If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries in a pedestrian accident in Santa Clarita, do not hesitate to call OnderLaw. You might be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party, and we could help you hold them liable. The medical treatment you require to recover could quickly become very costly. Those bills should not be your responsibility if your actions didn’t contribute to the crash.

Motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians are often catastrophic. Pedestrians often suffer more severe injuries than passenger vehicle occupants. Pedestrians are more vulnerable because they don’t have anything to protect themselves from the full force of the impact during a collision. Fatalities are common, and victims who do survive end up facing a long road to recovery.

The Santa Clarita personal injury attorneys of OnderLaw understand the toll a situation like this can take. The at fault driver’s negligence put you in harm’s way, and they should be held accountable. You can depend on our legal team to fight for you and try to reach the best possible outcome in your case.

Call OnderLaw today to schedule a free consultation.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer? Why Choose OnderLaw?

At OnderLaw, we treat every client that hires us as a priority. You will receive the personalized services and attention you deserve. Our team will review the details of the accident to craft a winning legal strategy on your behalf to achieve your desired results. We will remain in your corner through every step of the process and help you navigate through this devastating time in your life.

Our Santa Clarita pedestrian accident attorneys have a proven track record of success. Since 2002, we have recovered over $3.5 billion in settlements for accident victims. Multiple organizations recognized us for our work ethic and case results, including Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, to name just a few examples. We also received an AV® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating indicating the level of service provided by a law firm.

OnderLaw knows the economic struggles you might face. An accident can lead to expensive medical bills and other costs. If you don’t have the financial means to pay, you could end up in debt. We don’t want to add to your financial burden, so we take cases on a contingency-fee-basis. You won’t have to pay upfront fees when you hire us. We will not collect legal fees and costs unless we secure compensation from the at-fault party.

Pedestrian Laws in California

Pedestrians have similar rights and obligations as others on the road. According to California Vehicle Code 21950:

  • Motor vehicle drivers must yield to a person crossing the street at any unmarked or marked crosswalk in an intersection.
  • Pedestrians are responsible for their safety and should use due care to avoid physical harm. That means no pedestrian is allowed to run or walk into the path of a vehicle, leave a curb suddenly, or unnecessarily delay or stop traffic while at an unmarked or marked crosswalk.
  • Drivers should exercise due care when approaching a marked or unmarked crosswalk where a pedestrian is crossing by reducing their speed or taking other appropriate action to keep that person safe.

If you violate this statute and sustain injuries in an accident, it does not necessarily mean the driver doesn’t share some responsibility. Both of you could be partially at fault for the crash. Even if your actions contributed, you might still be entitled to some form of compensation for your injuries.

Types and Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Any collision between a pedestrian and motor vehicle can be fatal. Even if a driver isn’t traveling at a high rate of speed, the pedestrian could fall and suffer a severe head injury or become crushed under the car. All pedestrian accidents can be dangerous, but the most common types that occur are:

  • Crosswalk accidents – Some drivers are in a rush to get to work or ignore traffic signals and crash into a person already in the crosswalk.
  • Backing up accidents – Backing out of a parking space requires the motorist to look behind them for passing vehicles and pedestrians. If they don’t thoroughly observe what’s happening around them, they could hit someone walking by.
  • Turning accidents – A driver turning left or right should check for anyone already in a crosswalk on the street they’re turning onto before proceeding. If the pedestrian has a walk signal or green light, the motorist should come to a complete stop to let them pass.
  • Parking lot accidents – Parking lots often have heavy foot traffic. People walk to and from their cars and cut through lots all the time. Inadequate surveillance of pedestrians can result in a driver colliding with or running someone over.
  • Sidewalk accidents – Some crashes involving pedestrians don’t happen on the road. A distracted driver could drift onto a sidewalk or lose control of their car and end up on the grass nearby.

