Anaheim Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Were You Seriously Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Anaheim?

The city of Anaheim is one of California’s top destinations. Home to Disneyland, Downtown Disney, Honda Center, Angel Stadium, and more, Anaheim sees millions of visitors each year. Combined with a growing population of over 300,000, the city is one the busiest and most congested in Southern California. If you are pedestrian, you are faced with many dangers. Speeding and distracted motorists can cause serious and catastrophic injuries to pedestrians.

If you were injured due to the carelessness of a driver, you have the right to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our Orange County law firm has taken on guilty motorists and aggressive insurance adjusters to obtain maximum compensation for injured victims.

We are proud to serve Anaheim and the surrounding cities including Brea, Buena Park, Fullerton, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Orange, Placentia, Santa Ana, Stanton, Tustin, Villa Park, Yorba Linda, and more. We offer a free consultation to get started. Call (714) 984-0020.

No Win. No Fee. Guaranteed.

When you hire our firm, you don’t have to worry about paying any legal fees upfront. This is because if we don’t win your case, you don’t owe any fees. We’ll discuss our contingency fee arrangement and more with you in a free case evaluation.

Why Hire Daniel Kim as Your Anaheim Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

One of the top personal injury lawyers in Anaheim, Daniel Kim has been fighting for motor vehicle accident victims since opening his own practice in 2013. Seeing the physical and emotional hardship many victims face, Daniel works nonstop to ensure his clients receive fair and equal treatment and a fighting chance to receive financial compensation after a devastating accident. Daniel has helped recover over $300 million in settlement awards. He never represents the insurance company, and never will.

In addition to his 99% success rate, Daniel has been recognized by numerous law organizations around the country, including the Best Attorneys in America, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 under 40.

Don’t let your injury go uncompensated. You deserve justice and we can help you get it. Contact our law office today and request your free consultation to take the first step towards your recovery. You won’t pay anything until we win your case.

What Should I Do If I’ve Been Hit By a Car As a Pedestrian?

You are likely to be in a state of shock and duress after a pedestrian-car accident. This is completely natural. If you have been seriously injured, you need to call 911 immediately and seek medical attention. If you are not seriously injured, you need to follow some important steps to protect your rights. Here are some things you should do after a pedestrian accident:

1. Move out of harm’s way:

   Move away from oncoming traffic and wait until the local authorities arrive. The police will investigate and write a police report. The police report will document important details such as the location, time, weather, witnesses, and statements of the parties involved.

2. Exchange information:

   Make sure to get the contact and insurance information of the driver who hit you. If the driver of the car isn’t the owner of the car, get the owner’s contact and insurance information. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information too.

3. Don’t discuss fault:

   Do not talk about who might have caused the accident, or anything related to fault or your legal options. Anything you say could be used against you later by the driver, the insurance company, or the court.

4. Take pictures and videos:

   At the accident scene, take photos of your injuries, the vehicle that hit you, and any other relevant evidence. You can use your smartphone or a camera to do this. These photos and videos can help prove what happened and how severe your injuries are.

5. Get medical attention as soon as possible:

   Even if you don’t think you are seriously injured, visit your doctor or urgent care. Some injuries may not show up right away or may get worse over time. Getting checked by a doctor will help document your injuries and link them to the accident.  Keep track of your medical records and bills.

6. Contact a personal injury lawyer in Anaheim:

   A lawyer can help you understand your legal options, deal with the insurance companies, gather evidence, negotiate a fair settlement, or file a lawsuit if necessary. They can also protect you from making mistakes that could hurt your injury claim or reduce your compensation.

How Can a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help Me With My Case?

After a pedestrian accident, your first priority should be healing from your injuries. Your second priority should be to contact an experienced lawyer. By hiring a lawyer, he or she can:

• Investigate the accident and gather evidence to prove liability and damages.

• File a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company and handle all the paperwork and communication.

• Negotiate a settlement that reflects the full extent of your losses and protects your rights.

• Take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement or denies your claim.

Would you be able to do all of this on your own? Probably not. Our firm has the expertise and experience in handling Anaheim pedestrian accident cases and we know how to get our injured clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Additionally, experienced attorneys can help you take on your biggest adversary: the insurance company. Their goal is to minimize their payouts and protect their profits. They may use various tactics to deny or reduce your claim, such as disputing liability or fault and questioning the severity of your injuries. Our firm knows how to deal with insurance companies and their adjusters. We will not let them take advantage of you or pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.

