Written and reviewed by Josh Kohanim, Esq., California Bar No. 328609 · Reviewed
Local differences in Orange County
Orange County pedestrian crash data
| Category, 2023 | Killed and injured | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Pedestrians | 892 | 47 of 58 |
| Pedestrians under 15 | 82 | 40 of 58 |
| Pedestrians 65 and older | 115 | 43 of 58 |
| Hit and run | 1,286 | 52 of 58 |
Source: Office of Traffic Safety, 2023 rankings for Orange County, built from 3,170,070 residents and 64,149,910 daily vehicle miles. The county rate looks good across the board. The cities inside it do not agree with each other: Santa Ana ranks 5 of 15 among the state's largest cities for pedestrians and 3 of 15 for children under 15.
Public agency fault
If a missing signal head, an unlit crossing, a curb ramp or a public vehicle was part of what happened, a written claim comes before the lawsuit and it is due in six months. Against the county, the Clerk of the Board is the office that "receives and processes claims, summons and complaints against the County," at 400 West Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana. Against a city, the claim goes to that city's clerk. Missing this step ends an otherwise sound case, so we ask the agency question in the first week.
| Case type | Where it is filed | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited civil, over $35,000 | Central Justice Center | 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana 92701 |
| Claim against the county | Clerk of the Board first | 400 W. Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana 92701 |
| Claim against a city | That city's clerk first | Six months, Government Code section 911.2 |
Crosswalk law, the argument that you stepped out, and how a pedestrian file is proved are covered on our Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer page. The city level numbers are on our Santa Ana pedestrian accident lawyer page. Related: Orange County bicycle accident lawyer, car accident lawyer, wrongful death lawyer, brain injury lawyer and the hub, Orange County personal injury lawyer.
Pedestrian accidents can lead to devastating injuries, long-term health problems, and financial stress. Many victims are simply walking to work, crossing the street, or heading home when they are hit by a car. Because pedestrians have no protection, even a low-speed impact can cause a serious injury like a broken bone, internal injuries, or a traumatic brain injury.
Wise Law helps injured pedestrians get the support they need. Our team understands how quickly medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress can overwhelm victims and their families. As an experienced Orange County pedestrian accident lawyer, we focus on helping people after accidents involving pedestrians.
Whether you were hit in a crosswalk or struck by a motor vehicle near a school zone, we are ready to step in. We gather evidence, speak with insurance companies, and build strong claims so you can focus on healing.
Legal Help for Injured Pedestrians in Orange County
Why Pedestrian Accidents Require Skilled Legal Representation
Pedestrian accident cases are different from other traffic accidents. Pedestrians face greater risks, and proving fault can be harder, especially in areas with unmarked crosswalks or unclear traffic signals.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Orange County
Pedestrian accidents happen in parking lots, intersections, and even on sidewalks. Many of these accidents could be prevented if drivers followed the law and stayed alert.
Some of the most common causes of Orange County pedestrian accident cases are:
Distracted or Inattentive Drivers
When drivers fail to stay alert, the results can include physical injuries, emotional distress, and costly medical bills.
Speeding in Crosswalks and School Zones
Excessive speed is a major factor in many Orange County pedestrian accidents. Drivers who speed through school zones or crosswalks have less time to stop, making accidents more likely and more dangerous.
Impaired or Drowsy Driving
Drowsy drivers may even fall asleep behind the wheel. Drunk driving and drowsy driving often lead to severe accidents involving pedestrians and can result in life-changing injuries.
Unsafe Intersections and Poor Visibility
Some pedestrian accidents happen at intersections with missing signs, faded markings, or inadequate street lighting. Poor visibility makes it harder for drivers to see people in crosswalks, especially at night or during bad weather. When accidents are caused by unsafe roads, a government agency may be held responsible for failing to maintain traffic signals, stop signs, or proper lighting.
Left Turns Without Checking for Pedestrians
Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers turn left without checking for people in the crosswalk. These accidents are especially dangerous at busy intersections where drivers focus on oncoming cars and overlook pedestrians.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Pedestrian Accident Case?
In many Orange County pedestrian accident cases, more than one party may be responsible. Identifying all responsible parties is important for building a strong personal injury case and recovering full compensation.
From drivers to companies and even local agencies, liability depends on how the pedestrian accident happened and who failed to follow safety rules or traffic laws.
Negligent Drivers
Negligent drivers are the leading cause of pedestrian accidents. Whether they were speeding, ignoring traffic signals, or driving while distracted, these drivers can be held legally responsible for the crash.
In most cases, proving driver negligence is key to recovering compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress suffered by pedestrian accident victims.
Commercial Vehicle Operators and Employers
When a commercial vehicle hits a pedestrian, both the driver and their employer may be held responsible. If the driver was working at the time of the accident, the company that owns the vehicle may be liable for damages.
In these cases, a county pedestrian accident attorney will review the employer’s policies, driver records, and insurance coverage to build a strong legal claim.
Government Agencies (Road Hazards or Missing Crosswalks)
If the pedestrian accident was caused by unsafe road conditions, such as missing crosswalks, broken traffic signals, or inadequate street lighting, a government agency may be at fault. These claims are more complex and have shorter filing deadlines.
California Laws That Impact Pedestrian Accident Claims
If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident in Orange County, California's laws can affect your case. These laws decide how much time you have to file a claim and how much money you may get. Knowing the rules can help you and your pedestrian accident lawyer take the right steps after the accident.
Statute of Limitations for Injury and Wrongful Death
In California, you usually have two years to file a case after a pedestrian accident. This is called the statute of limitations. If someone dies in the accident, the family has two years to file a wrongful death claim. If you wait too long, you may not be able to ask for money. It's best to talk to a lawyer right away.
Right-of-Way Rules and Crosswalk Protections
In California, drivers must stop for people walking in crosswalks, whether the lines are marked or not. Pedestrians have the right of way. If a driver hits someone in a crosswalk, they can be held at fault. These rules help protect people walking near roads and are important when making a pedestrian accident claim.
Comparative Negligence in California
For example, if a person was 20% at fault, they can still get 80% of the money they’re owed. California allows injured people to recover compensation, even if they are partly to blame.