A range of factors can result in pedestrian accidents. The most common causes of these crashes include:

  • Failure to yield – Motorists should yield the right of way when necessary so pedestrians can cross the road. Proceeding without looking for oncoming foot traffic places pedestrians in harm’s way.
  • Speeding – It’s more challenging to control a vehicle while exceeding the speed limit. Drivers who are speeding may not have enough time to stop or slow down when approaching a pedestrian. Colliding with a pedestrian at a high rate of speed puts that person at risk of debilitating injuries and death.
  • Weaving in and out of traffic – Any form of reckless driving can cause a driver to lose control and crash into a person in a crosswalk or a sidewalk.
  • Driving under the influence – Alcohol impairs a driver’s mental and physical faculties. They can’t react appropriately to emergencies and may not take notice of what’s happening around them.
  • Distracted driving – Distractions, such as texting or eating, prevent a motorist from operating a vehicle safely. Focusing on something other than driving creates an inherent danger for pedestrians.

It does not matter how the accident occurred. As long as someone else was at fault, you could hold them liable and seek compensation for your injuries.

Common Injuries Suffered in Pedestrian Accidents

The injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents are often severe and require emergency medical care. The most common include:

  • Disfigurement
  • Spinal cord damage and back injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Permanent scars
  • Concussion or traumatic brain injury
  • Paralysis
  • Loss of limb
  • Internal bleeding
  • Emotional or mental trauma

Many people injured in pedestrian accidents need ongoing treatment. Some never fully heal. A permanent disability could prevent you from returning to your usual routine and diminish your quality of life. OnderLaw is ready to take on the at-fault driver and seek the maximum compensation available on your behalf.

Proving the Other Party Was Negligent

Negligence is the legal basis for most pedestrian accident claims. It refers to the failure to use a reasonable degree of care to avoid harming another person. You must prove someone else’s negligent actions caused your injuries to recover the money you’re owed.

In California, the fault system holds a driver financially responsible for the injured party’s losses. That means you can file a claim with the at-fault motorist’s insurance company and pursue a settlement to cover your medical bills and other expenses.

Evidence is critical in a case like this. You will need to seek immediate treatment of your injury and attend all doctor’s appointments necessary to heal. The medical records should show the date you sustained the injury, how it happened, the physician’s diagnosis, and your recovery progress. You should also maintain a record of your medical bills so that you can show the insurance company the costs you’ve incurred as a result of your injuries.

If a negligent motorist injured you in a pedestrian accident, you should consult with one of the Santa Clarita pedestrian accident attorneys at OnderLaw after the crash. We can review the circumstances and determine if the driver can be held liable for your injuries. Building a case is a complicated process and something you should never attempt to do alone. You can depend on us to handle every legal aspect of your case for you while you focus on your treatment and recovery.

Compensation for a Pedestrian Accident Claim

State law requires insurance on any vehicle parked or operated on roadways. If the accident involved a negligent driver, you could file a claim with their auto insurance carrier. The minimum liability limits every motorist must purchase are:

  • $15,000 for injury or death to one person
  • $30,000 for injury or death to two or more people
  • $5,000 for property damage

The settlement you receive should compensate for the losses you suffered in the crash, such as:

  • Medical expenses
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Property damage
  • Emotional distress
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Physical impairment or disfigurement
  • Pain and suffering

Punitive damages could also be available if you choose to file a lawsuit. Although they are not frequently awarded, punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant for excessively reckless behavior.

State and City Accident Statistics

Pedestrians face an increased risk of death in accidents involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Unlike the occupants of vehicles, they don’t have safety devices to protect them during the collision.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 6,590 pedestrians were killed in the United States in 2019. This is a 5% increase from the year before. California is one of five states representing 47% of all pedestrian fatalities.

Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Contact OnderLaw Now

If you suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident due to another person’s negligence, call OnderLaw right now. Our Santa Clarita pedestrian accident attorneys are available to discuss your case and determine your legal options for seeking compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.