Orange County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Founding Attorney
Wise Law Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers
Published date: August 11, 2025
Home / Orange County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Orange County Pedestrian Accident 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

After a pedestrian accident, it’s important to act fast. Insurance companies may try to deny your claim or pay less than you deserve. An experienced Orange County pedestrian accident lawyer can help protect your rights and secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

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.

It takes a legal professional who knows how to gather evidence, review police reports, and challenge insurance company tactics. A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer will fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Our Orange County Law Firm Fights for Maximum Compensation

At Wise Law, our Orange County pedestrian accident lawyers know how much these cases can affect a victim’s life. From medical expenses and lost wages to emotional trauma and non-economic damages, we consider every part of your injury claim. We work to recover full compensation so you don’t have to carry the burden caused by someone else's negligence.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Orange County

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

Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers are not paying attention. Distracted driving, like texting, eating, or adjusting the radio, keeps drivers from seeing pedestrians walking in or near crosswalks. Even a few seconds of inattention can lead to a serious accident.

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.

A pedestrian accident caused by speeding often leads to traumatic brain injury, internal injuries, or even pedestrian fatalities. Speeding also reduces a driver’s reaction time, increasing the risk of serious harm.

Impaired or Drowsy Driving

Drunk driving and drowsy driving are common causes of pedestrian accidents in Orange County. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and poor judgment, making it harder to avoid pedestrians walking near or across the road.

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.

A left turn accident can result in a head injury, broken bones, or even a wrongful death claim, depending on how serious the crash is.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Pedestrian Accident Case?

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.

Still, when public spaces are not properly maintained, government bodies can be held liable for accidents involving pedestrians and the injuries they cause.

California Laws That Impact Pedestrian Accident Claims

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

Even if a pedestrian made a small mistake, they can still get money after an accident. This is called comparative negligence.

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.

FAQs

What are the most common injuries in a pedestrian accident?

Common injuries include broken bones, head injuries, and cuts. Some pedestrian injuries are very serious and need long-term care. Medical records help prove how badly someone was hurt.

Can I still get help if I was hit outside a crosswalk?

Yes. Whether you were in a marked or unmarked crosswalk, you may still have a case. The key is determining fault and proving the driver was not careful.

What should I do after a pedestrian accident in Southern California?

Get medical help, call the police, and collect witness statements if possible. These steps protect your health and help with your claim later.

Will I get money for time missed from work?

Yes. If you had to miss work because of your injuries, you may be able to recover money for lost income and other costs.

Why is hiring a lawyer a critical concern in these cases?

A pedestrian accident lawyer can gather evidence, review medical records, and work to get you a fair settlement. This also helps enhance safety by holding careless drivers accountable.

Contact Our Orange County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Contact Our Orange County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident, Wise Law is here to help. You may have medical bills, pain, and lost income. Filing a personal injury claim can help you get money for these losses. Our team will work to make sure your rights are protected every step of the way.

We offer a free consultation, so you can ask questions and understand your options without any cost. Wise Law works on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay us unless we win your case. It’s that simple.

Let our Orange County pedestrian accident lawyer handle the legal work while you focus on healing. We will fight for a fair outcome, deal with the insurance companies, and make sure your voice is heard. Contact us today to get started with your free consultation.

Published by
josh kohanim
About The Author
Josh Kohanim, Esq., is the founder and managing attorney of Wise Law. He has dedicated his career to advocating for individuals who have suffered catastrophic personal injuries. With over a decade of extensive experience in personal injury law, including six years at a prestigious California injury law firm, Josh was mentored by some of the state’s leading trial lawyers. He has successfully represented clients in a wide array of cases, ranging from catastrophic motor vehicle accidents to intricate injuries resulting from toxic chemical exposure.

Wise Law Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers. (2025, May 15). What to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles: A Quick Legal Guide. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.wiseinjuryfirm.com/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident-los-angeles.

This guide provides essential steps for car accident victims in Los Angeles, including immediate actions to take, how to document the scene, and when to seek legal help.Los Angeles Police Department. (2024, December 10). LAPD Traffic Collision Reports and Safety Statistics. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.lapdonline.org/traffic/accident-statistics.

This official LAPD resource offers detailed statistics on traffic collisions in Los Angeles and outlines citywide safety initiatives and reporting procedures.California Office of Traffic Safety. (2024, October 18). City of Los Angeles Traffic Safety Rankings and Reports. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.ots.ca.gov/rankings/los-angeles-2024
This page outlines how Los Angeles ranks among other California cities in terms of crashes, injuries, DUI incidents, and pedestrian safety.
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This DMV resource explains when and how to report a car accident in California, including legal requirements for filing SR-1 forms and working with insurance providers.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2023, July 20). Driving Safely in Urban Areas: Los Angeles Focus. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.nhtsa.gov/los-angeles-driving-safety
The NHTSA offers urban driving safety tips and accident prevention strategies tailored to high-traffic cities like Los Angeles.

This page was written, edited, and reviewed & approved by Josh Kohanim. Josh is has been recognized as a “Super Lawyer” in Personal Injury representation for several consecutive years. Additionally, Josh has been named one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association for his exceptional track record in personal injury law. If you’ve been injured or harmed, Josh has the experience and dedication to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
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