Work with a skilled and experienced Huntington Beach pedestrian accident lawyer at Bisnar Chase to ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Our team has handled countless cases involving pedestrian injuries over the years. We know how to win. But just as importantly, we understand how devastating and disorientating being involved in this type of accident can be. Pedestrians are vulnerable, and any collision with a vehicle can be deadly.
Whether you were the victim yourself or a loved one was harmed in a crash, our team of personal injury lawyers in Huntington Beach can help. We take pride in providing unparalleled assistance to accident victims. Our firm will take care of your legal claim, but we are also here to provide the support you need after an accident.
Every client is different, and we treat each claim on an individual basis. Above all, we ensure a representative is always on hand to answer your questions. You can trust our team of dedicated professionals to provide the care and guidance you need.
Contact Bisnar Chase today for a free consultation with no obligations and a no win, no fee promise. We will use our decades of experience to review your claim and offer guidance on the best steps for you to take. Call us today at (949) 203-3814.
Pedestrian Accident Resources
Types of Pedestrian Accidents Handled by Bisnar Chase
A pedestrian accident involves any incident that causes injury to a person who is traveling on foot, typically walking or running. The term pedestrian also includes people on roller skates, skateboards, hoverboards, or using mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
Accidents usually involve a vehicle or cyclist colliding with a pedestrian. It could be a car accident or a crash involving a truck, motorcycle, bus, or any other vehicle.
Many accidents occur when a pedestrian uses a crosswalk or otherwise crosses the road at an intersection. The most common types of pedestrian accidents include:
Failure to stop at a crosswalk. So many accidents result from drivers failing to yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks.
Right turns. A driver may swing into a right turn without checking for pedestrians stepping out.
Left turns. While making a left turn, the driver is usually more focused on avoiding oncoming vehicles than checking for people crossing.
Parking lot accidents. Busy parking lots are considered danger zones due to the massive amount of foot traffic and vehicles navigating small areas.
Crashing at the side of the road. Motorists frequently neglect to leave enough space for pedestrians and cyclists at the side of the road.
Sidewalk collisions. Pedestrians are usually considered safe when on the sidewalk, but crashes can happen when drivers enter driveways, have to cross the sidewalk, or lose control of their vehicles.
Reversing accidents. It can be tough to spot someone walking across the path of a vehicle as it is backing up.
Rolling stops or simply failing to stop at a stop sign. California is famous for drivers performing ‘rolling stops’ and failing to come to a halt at stop signs. But this can be deadly for anyone crossing the road.
No matter how the accident happens, a skilled personal injury lawyer will fight for your rights and ensure justice is done. Contact our team today for a free case review.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Most accidents causing pedestrian injuries result from negligent drivers failing to observe the rules of the road, making mistakes, or not concentrating.
The majority of accidents that we see are caused by:
Distracted driving.
Speeding and being unable to react in time.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Failure to follow traffic laws.
Malfunctioning traffic signals.
Worn out road markings.
- Lack of visibility.
Pedestrian negligence.
An accident is not always the fault of a negligent driver. In some cases, the pedestrian might be partially to blame for jaywalking or not taking proper care. But a driver has a duty of care to those around them. They are behind the wheel of a potentially deadly weapon, and the onus is on them to drive responsibly.
The majority of cases we handle involve distracted driving, often with a motorist checking their cell phone and failing to spot a pedestrian. We have also seen many claims involving driver error, with people turning or rolling through a stop sign without looking.
Huntington Beach pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries. But our law firm routinely secures outstanding results in personal injury cases.
Pedestrian Accident Injuries
The average weight of a car is about 4,000 lbs, with SUVs usually weighing in the 5,000-6,000 lb range. Even at lower speeds, that kind of size and weight will cause severe damage when it hits you.
Our team has seen a huge range of injuries to pedestrians, including:
Soft tissue injuries.
Broken bones.
Neck injuries.
Head injuries.
Spinal cord injuries.
Traumatic brain injuries.
Death.
Car accidents involving vehicle-on-vehicle collisions can be bad. But in those cases, everyone involved is protected to a degree by the vehicle they are in. A pedestrian is completely vulnerable and unprotected, and this can result in potentially life-threatening injuries.
Some pedestrian accident injuries suffered in Huntington Beach involve catastrophic and life-altering effects. No one is prepared for that. But our pedestrian accident attorneys at Bisnar Chase offer superior representation, allowing you to make the best of any circumstances.
Pedestrians in Huntington Beach
As a coastal city with a population of nearly 200,000 people, great weather year-round, and some of the best beaches in the world, Huntington Beach always has plenty of foot traffic.
One of the top hotspots is the main crossing at Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway, in line with Huntington Beach pier, where many people cross to get to the beach.
There are also frequently-used intersections all along PCH, major roads such as Beach Boulevard that get plenty of pedestrians crossing, and busy centers such as Bella Terra that offer parking lot dangers to shoppers.
