Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Orange, CA

If you or someone you know has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is essential to seek legal help as quickly as possible. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. The Dominguez Firm has over 35 years of experience and has recovered over $1 billion* for injured clients. Let us put our winning record to work for you too. Call (800) 818-1818 for your free consultation today.

Work With an Orange County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Did you know that pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in an accident involving a motor vehicle? If you’re a pedestrian accident victim, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. 

Your lawyer will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and speak to witnesses in order to build a strong case on your behalf. He or she will also negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, take your case to court. It’s important to have an aggressive advocate in your corner who isn’t afraid to fight for your rights. 

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

In 2018, there were 6,283 pedestrian deaths in the United States. That’s one person every 84 minutes. If you’re a pedestrian in Orange, CA, you need to know the top causes of accidents so you can avoid them. Here are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Orange, California.

1. Jaywalking 

Jaywalking is one of the most common and dangerous causes of pedestrian accidents. In fact, jaywalking was the cause of 28% of all pedestrian fatalities in 2018. Jaywalking occurs when a pedestrian crosses a road outside a marked crosswalk or against a red light. Jaywalking is especially dangerous because it can be challenging for drivers to see pedestrians who are not using a crosswalk. If you’re crossing the street, make sure to use a marked crosswalk and always obey traffic signals.  

2. Distracted Walking

Just like distracted driving, distracted walking is becoming more and more common and dangerous. According to one study, 47% of people reported being hit or nearly hit by a car while walking because they were distracted by their phones. That same study found that 70% of people admit to using their phones while walking, even though nearly everyone knows it’s dangerous. If you’re out walking, put your phone away and pay attention to your surroundings. 

3. Improper Turning 

Another common cause of pedestrian accidents is when drivers make improper turns—typically right turns—at intersections without yielding to pedestrians who have the right-of-way. In 2018, 846 pedestrians were killed in crashes involving vehicles turning right at an intersection or driveway. If you’re crossing an intersection and a car starts to turn right, make eye contact with the driver to be sure they see you before proceeding.  

4. Speeding 

Speed is a factor in about one-third of all fatal pedestrian accidents. When drivers are speeding, they have less time to react if someone suddenly appears in their path. That’s why it’s so important to always obey posted speed limits—especially in areas where pedestrians are likely to be present, like near schools and parks. 

5. Driving Under the Influence 

Driving under the influence is always dangerous—but it’s especially dangerous for pedestrians because it impairs cognitive functioning and motor skills. In 2018, 29% of all fatal pedestrian accidents involved a driver who was under the influence of alcohol or drugs (or both). If you’re out walking at night, be extra cautious and stick to well-lit areas where there will be more cars around— that way, if a driver does veer off course, they’re less likely to hit you. 

Being a pedestrian comes with its own risks — but if you know the most common causes of pedestrian accidents, you can better protect yourself from harm. Remember: jaywalking is dangerous, distracted walking is dangerous, failing to yield to pedestrians at intersections is dangerous, speeding is dangerous, and driving under the influence is dangerous . . . for everyone on the road! If we all do our part to be safe and aware of pedestrians and drivers, we can help make our roads safer for everyone involved.

Types of Injuries Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents

Common pedestrian accident injuries can be broadly grouped into 4 categories: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and soft tissue damage. Let’s take a closer look at each type of injury. 

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are caused by a blow or jolt to the head that interrupts the brain’s normal function. TBIs can range from mild concussions to more severe conditions like skull fractures and bleeding in the brain. Common symptoms of TBIs include headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, memory problems, and changes in mood or behavior. If you suspect you may have suffered a TBI in a pedestrian accident, it is vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

• Spinal cord injuries occur when there is damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal. They can cause partial or complete paralysis below the site of the injury. Symptoms include loss of sensation or movement in the affected limbs, loss of bladder or bowel control, and difficulty breathing. Like TBIs, SCIs require immediate medical attention. 

• Broken bones are one of the most common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents. The force of being hit by a car can cause severe fractures to any bone in the body. Depending on the severity of the break, treatment may range from wearing a splint or cast to undergoing surgery. 

While less severe than TBIs and SCIs, soft tissue damage can cause significant pain and discomfort. Soft tissue damage includes any type of injury to muscles, tendons, or ligaments. This type of damage is often caused by being hit with debris or being thrown to the ground during an accident. Treatment for soft tissue damage typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). However, more severe cases may require physical therapy or surgery. 

Asserting Your Legal Rights after a Pedestrian Accident

After a pedestrian accident, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. It’s important to remember that you have rights, and it’s crucial to assert them to receive the compensation you deserve. Here are some of your legal rights as a victim of another person’s negligence:

You Have the Right to Seek Compensation for Your Injuries

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you have the right to seek financial compensation for your injuries. This compensation can come in the form of a personal injury lawsuit against the driver who hit you. In order to succeed in this type of lawsuit, you will need to prove that the driver shared some or all of the blame for the accident. This can be done by showing that the driver was speeding, running a red light, or acting negligently. 

You can request compensation for all of your medical expenses stemming from your pedestrian accident including:

• Ambulance fees
• Medical treatments
• Consultations with specialists
• All surgeries
• Any prescriptions
• Mental health counseling

You Would Be Entitled to Receive Payment for Your Lost Wages 

If your pedestrian accident has resulted in missed work days or months you may be entitled to receive compensation for your lost wages. Most pedestrian accident victims cannot work while recovering from their injuries. As such, they often incur significant financial losses in addition to their physical injuries. Fortunately, these lost wages can usually be recovered through a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. 

You Can Collect Compensation for the Emotional Losses You’ve Suffered

Non-economic damages are meant to compensate you for the emotional losses caused by your Orange, CA pedestrian accident. This would include pain and suffering, anxiety and loss of enjoyment of life. Because California doesn’t impose a cap on how much an accident victim can collect in non-economic damages, they usually make up the largest part of a victim’s final compensation.

How A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Orange, CA Can Help You With Your Pedestrian Accident Case

If you or a loved one were injured in a pedestrian accident, it is crucial to hire a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. The Dominguez Firm has over 35 years of experience and a 96%* success rate. They have recovered over $1 billion* for injured clients. Work with a powerhouse team of Orange County pedestrian accident lawyers. Call The Dominguez Firm today for your free case consultation at (800) 818-1818.