Costa Mesa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Were You Seriously Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Costa Mesa?

If you or a family member suffered injuries in a collision, due to someone else’s negligence, it’s crucial to consult an experienced Costa Mesa pedestrian accident lawyer. At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we understand that injured victims deal with medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. We will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you hold the responsible party liable for your losses.

Our personal injury law firm is well-acquainted with Costa Mesa traffic laws and has extensive knowledge and experience dealing with insurance companies. We will help you get the medical care you need and recover the financial compensation you deserve. Learn more about your legal rights and how we can help you during this difficult period.

No Win. No Fee. Guaranteed.

Pedestrian accidents are life-altering and often result in severe injuries and expenses for the victims involved. At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we want to help alleviate the financial burden our clients may be facing. We offer our legal services on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay us anything upfront. If we don’t win your case, you will pay us nothing. Call us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Why Hire Daniel Kim as Your Costa Mesa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Daniel Kim and his legal team have years and years of experience representing injured victims in Orange County. Car accidents are very serious and often result in major injuries, such as brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. After being treated for these injuries, victims often incur expensive medical bills. If you are ever injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s best not to deal with the insurance companies alone. The insurance company is motivated by its bottom line and will try to use misleading tactics to minimize the value of your pedestrian accident claim.

Our Costa Mesa personal injury lawyer connects clients with the top medical providers in Orange County including physicians, chiropractors, and physical therapists. At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we put our clients first, including their physical and mental well-being.

To learn more about the value of your case, call us today. We offer a free, no-risk consultation. In addition, we’re available to assist 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?

Get Medical Attention

Pedestrians should seek medical attention immediately after being involved in an accident, even if they believe they sustained minor injuries. Many serious injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not be initially apparent and could worsen over time if left untreated.

Contact the Police

It’s crucial to call the police promptly and get a police report. The authorities can document the accident scene, take witness statements, and create a police report, which can be valuable when filing a personal injury claim.

Gather Information

Collect essential information from the driver, including the following:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Address
• License plate
• Driver’s license
• Insurance company
• Insurance policy number

Also, be sure to collect the contact information of any witnesses that are present and ask if they are willing to provide a statement. This information can be used to help build a compelling case.

Take Photos

Take photos and videos of the accident scene from different angles, including the motor vehicles involved, skid marks, broken glass, and the pedestrian’s injuries. This evidence can help establish fault and provide an accurate representation of the damages caused.

Don’t Speak with the Insurance Company

While the driver’s insurance company may reach out to offer a settlement, it’s important to consult with a lawyer before speaking with the insurer. Insurance companies are motivated by their bottom line and want to minimize their financial liability. The insurance company will not protect the injured pedestrian’s best interests and may offer a low settlement. It’s best not to give the insurance company details about the accident and their injuries, but to contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.

Contact a Costa Mesa Pedestrian Accident Attorney

An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can guide you throughout the claims process. This can include filing a claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in a trial, if necessary. Pedestrian accident lawyers can help ensure that injured victims receive the medical treatment and compensation they deserve for their injuries.

Keep Records Safe

Keep a record of your emergency medical treatment costs, lost income, physical therapy costs, and other expenses related to the pedestrian accident. Injured victims should also keep a journal that documents their injuries, recovery process, and how the traffic accident has impacted their daily life. This evidence can have a substantial impact on your claim and the compensation you are able to recover for your losses.

Is It Worth Getting a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

If you’ve sustained injuries in a pedestrian accident, you may be dealing with extensive medical expenses, mental distress, and pain and suffering. A skilled pedestrian accident attorney can help you navigate complex legal processes, fight for your rights, and help you recover fair and full compensation for your losses.

At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we are committed to helping personal injury victims obtain justice and we will fight tirelessly to help our clients recover maximum compensation. We understand that insurance companies offer low settlements that do not accurately reflect the full extent of the damages suffered by the injured victim. We will represent our clients in court to ensure they receive the compensation they truly deserve.

According to California law, the statute of limitations for pedestrian accident claims is 2 years from the date the injury was sustained. This means that if you do not file a lawsuit within the allocated period, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries. It is important to consult with an Orange County pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss any important deadlines and are within the allotted time frame to file a claim.

What Can I Expect from a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

Each pedestrian accident case will vary. There are many factors to consider when calculating a pedestrian accident settlement, such as the extent of the injuries suffered, medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. In a personal injury claim, you can pursue the following damages:

Medical Expenses – Pedestrian accident victims often experience extensive medical bills related to their injuries, including emergency medical care, medication costs, and rehabilitation expenses. This may also include future expenses if the injuries require ongoing medical treatment or long-term care.

Lost Wages – If the pedestrian has had to miss work due to injuries or is no longer able to work, they may be able to recover financial compensation for these losses. Lost wages can include any bonuses, promotions, or employment benefits that were lost as a result of the crash.

Pain and Suffering – Victims often experience physical pain and emotional suffering as a result of the pedestrian collision. This can include anxiety, chronic pain, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other trauma.

Property Damage – If the pedestrian’s personal property was damaged in the collision, like their cell phone or clothing, they may be able to pursue compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing their personal items.

Loss of Consortium – Loss of consortium is the deprivation of benefits in a relationship due to injuries caused by an accident. The pedestrian’s spouse or family members may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, care, affection, and other benefits.

Punitive Damages – In personal injury cases where the defendant’s actions were especially harmful, the plaintiff may be granted punitive damages. These kinds of damages are meant to punish the defendant for their conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future.

Wrongful Death – If a pedestrian was killed in an accident, their family members may be able to seek financial compensation. In a wrongful death claim, the surviving spouse or certain family members can recover funeral and burial costs, lost income, and other losses.