What Damages Can I Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek financial recovery for your damages. In the personal injury legal world, damages are divided into two types: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages are the quantifiable losses you have suffered, such as:

• Current and future medical expenses

• Lost income and reduced earning capacity

• Personal property damage

Non-economic damages re the subjective losses you have experienced, such as:

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Loss of enjoyment of life

• Scarring and disfigurement

• Permanent disability

If you lost your loved one in an auto accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation through a wrongful death claim. Contact our experienced Anaheim pedestrian accident attorneys to learn more about your potential settlement value and more.

What Are the Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), 893 pedestrians died in traffic crashes in 2018, a 26% increase from 2014. A majority of these fatal accidents occurred in urban areas and on the open road, instead of intersections. Many fatal and non-fatal pedestrian accidents are caused by negligent driving, drunk driving, distracted driving, or violation of California law. Common Anaheim pedestrian accidents include:

Failure to yield the right of way

Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians who are crossing the street at a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.

Speeding

Drivers who exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for the road conditions are more likely to lose control of their vehicle, have less time to react to pedestrians, and cause more severe injuries in a collision.

Driving under the influence

Alcohol or drugs can impair the judgment, coordination, vision, and reaction time of motorists. About half of all fatal pedestrian crashes involve alcohol.

Distracted driving

Drivers who are using their phones, texting, listening to music, eating, or doing anything else that takes their attention away from the road are more likely to miss important cues, such as traffic signals, signs, or pedestrians.

Drowsy driving

Drivers who are drowsy or sleep-deprived may have difficulty staying alert, maintaining their lane, and avoiding obstacles. Fatigue can also affect their decision-making and reaction time.

Failure to see pedestrian

Drivers reversing out of a driveway or parking spot may not see a pedestrian and cause a serious accident. Drivers need to be extra cautious when backing up.

Night driving

Many pedestrian accidents occur in the dark where visibility is limited. In addition, many drivers are returning home from work at this hour, leading to an uptick in traffic. As a precaution, pedestrians should wear bright or reflective clothing.

Can a Pedestrian Be At Fault?

Yes, a pedestrian can be at fault in a car accident. This is because both drivers and pedestrians have a duty to exercise reasonable care when using the road. If a pedestrian fails to do this, they may be held liable for any injuries they suffer in an accident. Some examples of pedestrian negligence that could lead to an accident include:

• Not looking both ways before crossing the street

• Jaywalking 

• Crossing against a traffic signal or when it unsafe to do so

• Walking in the street when there is a sidewalk available

• Wearing dark clothing at night

• Walking while impaired by alcohol or drugs

• Listening to music or talking on the phone while walking

If a pedestrian causes an accident by their negligence, they may be held liable for the damages they caused to the driver. However, the driver may also share some fault for the accident if they were also negligent, such as speeding, running a red light, or driving while impaired. In that case, California’s comparative negligence law will determine how much each party can recover from the other based on their percentage of fault.

For example, if a pedestrian was 40% at fault for crossing against a traffic signal and the driver was 60% at fault for speeding, the pedestrian can recover 60% of their damages from the driver and the driver can recover 40% in damages. Talk to our experienced Anaheim pedestrian accident attorney to learn more about liability in a pedestrian accident case.

What Are the Most Common Pedestrian Injuries?

In pedestrian-auto accidents, pedestrians are the ones who suffer the most serious injuries. Unlike passenger vehicle occupants, pedestrians have no protection on the road, making them extremely vulnerable to physical harm. The speed of the vehicle and the point of impact will determine the severity of the injuries. Some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries include:

• Cuts, bruises, and scrapes:

  While minor injuries that can heal quickly, these injuries can also cause pain, bleeding, infection, and scarring.

• Internal injuries:

  This is a potentially life-threatening injury that occurs when the impact of a collision causes internal bleeding or rupture of organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs.

• Broken bones:

  Broken bones can range from simple fractures that heal with a cast to complex fractures that require surgery and pins. Common bones that are fractured in pedestrian accidents include the ribs, pelvis, legs, arms, and skull.

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI):

  This is an injury that affects the brain’s function due to a blow or jolt to the head. It can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, mood changes, and cognitive impairment. Depending on the severity of the injury, a TBI can lead to permanent disability or death.