During the Coronavirus pandemic, Main Street was blocked off to vehicles to allow businesses to expand their outdoor dining options. But as of 2023, Huntington Beach City Council voted to end this pedestrianization. Critics fear this will put more people in danger.
Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Injury?
Who is liable for your injuries, and what does that mean? First, liability applies to anyone who shares legal responsibility for your accident. A person, company, or organization might share liability if their actions or inactions contributed to your injuries.
Anyone who owed a duty of care to the pedestrian and was negligent in that duty may be liable. The responsible parties could include:
A negligent driver.
A reckless cyclist.
Government entities in charge of road signals and markings.
An employer, if a driver causes an accident while they are working.
NOTE: Multiple parties can share liability in the event of a pedestrian accident. A skilled personal injury attorney will identify any and all responsible parties while building your case.
Do You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
There are different levels to a potential pedestrian accident case. First, you might make a claim against the insurance company of the at-fault party. If that does not get you a fair compensatory offer, you might have to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. This is when a claim is filed with the courts.
Some people choose to start this process on their own. But you will always get better results when a personal injury law firm works for you.
After an accident, you will need to focus on your recovery. Filing a legal claim is a long and complex process involving a lot of paperwork, lengthy negotiations and leg work, and strict deadlines. It is best to put this process in the hands of professionals who do this day in and day out.
Our team will:
Before signing with us, we provide a free consultation, so you are fully informed.
Our team stays in regular contact while your claim is ongoing. Unlike many firms, we are easy to contact.
File paperwork according to deadlines.
Collect evidence, source the police report and medical records, and arrange witness depositions and expert testimonies.
Coordinate depositions and court dates with you.
Help to arrange medical appointments when necessary.
Conduct negotiations with insurance companies and defense teams.
Prepare to go to trial if the case cannot be settled. Our trial lawyers have a track record of courtroom success.
Help with collections after we win your case.
A personal injury claim will usually be settled before going to trial. This is because trials are expensive and unpredictable. But sometimes a jury verdict is the only way for victims to truly attain justice, especially if the defense digs its heels in.
You can trust us to provide unbiased advice based on the merits of your case. Above all, we want the right result for you and will work tirelessly to ensure you get it.
The best way to get top results is to work with a legal team that has experience with cases like yours. A team that has been there and done it, knows the strategies used by the other side, and is prepared for anything. At Bisnar Chase, we have a track record of securing maximum financial compensation for our clients.
What is Your Pedestrian Accident Claim Worth?
An injury claim has a couple of purposes. First, it is designed to make you whole, to recoup the losses and damages you suffered from the accident. In some cases, it may also punish the wrongdoer, holding them accountable for their actions.
The scope of a claim or lawsuit will depend on the circumstances of your accident and the severity of your injuries. No two accidents are exactly the same, and the compensation you receive will be specific to your injuries. Some of the factors accounted for in a fair compensation award include:
Your medical expenses.
Lost wages.
Projected future medical costs.
Property damage.
Emotional pain.
Punitive damages.
Compensation can be divided into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic refers to those factors with a tangible dollar value. For example, we can recover compensation to cover your medical bills.
Non-economic refers to non-monetary losses, such as the emotional stress, inconvenience, and pain and suffering caused by the accident.
At Bisnar Chase, we take on cases that involve physical injuries. But as long as your case fulfills our criteria, we can recover maximum compensation for physical and emotional pain for injury victims.
Choosing the Right Personal Injury Lawyer: Why Bisnar Chase?
Choosing the right attorneys for your case is essential to your success. But how do you know which firm is the right fit for you?
We back ourselves as a top choice for most types of injury claims. If your case falls under an area that we don’t cover, we will refer you to another firm that can. But when it comes to pedestrian accidents, our team has handled the legal process with great success for many clients. We have:
A 99% success rate.
- A track record specifically with pedestrian accident cases.
More than $800 million won.
Over 45 years in business.
Thousands of settlements and trial verdicts.
Plenty of five-star reviews from satisfied clients.
An office nearby in Newport Beach.
A free consultation and a no win, no fee policy for all clients.
It is vital that you feel comfortable with your legal representation. We welcome people to check our reviews and visit our offices. Our team takes great pride in helping injured people in and around Huntington Beach, protecting the rights of injury victims all across Orange County and Southern California.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speed plays a key role in the severity of injuries to a pedestrian. About 5% of people would be killed when struck by a car at 20 mph. That rises to 40% at 30 mph, 80% at 40 mph, and 100% at 50 mph.
Statistics from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) show 893 pedestrian deaths and 14,000 injuries across the state in 2018.
The number of pedestrian deaths has increased by 26% since 2014.
California has the highest pedestrian fatality figures of any state in the U.S. Our fatality rate is 25% higher than the national average and has been labeled a crisis by safety groups.
