
- Call 911 – Contact the Santa Ana Police Department to file a police report, and request medical attention if necessary.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Some serious injuries don’t show immediate or apparent symptoms. Therefore, seek an evaluation from a medical professional even if you feel “okay,” and retain all medical records.
- Document Everything – Take photos of the accident scene, injuries, and any vehicle damage. Also, collect the names and contact information from witnesses.
- Minimize Communication – Avoid engaging with the other party involved, limiting interaction to the exchange of contact and insurance information. Also, do not speak with their insurance adjuster, as they might try to induce an admission of fault from you.
- Contact a Santa Ana Pedestrian Accident Lawyer – An experienced attorney can advise on the best legal options and protect you from the insurance company’s tactics. The sooner you secure legal representation, the greater your chances of a fair settlement.
Do I Actually Need a Personal Injury Lawyer for My Pedestrian Accident Case?
While not mandatory, legal representation is greatly beneficial. Here’s why.
Insurance companies do not look out for your best interests. Their primary objective is to reduce their payout, and they frequently employ strategies to deny, delay, or underpay personal injury claims.
Without guidance from knowledgeable personal injury lawyers, injured victims risk receiving significantly less compensation than they are entitled to—or nothing at all.
To ensure clients achieve an optimal outcome, our Santa Ana personal injury law firm provides the following:
- Thoroughly investigating how the traffic accident happened to prove fault
- Collecting evidence, like police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness statements
- Working with accident reconstruction experts, demonstrating how the traffic accident occurred
- Agressively negotiating with insurance adjusters to maximize compensation
- Preparing the pedestrian accident case for trial, if litigation is necessary
Our legal team handles every aspect of pedestrian accident claims, allowing our clients to focus on their healing. Additionally, at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer, we don’t charge any upfront legal fees; we only get paid when you win.
Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Ana Pedestrian Accidents
What should I do after a pedestrian accident in Orange County?
To strengthen your claim, record details about the vehicle that hit you, including the type, model, color, license plate, and any unique features. Additionally, thoroughly document the scene, noting weather, time of day, lighting conditions, road design, the sequence of events leading to the impact, witness accounts, and photographs.
Will filing a claim raise my insurance premiums?
No. Since it’s a pedestrian accident, you do not have to use your vehicle insurance. Therefore, there are no premiums to increase. Your claim will be paid by the at-fault driver’s insurance, and their premium is likely to increase.
What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?
If you possess uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), it can be utilized, even for a pedestrian accident, allowing you to recover full and fair compensation for injuries and other damages.
When should I contact a personal injury attorney?
As soon as possible. Retaining prompt legal counsel following a pedestrian accident enhances the ability to effectively collect evidence, assess damages, and secure the maximum achievable compensation.
How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident attorney?
Fees will vary for every law firm, but we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means clients pay no upfront costs and incur no fees. Our legal services are exclusively contingent upon a successful financial recovery on your behalf, which is calculated as a percentage of the final settlement. If a settlement is not recovered, no fees are charged.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Santa Ana Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Victims of pedestrian accidents in Santa Ana are urged to seek immediate legal counsel. Prompt and strategic action is crucial for both physical and financial recovery. Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer is prepared to provide comprehensive legal guidance and advocate for your rights.
You don’t have to face this alone. Let our experienced Santa Ana pedestrian accident lawyers fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
After an accident, Jeff’s got you. Schedule your free consultation today.
Address: 1418 N. Main St Suite 200-A Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone Number: (714) 701-8149
Other Practice Areas Our California Personal Injury Law Firm Handles
Our award-winning law offices specialize in the following practice areas:
- Santa Ana Car Accidents
- Santa Ana Bicycle Accidents
- Santa Ana Dog Bites
- Santa Ana Motorcycle Accident
- Santa Ana Personal Injury Accidents
- Santa Ana Rental Car Accidents
- Santa Ana Slip and Fall Accidents
- Santa Ana Truck Accidents
- Santa Ana Uber Accidents
- Santa Ana Lyft Accidents
- Santa Ana Workers’ Compensation
- Santa Ana Wrongful Death
Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer’s Other Locations
Our pedestrian accident attorneys are ready to discuss your personal injury case. Schedule a free consultation with one of our offices in Southern California today.
- Bakersfield
- Corona
- Fontana
- Fresno
- Hesperia
- Rancho Cucamonga
- San Jose
- Tustin
- Van Nuys
- Victorville
- Visalia