Huntington Beach and Stanton offer ample reasons to get out and explore those cities. The same crosswalks that bring business and foot traffic to stores and restaurants throughout the area can become the scene of preventable pedestrian accidents. If you live in the area, you may be wondering why Stanton and HB are hotspots for crosswalk injuries.
Read on to learn about the factors that contribute to these types of personal injuries in Orange County.
Understanding Pedestrian Injuries Along Beach Boulevard
Pedestrian injuries and deaths continue to be a serious concern across the state. In 2023, there were 1,106 pedestrian deaths, marking a decrease of 8.8% from the year prior. More than 700 pedestrians and bicyclists suffered serious injuries on Beach Boulevard over the past 10 years, accounting for 70% of all traffic-related deaths in the corridor. By comparison, pedestrians and bicyclists only account for 27% of traffic deaths across the state.
Pedestrians are incredibly vulnerable and can suffer catastrophic injuries. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, internal organ damage, severe lacerations, amputations, and other life-altering conditions that can require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. After a collision, injured pedestrians may be transported to Orange County Global Medical Center in Santa Ana or another nearby hospital for urgent treatment.
Common Causes of Crosswalk Injuries
Crosswalk collisions often occur because one or more road users fail to follow traffic laws or are inattentive to their surroundings. Distracted driving is a common factor, and motorists who are looking at their phones, navigation systems, and other devices may fail to see pedestrians before a collision. This form of negligence caused 315,167 injuries across the country in 2024 and continues to contribute to pedestrian collisions in California.
Crosswalks can be especially dangerous at busy intersections where drivers are simultaneously watching traffic signals, turning vehicles, bicyclists, and approaching traffic. Motorists making left-hand or right-hand turns may focus on finding a gap in oncoming traffic while overlooking pedestrians who have the legal right of way. One vehicle may stop for a pedestrian, even as another driver in an adjacent lane continues through the crosswalk without seeing the person.
In the aftermath of a collision, an investigation may reveal the true cause of the crash. Photos from the scene of the crash, dashcam footage, surveillance video, police reports, witness statements, traffic signal records, and other forms of evidence can establish how the crash occurred and who is responsible. Injured victims have the right to pursue compensation from negligent drivers.
Why You Should Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you were struck while crossing Beach Boulevard or another crosswalk in the area, you have the right to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer to pursue the compensation that you are owed. Stanton and HB pedestrian accident laws require drivers to slow down near pedestrians and to follow crosswalk laws. A Stanton pedestrian accident attorney can gather evidence that shows the negligent driver caused your injury.
Easton & Easton represents injured pedestrians who were struck along Katella Avenue, Orangewood Avenue, and elsewhere in Stanton or Huntington Beach. We represent high-earning professionals who have suffered financial setbacks due to time away from work. We handle pedestrian accident cases with a focus on securing large settlements through strategic negotiations and litigation.
Client Reviews and Past Settlements
Easton & Easton has built a reputation for providing compassionate, results-driven representation, reflected in the firm’s 4.8-star average client rating. Below are a few comments from clients who entrusted the firm with their personal injury cases.*
“Thank you so much again for the excellent service! This is the second time I have trusted this firm with my legal matters. At first, I had doubts about Easton & Easton, but they completely proved me wrong and made me feel comfortable, at ease, and well cared for. My first case was handled by Brian E., who provided excellent, professional service. His outstanding work is the exact reason I returned to the firm for my second case, which was handled by Aaron Sinfield.” — Lang T.
“Easton & Easton helped me during a very difficult time in my life. I had been in an accident and was in a lot of pain. I was scared and anxious about the entire process but Brian, Gabe, and the team were great and helped get me a settlement that was more than I expected. I definitely recommend them!” — Jennifer P.
“Easton and Easton group was very helpful and supportive during my case. They were very accommodating and got things done. I never felt that I was overlooked. I always got the feeling that they would get things done for me and my case. I had all positive thoughts and feelings about Easton and Easton.” — Ricardo M.
Easton & Easton has recovered more than $2 billion for injured clients across a wide range of personal injury and wrongful death cases.**
- $32,000,000: Full policy limits recovered in 2024 for a 71-year-old bicyclist who was struck and dragged more than 100 feet by a cement truck after the driver made an unsafe right turn. The case was later recognized by TopVerdict.com as the #1 Bicycle Accident Settlement in California for 2024.
- $3,060,000: This was recovered for a client injured in a lane-splitting motorcycle accident in a carpool lane, demonstrating the firm’s experience handling complex motorcycle collision claims.
- $1,500,000: This settlement was obtained after a hotel was found liable when a guest’s dog attacked and bit another guest, resulting in significant injuries.
FAQs
Q: Why Do Major Roads Like Beach Boulevard See So Many Pedestrian Collisions?
A: Busy roads like Beach Boulevard tend to carry high traffic volumes due to their proximity to businesses, shopping centers, restaurants, and other popular transit stops that attract pedestrians. Consecutive busy intersections, multiple lanes of travel, and constantly turning vehicles can increase the risk for pedestrians. Add in distracted driving and other forms of driver negligence, and the dangers posed to pedestrians can quickly rise.
Q: Who Is Typically at Fault for a Pedestrian Injury?
A: Multiple parties can be at fault for a pedestrian injury. When a driver hits a bystander, it is often because the operator of that vehicle was not paying attention to the road, was driving too fast, or committed another form of driver negligence. California law allows multiple parties to share liability for an injury, and anyone seeking compensation can protect their claim to a fair settlement by using evidence to clearly establish fault.
Q: Are Wide, Multi-Lane Roads More Dangerous for Pedestrians?
A: Yes. Wide, multi-lane roads require pedestrians to spend more time crossing lanes of traffic, which can increase the risk that they will be involved in a collision. Wide lanes also often see high speeds. These and other factors make busy boulevards hotspots for collisions that leave pedestrians contending with serious injuries and long-term setbacks. Drivers have a duty to drive cautiously around pedestrians, so they do not cause a preventable collision.
Q: What Responsibilities Do Drivers Have When They Are Near Pedestrians?
A: Both drivers and pedestrians are required to follow California’s traffic laws. Since drivers can cause serious bodily harm to pedestrians, they must exercise reasonable care whenever they are near pedestrians. This means that they should yield when required by law, obey traffic signals, reduce speeds when warranted, and remain alert near crosswalks and intersections. Taking these steps can prevent a collision that harms or fatally injures a pedestrian.
Injured in a Pedestrian Collision? Contact Easton & Easton Today
A pedestrian collision can leave victims facing life-changing injuries, mounting medical expenses, and uncertainty about the future. At Easton & Easton, our experienced trial lawyers know how to investigate crosswalk and pedestrian accidents, preserve critical evidence, and identify every party whose negligence contributed to the crash.
We pursue high-value settlements that account for both your immediate losses and your long-term needs while preparing every case as though it may proceed to trial. Our family-owned law firm has recovered more than $2 billion for injured clients through skilled negotiation and strategic litigation.**
When you choose Easton & Easton, you work with attorneys committed to protecting your financial recovery and helping you move forward with confidence. Contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation.
* Client testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee a similar outcome.
** Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique. Results depend on the facts of each case.