Nearly one in four of all pedestrians killed in an auto accident was struck by a hit-and-run driver in 2020.
Across the U.S., there were 6,516 total pedestrian motor vehicle deaths in 2020, amounting to 17% of all crash fatalities, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
California Laws for Pedestrians and Drivers
Some key areas of California law apply specifically to the actions of drivers and pedestrians.
California Vehicle Code 21950(a): The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
The Freedom to Walk Act: Signed into law in 2022, the new bill (AB 2147) allows pedestrians to cross a street at any point if it is safe to do so. CVC 21955 previously allowed police to hand out tickets for jaywalking outside a crosswalk, but the new law gives pedestrians more freedom. Police officers can still hand out jaywalking tickets for dangerous acts.
Drivers have a duty to anticipate pedestrian action, particularly in high foot traffic areas.
California Vehicle Code 21950(c): The driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of the vehicle or take any other action relating to the operation of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.
California Vehicle Code 21950(b): No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
Drivers must obey street signs and signals, including traffic lights, stop signs, and yield signs.
The most important fact to remember is that drivers and pedestrians BOTH have a duty of care to themselves and each other and are expected to observe the rules of the road.
Pedestrian Accident FAQs
Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about pedestrian accidents and injuries. But if you do not find the answer to your question on this page, please give us a call or send us an email today. Our team is here to help.
Do pedestrians have the right of way?
Legally, pedestrians have the right of way but should also follow the rules of the road. Pedestrians have the right of way in all marked and unmarked crosswalks, and drivers always have a duty of care to be aware of pedestrians when they are in and around the roadway.
What if I was partly to blame for the accident?
In some cases, the actions of the pedestrian victim might be partly to blame for accidents occurring. But you can still file a claim and win compensation. However, according to California’s comparative negligence laws, your payment might be reduced by the percentage you are found to be at fault.
How fast does a car have to be going to hurt someone?
A car does not have to be traveling quickly to hurt a pedestrian. Statistics show a crash can be deadly at just 20 mph. Even if the vehicle was not speeding, that does not mean the driver was not negligent.
What if I couldn't collect evidence at the accident scene?
We always advise people to take pictures and document the scene of the accident when possible. But sometimes, that is not an option. Do not worry – contact Bisnar Chase and let us build a case for you. We have experts who can conduct an investigation and take care of everything for you.
New Technology Designed to Protect You
Car manufacturers are continuously developing new technology designed to make the roads safer. Some of the features developed are also helpful in helping drivers avoid accidents with pedestrians.
For example, every new car in California is fitted with a backup camera to help drivers see where they are going when reversing. Many vehicles also have reverse impact sensors. These features will hopefully help drivers avoid pedestrians while backing up.
Another important feature is automatic braking. This can help slam on a car’s brakes to prevent an accident when a hazard is detected ahead. If a driver is distracted and fails to see a pedestrian stepping into a crosswalk, this feature could save the pedestrian’s life.
Examples of Pedestrian Accidents in Huntington Beach
You only have to browse the newspapers or news sites to see that pedestrian accidents in Huntington Beach are frighteningly frequent. The two detailed below are from 2022, but many other accidents have occurred in recent months and years.
Pedestrian Struck and Killed – January 2022
A woman was killed after being hit by an SUV at the busy intersection of Beach Boulevard and Yorktown Avenue. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident happened early on a Monday evening, just after 6pm, and the driver involved remained at the scene to cooperate with the investigation.
Man Killed in Collision with Police Cruiser – December 2022
A 45-year-old man died after being struck by a police vehicle near North Pacific Avenue and Broadway. The crash occurred at about 5.30am. The pedestrian was hit by the police SUV while it was responding to an emergency call.
How Much Will a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
After suffering injuries in a pedestrian accident involving a vehicle, you need trusted legal guidance from a top-rated attorney. But many people opt not to file a claim because they are worried about the cost involved with hiring a lawyer.
At Bisnar Chase, that is not a concern. We work on a contingency basis, offering a no win, no fee promise to all clients. That means that we advance the costs needed to handle your case. When we win, a pre-agreed percentage goes to our firm to cover our expenses and attorney fees. If we do not win, you do not owe us anything.
This is a tried and trusted system that protects our clients from out-of-pocket fees and gives everyone access to top-class legal representation, no matter how much money you have.
Contact the Best Pedestrian Lawyers Near Me
Our team at Bisnar Chase is passionate, dedicated, and highly skilled. Our job is to ensure justice is done and to make you whole, which is a responsibility we take very seriously.
We are with you every step of the way, from arranging medical attention and appointments to holding the negligent party accountable in court if necessary.
With a 99% success rate and more than $800 million won for our clients, we believe our team is the right choice to maximize the value of your case and remove all stress while you focus on recovery.
Contact our Hunting Beach pedestrian accident attorneys now for a free consultation. Call (949) 203-3814, send us an email, or use our website’s live chat to get in touch.
