Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are common in bustling cities like Anaheim. In this metropolitan city, factors such as heavy traffic, high-speed roads, and distracted driving are common causes of pedestrian accidents.

Being hit by a car as a pedestrian is a terrifying and often life-altering experience. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t hesitate to consult with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. Our dedicated Anaheim pedestrian accident lawyers are here to guide you through this challenging time and fight for maximum compensation. Contact us today to discuss your case and legal options.

What to Do as a Pedestrian Hit by a Car in a Crosswalk

1. Assess Your Safety

After being hit by a car, victims will most likely be in physical or mental shock. If you are still in the path of traffic, try to move to a safer location, such as the sidewalk, if you are able to do so without causing further injury. Take a moment to assess your physical condition and check for any obvious injuries.

It is essential to remain as calm as possible and avoid making sudden movements that could exacerbate any injuries. If you are unable to move or are severely injured, try to attract attention and wait for emergency responders to arrive. Your safety and well-being are the top priorities in this situation.

2. Seek Medical Assistance Immediately

Even if you do not feel seriously injured, it is critical to seek medical assistance immediately after being hit by a car. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not present symptoms right away but can have serious consequences if left untreated.

Contacting medical services ensures you receive a thorough medical evaluation and necessary emergency treatment. Make sure to follow up with your primary care physician or a specialist as recommended. Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, which will be important for legal claims or insurance settlements.

3. Call the Police

Calling the police to the scene of the accident is essential. An official police report will document the details of the incident, including the parties involved, and the location. This report will be crucial evidence if you need to file a claim with the driver’s insurance company or pursue legal action. When speaking to the police, provide an accurate account of what happened, but avoid speculating or admitting fault. Make sure to obtain a copy of the police report for your records.

4. Get the Driver’s Information

After being hit by a car as a pedestrian, it’s essential to collect the driver’s information. Ensure you gather the following details:

• Driver’s Name: Full name of the driver.
• Contact Information: Phone number, email address, and home address.
• Driver’s License Number: The number and state of issuance of the driver’s license.
• Vehicle Information: Make, model, color, and license plate number of the vehicle.
• Insurance Details: Name of the car insurance company, policy number, and the contact information of the insurance provider.

5. Take Photos and Videos

Taking photos and videos of the accident scene can provide crucial evidence for your case. Capture images of your injuries, the vehicle involved, the surrounding area, traffic signs, and any skid marks or debris. Visual evidence can help establish the circumstances of the accident and demonstrate the extent of your injuries and property damage. Be thorough in your documentation, as these photos and videos can be invaluable when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court.

6. Don’t Speak to the Driver’s Insurance Company

After the accident, you may be contacted by the driver’s insurance company. It is important not to speak to them or provide any statements until you consult an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.

Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts and may use your statements against you to reduce their liability. An attorney can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

7. Consult an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney

After being hit by a car, it’s crucial to seek professional legal assistance. An attorney will advise you on your legal rights and the best course of action. They can help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims and legal proceedings, gather necessary evidence, and negotiate on your behalf.

With an attorney’s support, you can focus on your recovery while they work to secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

In the unfortunate event of a hit-and-run accident as a pedestrian, it’s crucial to take immediate action. First, seek medical treatment for any injuries. Then, try to gather as much information as possible about the fleeing vehicle, such as its make, model, color, and license plate number.

Contact the police immediately to report the incident and provide them with all available details. Then, reach out to an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and seek justice for your injuries.

Anaheim Pedestrian Accident Statistics

• Overall, pedestrian fatalities across the U.S. increased in 2022, with drivers striking and killing at least 7,508 pedestrians.
• Between 2019 and 2022, pedestrian deaths surged by 19%.
• Speeding is a common factor in fatal pedestrian-related accidents and accounts for 29% of all traffic accidents.

Like many urban areas in California, Anaheim has seen concerning trends in pedestrian accidents. Anaheim 2021 pedestrian accident statistics include:

• In Anaheim, there were over 2,084 people injured and killed in traffic accidents.
• Pedestrians accounted for 104 fatalities that year.
• 285 traffic accidents in Anaheim were speed-related.

Crosswalk Laws in California

Pedestrian Right of Way (CVC 21950): Drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. However, pedestrians must also exercise caution and not suddenly walk or run into the path of a vehicle. Violating this law can contribute to a pedestrian being deemed partially at fault for an accident.

Pedestrians Outside Crosswalks (CVC 21954): Pedestrians crossing a roadway at any point other than within a crosswalk at an intersection must yield the right of way to all vehicles on the roadway. However, drivers are still required to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian.

Crossing Between Controlled Intersections (CVC 21955): It is unlawful for pedestrians to cross the roadway at any place between adjacent intersections controlled by traffic control signal devices or police officers, except in a crosswalk.

Can a Pedestrian Be at Fault for an Accident?

Yes, a pedestrian may be found liable for an accident if their actions contributed to the incident. Common examples of pedestrian fault can include jaywalking recklessly, disregarding traffic signals, and suddenly entering the roadway without giving drivers enough time to react. In such cases, the pedestrian’s negligence can reduce or eliminate their ability to recover damages. 

California follows a comparative negligence system. This means that the parties involved in an accident may share fault. Even if a pedestrian is partially liable for an accident, they may still be entitled to compensation for their injuries. However, the amount of compensation they receive may be reduced in proportion to their degree of fault.

Common Pedestrian Injuries

Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection compared to vehicle occupants. Common injuries include:

• Fractures: Broken bones in the legs, arms, and ribs.
• Head Injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and skull fractures.
• Spinal Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or other mobility issues.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs, which can be life-threatening.
• Lacerations and Bruises: Cuts and bruises from the impact and subsequent fall.
• Psychological Trauma: Emotional distress, anxiety, and PTSD following the accident.

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, making it crucial to seek appropriate compensation.

What Compensation Can I Recover in a Pedestrian Car Accident Case?

Victims of pedestrian accidents can recover various types of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses: Covers past and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and necessary medical equipment.
• Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work and future earning capacity if the injuries result in long-term disability.
• Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property damage: Compensation for any personal property damaged in the accident.
• Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, punitivedamages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.

Who Pays Your Medical Bills If You’re Hit By a Car?

Determining who pays your medical bills after a pedestrian accident depends on various factors, including fault and insurance coverage. If the driver is at fault, their auto insurance should cover your medical expenses. If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, you might be able to use your own health insurance or uninsured motorist coverage. 

Consulting with an Anaheim pedestrian accident attorney can help you navigate these complexities and ensure that your medical bills are covered.

Contact an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Anaheim

If you’ve been hit by a car as a pedestrian, it’s essential to consult an Anaheim personal injury attorney. At Katella Injury Attorneys, we’re dedicated to getting you the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

You can count on us to listen to your story, gather the evidence needed, and handle all the legal stuff so you can focus on healing. Our personal injury law firm maintains a 99% success rate and has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Call us today for a free consultation.