Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Irvine California

Walking is one of the first skills that children master, and it can certainly come in handy when you want to get from point A to point B. After all, walking is an excellent way to fit some exercise into your day, it’s good for the environment, and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the gorgeous weather in California’s Orange County. However, sharing the roads with cars and other vehicles can be a dangerous activity for pedestrians. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6,205 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2019, leaving behind families requiring the expertise of an pedestrian accident lawyer to help with legal claims. 

People living in an urban area, such as Irvine and the rest of Southern California, are more vulnerable to pedestrian accidents that may result in severe damages to their physical and mental health. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a pedestrian accident, a skilled personal injury attorney can help you build a convincing case to recover the financial compensation that you deserve. The settlement of such claims often helps the victim and their families to pay medical bills and overcome financial hardship caused due to the accident. The experienced attorneys at Kubota & Craig, an Irvine-based pedestrian accident law firm, are committed to seeking justice for the injured.

Pedestrian Accidents by the Numbers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers some eye-opening statistics on accidents involving pedestrians in the United States:

• In 2017, 5,977 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents. That works out to roughly one death every 88 minutes.
• In 2017, it’s estimated that 137,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for non-fatal crash-related injuries.
• Alcohol can be a factor in deadly crashes involving pedestrians. Some 33% of fatal pedestrian crashes involved a pedestrian with a blood alcohol level of at least 0.08 grams per deciliter. Meanwhile, 17% of fatal pedestrian crashes involved a driver with a blood alcohol level of at least 0.08 g/dL. In some crashes, both parties were impaired.
• Per trip, a pedestrian’s risk of dying in a car crash is 1.5 times that of someone riding in a passenger vehicle, underscoring the importance of an Irvine pedestrian accident lawyer for victims of these incidents.

Unfortunately, being a pedestrian in Irvine and other parts of the Golden State may be particularly hazardous. As the Governor’s Highway Safety Association reports, five states accounted for 43% of all pedestrian deaths. California was one of those five states. The others were Florida, Texas, New York, and Arizona.

Staying Safe as a Pedestrian

While traveling by foot may involve certain risks, there are steps pedestrians can take to stay safe:

• Follow the rules. Obey traffic signs and signals.
• Stay alert. Avoid distractions like cellphones or earbuds.
• Be visible. Opt for bright or reflective clothing. Carry a flashlight at night.
• Use sidewalks. If no sidewalk is available, walk facing traffic.
• Watch out for cars entering or exiting driveways as you walk down the sidewalk.
• Look carefully before crossing the street. If possible, make eye contact with drivers of oncoming cars to verify that they have seen you.
• Cross streets at crosswalks. If no crosswalk is available, choose a place where you can see oncoming traffic.
• Don’t walk if you are impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Following these safety tips can prevent accidents, but in the unfortunate event that someone is injured in a pedestrian accident in Irvine, an accident lawyer can aid the injured person in recovering compensation for injuries and losses.

Laws for Pedestrians

Using a crosswalk doesn’t automatically give a pedestrian the right of way. Being behind the wheel doesn’t hand the power to a driver. Both parties have a responsibility to share the streets. According to the California Vehicle Code:

• Drivers should yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
• Drivers should not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk because it may be stopped for a pedestrian.
• Drivers are only allowed to drive on the sidewalk when entering or exiting a garage or alleyway. When doing so, they must yield to pedestrians.
• Drivers should never stop in a crosswalk.
• Pedestrians may never jaywalk. If a pedestrian who is jaywalking causes an automobile accident, they’ll be held responsible for the crash.

An Irvine pedestrian accident lawyer is crucial for navigating these laws and ensuring that justice is served for those injured in pedestrian accidents.

Responsibility for an accident can be shared between multiple parties. It’s also worth noting that criminal wrongdoing and fault are not necessarily the same thing. Even if the other party is legally in the wrong, you’ll still need to show that you exercised due care to avoid being found at fault. These types of accidents can be complicated. That’s why having an experienced lawyer who knows how to gather the evidence necessary to build your case is essential.

To increase your chances of a successful claim, an Irvine pedestrian accident lawyer can help compile evidence and represent you in negotiations or court.

Types of Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Vehicle manufacturers have spent decades improving the safety features that protect drivers in the event of a crash. Pedestrians are far more exposed, and that puts them at a very real disadvantage. While the severity of their injuries often depends on numerous factors, including the vehicle’s speed, the body part that was struck, the vehicle’s design, the angle of impact, where the accident occurs, and how quickly help arrives, the pedestrian is often left dealing with significant trauma and in need of support. Injuries commonly suffered by pedestrians struck by vehicles include the following:

• Back and spinal cord injuries.
• Traumatic brain injuries.
• Broken and fractured bones.
• Internal bleeding.
• Nerve damage.
• Leg and knee injuries.
• Torn ligaments.
• Severe cuts and lacerations.
• Permanent or temporary disfigurement.