• Spinal cord injuries:

  This affects the spinal cord’s ability to send and receive messages from the brain. It can cause paralysis, loss of sensation, loss of bladder and bowel control, and other complications. Depending on the location and extent of the injury, an SCI can be complete (no function below the level of injury) or incomplete (some function below the level of injury).

• Amputation/loss of limb:

  Amputation involves the partial or complete removal of a limb due to trauma or infection. It can cause severe pain, bleeding, shock, and psychological distress. It also requires prosthetic devices and rehabilitation to restore function and mobility.

• Dental injuries:

  These are injuries that affect the teeth, gums, jawbone, or facial structure. They can include chipped or broken teeth, tooth loss, gum lacerations, jaw fractures, or facial fractures.

• Eye injuries:

  Injuries that affect the eyes or vision can include corneal abrasions, retinal detachment, orbital fractures, or blindness.

• Wrongful death:

  This is the most tragic outcome of a pedestrian accident. In 2020, 6,516 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle crashes in the United States. That’s about one death every 81 minutes.

Anaheim Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Orange County is becoming increasingly dangerous for pedestrians. Over a five-year period, 375 pedestrians were killed by motor vehicles. Many of the fatalities occurred between 6 p.m. and midnight. Males aged 51 to 70 made up the largest group of pedestrian deaths.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections

The Santa Ana Freeway (I-5) and the Orange Freeway (SR-57) are two of Anaheim’s busiest arterials where motorists often speed. Pedestrians need to be extra cautious when walking or running around these dangerous roads and intersections in Anaheim:

• Harbor Blvd. and Lincoln Ave.

• Harbor Blvd. and La Palma Ave.

• Ball Rd. and Knott Ave.

• Anaheim Blvd. and Haster St.

• Brookhurst St. and La Palma Ave.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a pedestrian accident?

A pedestrian accident is a collision between a motor vehicle and a person who is walking, running, or otherwise using the road on foot. Pedestrian accidents are more common at night, in urban areas, and on roadway locations away from intersections. If you were hit by a car as a pedestrian, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your medical bills, property damage, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.

• How long does it take to settle a pedestrian accident?

The time it takes to settle a pedestrian accident can vary widely depending on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your damages, and the clarity of fault and liability for the accident. Some cases may settle in a matter of weeks or months, while others may take a year or more to resolve. Generally, the more damages you have, the longer it will take to settle your claim. Also, it’s important to be aware that most personal injury claims settle out of court. Speak with an experienced attorney who can give you an accurate timeline of your case.

• How long do I have to file a claim after a pedestrian accident?

If you have been severely injured in a pedestrian accident in California, you have a limited time to file a claim for compensation. This time limit is called the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is two years from the date of the accident. This means that you must file your lawsuit within two years of the date you were injured by a negligent driver or another party. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this time frame, you will lose your right to sue and recover any damages.

• Can I still file a claim if the driver who hit me fled the scene?

Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are becoming more common in California. If you were hit by a driver who then fled the scene, you have a few options. If the at-fault driver is identified, you can file a claim with their insurance company or sue them for your damages. You will need to prove that they were at fault for the accident and that they caused your injuries and losses. 

If the driver is not identified, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.

• Should I speak to the driver’s insurance company after a pedestrian accident?

Be very careful when speaking to the driver’s insurance company. Their goal is to minimize their liability and pay you as little as possible for your claim. They may try to offer you a lowball settlement or even refute your claim. You may provide them with basic information such as your name, contact information, and insurance information. You should then refer them to your lawyer and let your lawyer handle all communication and negotiation with them.

Contact The Law Offices of Daniel Kim Today

At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we understand how devastating a pedestrian-auto accident can be for you and your family. You may be facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. The insurance company may want to minimize your claim or deny it altogether. You don’t have to go through this alone. We are here to help you.

Our Orange County law firm has the expertise and experience to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. We will handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating a fair settlement or taking your case to trial if necessary. You will also keep you informed and involved throughout the process, and answer any questions you may have along the way. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact our Anaheim pedestrian accident attorneys today for a free consultation and let us fight for you.

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Directions to Our Office in Anaheim

Our Anaheim law office is conveniently located right off the 5 Freeway. Just east of Brookhurst Avenue right next to Sa-Rang Church, Home Depot, Staples, and Brookhurst Junior High School.

Car Accident Lawyer Daniel Kim — Anaheim, CA
Address: 2115 W Crescent Ave #236, Anaheim, CA 92801
Phone: (714) 984-0020