Westminster Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Every day, cars, trucks, and foot traffic steadily move across Little Saigon, Westminster Village, Barber City, and elsewhere in Westminster. While most drivers are cautious when passing near pedestrians and bystanders, even a brief moment of negligence or inattentiveness can leave someone facing serious physical injuries. If you were hurt by a negligent driver, you can rely on a Westminster pedestrian accident lawyer to pursue compensation.

A Westminster Injury Firm Focused on Your Recovery

When injured pedestrians in Westminster are searching for trusted legal support, they turn to Easton & Easton for unwavering, results-driven guidance and representation. Our law firm brings more than a century of combined legal experience and a track record of success in court. We have secured hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients in the past five years alone by taking a focused, hands-on approach to managing injury claims.

Our track record of success is also reflected in the numerous awards and recognitions that we have received over the past 30 years, including “Best Personal Injury Law Firm in Orange County” and multiple recognitions by the peer-reviewed group Super Lawyers. Trust our dedicated team of litigators to allocate the time and resources needed to see your case to a favorable conclusion.

**Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.

Understanding Pedestrian Accidents in Westminster

Westminster sits in northern Orange County and is known for its restaurants, bakeries, and markets along Bolsa Avenue and in the Asian Garden Mall. As a regional destination for Vietnamese food and events, the city sees steady foot traffic. Any time pedestrians come near traffic, there is always the potential for a collision. In 2023, the city saw 562 people killed or injured in motor vehicle collisions, and 35 of those victims were pedestrians.

The city’s Traffic Engineering Division is tasked with designing and managing transportation initiatives, including Intelligent Transportation Systems, that aim to improve traffic conditions in the city. Still, accidents and driver misconduct occur, and injured bystanders may be rushed to Huntington Beach Hospital, located at 17772 Beach Boulevard in nearby Huntington Beach, or another local hospital.

Fatalities

Across the state in 2023, a shocking 27% of fatal roadway collisions involved pedestrians. . In these tragic circumstances, families often require the guidance of a wrongful death lawyer to hold the responsible parties accountable. Common injuries from a pedestrian collision include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions
• Broken bones, especially in the legs, arms, and ribs
• Spinal cord injuries and back trauma
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and torn ligaments
• Cuts, lacerations, and road rash

When someone suffers a personal injury due to another party’s negligence or wrongful acts, they can file an injury claim seeking compensation for the harm and setbacks they endured.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

When a car hits a pedestrian, it is usually due to driver negligence. Distracted driving remains a leading cause of injuries and deaths across the country. In 2024, 3,208 people lost their lives due to distracted driving, which can result from talking on the phone, messaging, or any other actions that take a driver’s attention off the road.

Other causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Distracted driving, including phone use and in-vehicle distractions
• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
• Failure to yield at crosswalks or intersections
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Poor visibility, especially at night or in bad weather
• Illegal turns or failure to check for pedestrians before turning

In the aftermath of a pedestrian collision, it may be abundantly clear to you who caused your injury, but it is still critical to gather evidence to support your injury claim.

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Easton & Easton appreciates the words of those we have represented.

“Im so happy with their service they were like a second family to me through my case. Saul is a caring hardworking person also he was really patient with me he always had the time to explain everything to im so glad i had him as attorney thank you Saul Wolf” 🙂 Grace G. 

“Love working with Easton and Easton, especially with Katie who personally gives white- glove treatment to every aspect of the case. I highly recommend this firm with personal injury cases.” Reneee J. 

***Client testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Establishing Fault Following a Collision

Whether a settlement comes through negotiations with an insurance carrier or a trial verdict, any claim must demonstrate that the driver’s negligence or misconduct caused your injury. One way this could be established is by showing that the driver violated California personal injury laws, such as speeding, in the moments leading up to the collision.

When a car hits a pedestrian, EMS and the police typically quickly arrive at the scene of the collision. Law enforcement may ask questions and describe what they saw. Later, they typically issue a police report that could include details about the possible causes of the collision. Other forms of evidence that can establish fault include photos of the scene of the collision, dashcam footage, cell phone records, eyewitness statements, and surveillance footage capturing the crash.

Compensation You May Be Owed

A pedestrian accident can leave you facing unexpected financial hardships. Medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, and other costs can add financial stress to an already challenging situation. When you work with an injury lawyer, you can reclaim compensation for economic and non-economic damages.

• Economic damages. These account for the tangible losses you suffered after a collision. Economic losses can account for past and even upcoming medical treatments, along with losses tied to lost wages or reduced earning capacity.
• Non-economic damages. These losses reflect the emotional harm someone suffered, along with the physical pain of an injury. Intangible damages can be calculated using special formulas that an experienced injury lawyer would be familiar with.
• Punitive damages. Most cases are resolved through settlements. If they go to trial, they could lead to punitive damages that aim to punish the negligent driver for their misconduct.

Why You Should Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you were injured by a negligent driver, you have the right to hire a personal injury lawyer. Legal representation can play a critical role in protecting your interests and guiding the outcome of your pedestrian accident claim. A Westminster pedestrian accident attorney can begin by gathering evidence to support your case.

They can explain California’s pedestrian accident laws and how they may apply to your injury claim. Once they have the evidence and documentation they need, your lawyer can begin negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier. If a case merits civil court action, your lawyer can pursue that option and trial, if needed, to see that you are fully compensated for the harm you endured.

FAQs

Do Pedestrians Always Legally Have the Right of Way?

Pedestrians do not always have the legal right of way. Both drivers and pedestrians have the right of way in certain situations, and both are required to comply with traffic laws at all times. Pedestrian collisions often occur at intersections where pedestrians are crossing at protected walkways. When a driver fails to yield and hits someone, they can be held financially liable for any harm they cause.

How Is Fault Determined in a Pedestrian Accident in California?

Fault is determined by examining the evidence. In the aftermath of a collision, you may know who hit you and who is at fault, but a claim must be backed by evidence. Police reports, witness statements, video footage, and other forms of evidence can all play a key role in establishing fault and liability. Only then can someone move forward with an injury claim seeking compensation.

What Should a Pedestrian Do After Being Hit by a Car?

A pedestrian who is struck by a car should call 911 to report the incident. A dispatcher can send both EMS and police to secure the scene of the collision and administer medical treatments. After they recover, they can hire an injury attorney to pursue an injury claim. Legal representation can play an important role when it comes to gathering evidence and building a strong claim that leads to fair compensation.

What Compensation Can an Injured Pedestrian Recover?

If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence or reckless driving, you have the right to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Tangible losses include things like medical bills, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, and other losses. An injury claim can also lead to compensation for intangible losses, which are commonly called “pain and suffering.”

How Long Do You Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in California?

The deadline to file a personal injury claim in court is generally two years. This is known as the statute of limitations, and the courts strictly enforce these filing deadlines. Missing this date would likely mean that your case is dismissed, leaving you without legal recourse to pursue compensation.

Injured By a Negligent Driver? Contact Easton & Easton Today

If you were injured by a negligent driver while walking in Westminster, now is the time to act. The dedicated team of injury lawyers at Easton & Easton stands ready to provide you with the support and dedicated advocacy that your case deserves. We take the time to learn about our clients in depth because they deserve to be heard. That focused attention also allows our legal team to gain a better understanding of their needs and goals.

Once we understand what types of compensation you are owed, we can move forward with negotiations that are focused on financially restoring you. We do not pressure clients to accept unfavorable settlements, and we are prepared to take the case to court or trial when needed. Your interests are our top priorities from start to finish. Take the first step toward fair compensation by contacting Easton & Easton today to schedule your consultation.