What Are the Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Distracted Driving – When negligent drivers are distracted by activities like eating or drinking, using their GPS or cell phone, or conversing with a passenger they can cause serious accidents.

Reckless Driving – When drivers speed, run red lights or stop signs, and engage in other forms of reckless driving, they put others around them at great risk.

Speeding – Drivers who exceed the posted speed limit may not have enough space and time to react and stop their vehicle when encountering a pedestrian. In 2020, speeding was a leading cause of 29% of all traffic fatalities and killed 11,258 people.

Failure to Yield – When drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, such as at crosswalks or intersections, can cause severe pedestrian accidents.

Drowsy Driving – Drivers who are fatigued may fall asleep at the wheel which can cause them to veer off the road and potentially hit pedestrians on the sidewalk or in a crosswalk.

Alcohol Impairment – It is very dangerous when motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians try to navigate the roads while intoxicated. Impaired motor vehicle drivers have significantly diminished reaction times and impaired cognition. Additionally, pedestrians who are intoxicated can be disoriented, making it difficult for them to cross the road safely and avoid dangers.

Poor visibility – When pedestrians wear dark clothing, walk in poorly lit areas, or walk during low light conditions, such as at dawn or dusk, it can be difficult for drivers to see them, which can be a factor in pedestrian accidents. It’s recommended that pedestrians wear bright, reflective clothing to help drivers spot them.

Right Turn Accidents – These accidents typically occur when a motor vehicle turns on a red light and hits a pedestrian crossing the street. In this situation, the pedestrian has the right-of-way, and the motorist must yield to the pedestrian.

Left Turn Accidents – When motor vehicle drivers make a left turn at an intersection, they may focus more on oncoming traffic than pedestrians. A driver’s visibility may be limited by other vehicles or construction, but they must exercise the duty of care and look out for pedestrians and bicyclists. If the driver hits a pedestrian, they are liable. The pedestrian may be held partially liable if they were hit by a car because they darted into traffic or did not give a driver enough time to see them before entering the crosswalk.

Are Pedestrians Ever At Fault?

Pedestrians, like motorists, have a duty of care to uphold. This means that pedestrians must obey California traffic laws and act with reasonable care in regard to their safety and the safety of others. A pedestrian can be found negligent if he or she breached the duty of care and caused a traffic accident.

There are certain elements that must be established to prove negligence. These elements include the following:

• The defendant must have owed a duty of care to the plaintiff. For example, a motorist is required by law to stop at a stop sign.
• The defendant must have breached the duty of care. For example, a motorist ran the stop sign and hit a pedestrian.
• The defendant’s actions must have directly caused the collision.
• The plaintiff must have sustained damages that were caused by the accident. For instance, a pedestrian accident victim may have suffered catastrophic injuries, lost income, medical expenses, and mental distress because of the motor vehicle accident.

At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we will help you gather evidence and build a compelling pedestrian accident case. Our experienced pedestrian accident lawyer will represent you in court if necessary to help you recover the compensation you deserve. We offer the strategic legal advocacy our clients need to secure the maximum compensation possible.

We know how difficult it can be to recover from a pedestrian accident, both physically, mentally, and emotionally. We are here to provide our clients with the legal support and guidance they need to recover the compensation they deserve.

What Are the Most Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries?

Pedestrian accident injuries are typically severe and can even be life-threatening. The most common injuries we see from pedestrian collisions include:

• Fractures and broken bones – The most common broken bones in pedestrian accidents are the femur, tibia, pelvis, ribs, cervical vertebra, and fibula.
• Lacerations – Victims can experience lacerations when their skin makes contact with the road, vehicles, and sharp objects.
• Internal injuries – These can include internal bleeding, rib fractures, and brain bleeds are all very serious and require immediate medical attention.
• Head trauma – Head trauma like skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries result in life-altering implications.
• Back and spinal cord injuries – Spinal injuries can have a significant impact on one’s movement and mobility. The trauma of a car accident can cause partial or complete paralysis that can either be temporary or permanent.
• Pelvic injuries – These kinds of injuries are serious because they can cause extensive bleeding and can cause damage to your surrounding organs, nerves, and blood vessels.
• Wrongful death – In the worst cases, a pedestrian accident can cause fatal injuries.

Costa Mesa Pedestrian Accident Statistics

California’s pedestrian fatality rate is approximately 25% higher than the national average. In 2019, there were 17,722 victims injured and killed in Orange County traffic accidents, 728 of which were pedestrians. The city of Costa Mesa accounted for 569 of the victims injured and killed in OC traffic accidents, 33 of which were pedestrians.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections

Some of the most dangerous intersections for pedestrians are:

• Harbor Blvd. and Adams Ave.
• Victoria St. and Valley Rd.
• Harbor Blvd. and Sunflower Ave.
• Baker St. and Fairview Rd.
• Victoria St. and Harbor Blvd.

Contact The Law Offices of Daniel Kim Today

At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we specialize in auto accident cases and have successfully recovered over $250 million in financial compensation for our clients. You will receive individualized attention on your case and the strategic legal advocacy you need to win. We have a proven track record of obtaining the maximum compensation available.

If your pedestrian accident case goes to court, we will represent you and help you hold the responsible parties liable. Our Orange County law firm offers a free initial consultation for potential clients. Call our Costa Mesa office now to learn more about your legal options.

Other Practice Areas We Specialize In

Directions to Our Office in Costa Mesa

The Law Offices of Daniel Kim – Costa Mesa Office
Address: 611 Anton Blvd #1000, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone: (714) 790-3519

We also serve these Orange County cities from our Costa Mesa office: Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Irvine, Tustin, Orange, Anaheim, Garden Grove, Westminster, Fountain Valley, Long Beach, Seal Beach, Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Clemente, Fullerton, Buena Park, La Habra, Yorba Linda, and more.