Walking should never put your life at risk, yet a single careless driver can change everything in an instant. If you were struck while crossing a street, walking through a parking lot, or moving along a sidewalk in Orange County, you are likely facing painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and pressure from an insurance company that is already working to limit what it pays. At Callahan & Blaine, PC, our Orange County pedestrian accident attorneys stand between you and those insurers so you can focus on healing while we pursue the full compensation you are owed.
Callahan & Blaine, PC has represented seriously injured Californians since 1984. Our managing partner, Edward Susolik, is recognized among the Super Lawyers Top 100 in Southern California and leads a team known for its command of insurance and coverage disputes, which sit at the center of almost every pedestrian claim. That combination of trial readiness and command of insurance and coverage law is what allows us to hold negligent drivers and their carriers accountable across Orange County.
Time Sensitive Filing Deadline in California
Most California pedestrian injury claims must be filed within two years, and as little as six months when a government entity is involved.
Evidence such as surveillance video, signal timing data, and witness memory fades quickly. Speaking with an attorney early protects both your evidence and your deadline.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Orange County
Most pedestrian collisions in Orange County trace back to driver negligence rather than pedestrian error. From the busy corridors of Anaheim and Santa Ana to the crosswalks near shopping centers and transit stops, drivers who fail to pay attention put people on foot in danger every day, much as they do in car accidents across the county. Identifying the specific cause of your collision is the first step toward proving liability, and our attorneys investigate each of the following factors.
Failing to Yield the Right of Way
Drivers who ignore pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks cause many of the most serious collisions in the county.
Distracted Driving
Texting, phone use, and other distractions pull a driver’s eyes off the road long enough to miss someone stepping into a crosswalk.
Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol and drugs slow reaction time and impair judgment, leaving impaired drivers unable to stop for people on foot.
Speeding and Unsafe Turns
Excess speed and hurried left or right turns give a driver little time to react to a pedestrian who is lawfully crossing.
Poor Lighting and Dangerous Crosswalks
Inadequate street lighting, faded markings, and missing signals can make a public roadway unreasonably hazardous for pedestrians.
Disregarding Traffic Signals
Running red lights and rolling through stop signs remains a leading cause of collisions with pedestrians at intersections.
California Pedestrian Right of Way and Crosswalk Laws
California drivers and pedestrians share a duty to follow the state’s right of way rules, and those rules often decide who is liable when a collision occurs. Under California Vehicle Code section 21950, drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks, while pedestrians must use reasonable care for their own safety. The most important rules to understand include the following.
- Right of Way. Drivers must yield to pedestrians lawfully within a crosswalk, and pedestrians should cross only when signals or officers indicate it is safe to do so.
- Marked and Unmarked Crosswalks. Drivers must slow down and yield to pedestrians at crosswalks whether or not the crossing is painted on the road.
- Crossing Outside a Crosswalk. Crossing outside a crosswalk is permitted only where it can be done safely and no nearby crosswalk is available, and pedestrians must yield to traffic in those situations.
- Bike Lanes. Pedestrians should stay out of bike lanes when a sidewalk or walking path is available.
- Vision Impaired Pedestrians. Pedestrians using a white cane or guide dog have the right of way at intersections, and drivers must take extra care to stop.
These rules establish the duty of care that a jury weighs when deciding fault. Our attorneys apply them to the facts of your collision to show how the driver’s conduct caused your injuries.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries We Handle
Because a person on foot has no protection against the weight and force of a vehicle, pedestrian collisions tend to produce severe and lasting catastrophic injuries. Documenting the full scope of your harm, including the most common injuries pedestrians suffer and future care needs, is essential to recovering fair compensation. We regularly represent pedestrians who have suffered the following injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A blow to the head can cause a concussion or lasting cognitive harm. Our brain injury attorneys document these effects in detail.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Damage to the spine can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, or paralysis that requires lifelong care.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Legs, hips, arms, and ribs often fracture on impact, and severe breaks may require surgery and months of rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries
Internal bleeding and organ damage are not always visible right away, which makes prompt medical evaluation critical.
Soft Tissue and Neck Injuries
Whiplash, herniated discs, and torn ligaments can cause lasting discomfort and reduced range of motion.
Emotional and Psychological Harm
Anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress are real consequences of a violent collision and deserve recognition in a claim.
When a collision proves fatal, our wrongful death attorneys help surviving family members pursue accountability and financial security.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Orange County
The steps you take in the hours and days after a collision can protect both your health and your claim. If you are able, keep the following actions in mind, and ask someone you trust to help when your injuries make it difficult to act.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Prompt care protects your health and creates a medical record that ties your injuries to the collision.
Report the Accident and Request the Police Report
A police report documents the scene and the driver’s information, and it becomes valuable evidence in your claim.
Document the Scene and Gather Witness Information
Photographs, video, and the names of witnesses capture details that may disappear within days.
Preserve Evidence and Avoid Recorded Statements
Keep your medical records and damaged belongings, and decline to give the insurer a recorded statement before you have counsel.
Speak With a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Early legal guidance preserves surveillance footage and other evidence before it is lost or overwritten.