The serious nature of these injuries often requires extensive medical treatment, which can be costly. An Irvine pedestrian accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation to cover these expenses.

What to Do If You’re Involved in an Accident

What should you do if you’re involved in a pedestrian crash? Stay calm, and make safety your priority.

If possible, get out of the road, and move to a safe area away from traffic. Call 911, and request the appropriate medical assistance. Be aware that some injuries like concussions and internal bleeding are not always immediately apparent. This immediate guidance from a medical examination is essential, especially when it comes to ensuring your health condition.

If you can do so, exchange information with the driver involved. They should share their name, contact information, and insurance information. Unfortunately, some drivers will flee the scene. If this happens, try to make notes of whatever you remember. If your condition allows, you can also try to gather evidence at the scene to support any potential lawsuit. Take photos and talk to witnesses.

Be sure to seek the medical care that you need promptly and keep careful records of your treatment. If you delay, they may try and argue that your injuries were not serious or were unrelated to the accident. Moreover, a delay might affect your wages due to missed work.

Finally, you’ll want to reach out to an experienced attorney. A legal professional can review the specifics of your case and discuss your options. They serve as an advocate on your behalf, making sure your rights are preserved.

If you or a loved one are involved in a pedestrian accident in Irvine, contact a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible. They will help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive proper compensation. Their guidance will be invaluable in such a potentially vexing situation.

Having an experienced pedestrian accident attorney on your side is vital if you hope to maximize your compensation after a pedestrian crash. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers ready to try and shift the blame onto the pedestrian. Having a lawyer on your side prepares you to fight fire with fire by ensuring that you have someone who knows how the system works and what evidence you’ll need to gather to make your case effectively.

It’s worth noting that California operates under the pure comparative negligence system. That means if the court decided that you were partially at fault for an accident in Orange County, then your compensation may be reduced. Proper documentation and a convincing court case can reduce the odds that fault will be falsely attributed to you. Instead, you’ll be able to focus on the types of things that you may be able to recover compensation for, including past, present, and future medical costs, lost income, potential wage losses, loss of future earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

Potential Compensation for Victims of Pedestrian Accidents

When you need a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer in Southern California, turn to Kubota & Craig, experienced Irvine pedestrian accident lawyers. They understand that dealing with a serious injury can be bewildering and terrifying, and they’re ready to support and guide you throughout the lawsuit process. As personal injury lawyers, they have extensive experience in dealing with complex cases, and they’re ready to put it to work on your behalf. Contact the Irvine pedestrian accident lawyer team today to schedule a free consultation.

When it comes to pedestrian accidents, having the right legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Kubota & Craig, our team of experienced Irvine pedestrian accident lawyers offers a range of benefits to help you navigate this challenging time.

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Irvine or the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to be your advocate and guide you through the legal process, answer your questions, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation with our Irvine pedestrian accident lawyers today, and let us help you take the next steps toward recovery.

Why Choose Kubota & Craig as Your Irvine Accident Lawyer?

When it comes to pedestrian accidents, having the right legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Kubota & Craig, our team of experienced Irvine pedestrian accident lawyers offers a range of benefits to help you navigate this challenging time:

• Personalized Attention: We understand that every pedestrian accident case is unique. Our attorneys take the time to understand your specific circumstances and develop a legal strategy that meets your needs.
• Maximized Compensation: Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation possible for our clients. We have a proven track record of helping victims of pedestrian accidents recover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
• Expertise in California Law: As leading Irvine pedestrian accident attorneys, we are well-versed in California’s personal injury laws, including the nuances of the pure comparative negligence system. This expertise allows us to build strong cases that stand up in court.
• Comprehensive Case Building: We gather all necessary evidence, including police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony, to create a compelling case on your behalf. Our team knows what it takes to prove liability and negligence in pedestrian accidents.
• Aggressive Representation: We are prepared to fight for you, whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies or taking your case to trial. Our aggressive approach ensures that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
• No Fees Unless We Win: At Kubota & Craig, we believe in access to justice. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay any fees unless we win your case. This ensures that you can focus on your recovery without worrying about legal costs.

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Irvine or the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to guide you through the legal process, answer your questions, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation with our Irvine pedestrian accident lawyers today, and let us help you take the next steps toward recovery.