Statute of Limitations for Orange County Pedestrian Accident Claims
California law gives you a limited time to bring a pedestrian accident claim, and missing the deadline almost always ends the case regardless of how strong it is. Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. When a pedestrian collision proves fatal, a wrongful death claim also carries a two year deadline, measured from the date of death rather than the date of the collision.
A much shorter deadline can apply when a government entity is involved, such as a collision with a city or transit bus, or an injury caused by a dangerous condition on a public road. In those situations, California Government Code section 911.2 requires you to present a formal claim to the agency within six months. Because these deadlines are strict and the exceptions are narrow, we encourage you to confirm the deadline that applies to your case as early as possible. You can review the state’s own guidance through the California Courts self help center.
Comparative Fault and Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Claims
Insurance companies often argue that the pedestrian was partly to blame, for example by crossing outside a crosswalk or stepping into the roadway without looking. California follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, so a finding that you were twenty percent at fault reduces your recovery by that amount rather than eliminating it. Our attorneys build the liability record that keeps any shared fault argument to a minimum.
When a driver flees the scene or carries little or no insurance, recovery becomes more complicated but is often still possible. Your own uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may apply to a hit-and-run or an underinsured driver, and additional responsible parties, such as a property owner who allowed a dangerous condition, may also share liability. We identify every available source of compensation so that a fleeing or uninsured driver does not leave you without options.
Damages You May Recover in an Orange County Pedestrian Accident Claim
Every pedestrian claim is different, and the value of yours depends on the severity of your injuries, your prognosis, and the impact on your daily life. Our attorneys work with medical and financial professionals to document both the losses you have already incurred and the care you will need in the future. Recoverable damages generally fall into the following two groups.
Economic Damages
Past, present, and future medical bills, rehabilitation and physical therapy, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, in home care, and property damage.
Non Economic Damages
Pain and suffering, emotional distress, reduced quality of life, disfigurement, and the loss of activities you once enjoyed.
In cases involving especially reckless conduct, a jury may also award punitive damages. Our attorneys calculate the full value of your claim so that an early settlement offer does not leave your future needs unpaid.
With decades of courtroom success across California, our attorneys are prepared to fight for the outcome you deserve.
Meet Edward Susolik
Edward Susolik
CEO, President, and Senior Trial Attorney
Edward Susolik leads Callahan & Blaine, PC and its catastrophic personal injury team. He is recognized among the Super Lawyers Top 100 in Southern California and is regarded as one of the state’s leading authorities on insurance and coverage matters, which are central to nearly every serious pedestrian claim. He brings that insight to the negotiating table and the courtroom on behalf of injured pedestrians across Orange County.
Why Injured Pedestrians Choose Callahan & Blaine, PC
Insurance companies bring significant resources to defending pedestrian claims, and you deserve a team that can match them. Callahan & Blaine, PC has represented seriously injured Californians since 1984, and our attorneys are trial lawyers at their core. When an insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to present your case to a judge and jury rather than accept less than your claim is worth.
Our command of insurance and coverage law sets us apart in pedestrian cases, where the outcome often turns on how a policy is interpreted and how an adjuster is challenged. We handle every part of your claim, from investigating the scene and working with medical professionals to negotiating with carriers and litigating when necessary, so that you can focus on your recovery with confidence.
Orange County Pedestrian Accident FAQ
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in California?
You generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. If a government entity is involved, such as a city or transit bus, you may have only six months to present a claim, so it is wise to confirm your deadline early.
What if the driver who hit me left the scene?
A hit-and-run does not necessarily end your claim. Your own uninsured motorist coverage may provide compensation, and law enforcement may still locate the driver. We also look for other responsible parties, such as a property owner whose dangerous condition contributed to the collision.
Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault or not in a crosswalk?
Yes. California follows a pure comparative fault rule, so you can recover damages even if you share some responsibility. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault rather than barred entirely, and our attorneys work to keep that percentage as low as the facts allow.
Should I talk to the insurance company after a pedestrian accident?
You should be cautious. Adjusters often request a recorded statement that can later be used to reduce your claim. It is better to speak with an attorney first and let your legal team handle communications with the insurer on your behalf.
Will my pedestrian accident case go to trial?
Many pedestrian claims settle without a trial, but a strong case is always prepared as though it will be tried. Because Callahan & Blaine, PC is ready to litigate, insurers understand that a fair settlement is often in their interest.
How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident attorney?
We discuss our fee arrangement clearly during your case review so you understand it before moving forward. To get started, you can submit the details of your potential case through our contact form and our team will follow up with you.
Contact Callahan & Blaine, PC to Submit Your Potential Pedestrian Accident Case
A serious pedestrian injury can leave you facing medical bills, lost income, and an insurance company focused on paying as little as possible. You do not have to face that alone. Callahan & Blaine, PC has secured record setting results for seriously injured Californians since 1984, and our attorneys are prepared to take on the insurers and negligent drivers responsible for your harm.
From investigating your collision to negotiating and, when necessary, trying your case, our Orange County pedestrian accident attorneys handle every detail so you can focus on recovery. To put our team to work on your behalf, fill out our contact form to submit your potential case, and hire Callahan & Blaine, PC to handle your litigation matter.
