Pedestrian Accident Attorney — Fullerton, CA
Fullerton Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
If you sustained personal injuries in a Fullerton pedestrian accident, it’s important to seek medical treatment immediately and consult a personal injury lawyer. Our Fullerton pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to helping injured victims recover compensation for their damages. We understand that pedestrian accident victims deal with losses including serious injuries, extensive medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At Commonwealth Accident Attorneys, we proudly maintain a 99% success rate and have helped our clients recover millions of dollars in financial compensation. Call our personal injury law office today to schedule a free consultation.

Why Should I Hire a Fullerton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Here are some ways a Fullerton pedestrian accident lawyer can help your claim:
- Thoroughly investigate your pedestrian accident claim and collect evidence such as police reports, medical records, CCTV footage, and witness statements.
- Help you establish fault and build a compelling personal injury claim.
- Facilitate all communication and negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf.
- Ensure paperwork is error-free and that you meet all the deadlines in your case.
- Provide legal representation in court, if necessary to help you get the compensation you deserve.
- Resolve your case in a timely manner.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Fullerton?
Pedestrian-car accidents often result in serious and fatal injuries. In 2021, pedestrian fatalities skyrocketed to 7,485 deaths across the United States. This is the highest number recorded in the past 40 years. Pedestrian deaths now account for 17% of all traffic accident fatalities. Most pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas with greater traffic flow, such as Fullerton. Some common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
Speeding
In 2021, speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities, taking 12,330 lives. When motor vehicle drivers exceed the posted speed limits, they significantly reduce the time and space needed to react to unexpected situations. Additionally, speeding reduces the effectiveness of safety features such as airbags, increasing the likelihood of severe injuries in the event of an accident.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving poses a serious threat to road safety, and claimed 3,522 lives in 2021. Activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating or drinking, or conversing with a passenger can significantly impair a driver’s judgment and ability to react quickly.
Driving while distracted endangers the driver and puts passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists at great risk.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving involves engaging in reckless conduct and jeopardizing the safety of others. This includes behaviors such as speeding, disregarding traffic laws, weaving through traffic, and racing. Reckless drivers endanger themselves and everyone around them, increasing the chances of severe accidents and injuries.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is a leading cause of auto accidents across the US and claimed 13,384 lives in 2021. Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and diminishes coordination, making it extremely dangerous. It is essential to remember that any amount of alcohol can impair one’s driving abilities and put the lives of others at risk.
Failure to Yield
Failure to yield the right of way is a leading cause of accidents at intersections and crosswalks. It is crucial for drivers to abide by the rules of right-of-way, ensuring they yield to other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists when appropriate.
By failing to yield to a pedestrian at an intersection or crosswalk, the driver will likely be found at fault for the accident. Additionally, pedestrians must also follow the law. Pedestrians may not suddenly leave a curb and walk or run into the path of oncoming traffic, causing an accident.
Vehicles Making Left Turns
Left turns can be challenging and potentially hazardous, requiring drivers to watch for oncoming traffic before turning. Drivers making a left turn should exercise caution, use turn signals effectively, and yield to oncoming traffic before proceeding. It is also essential for pedestrians to remain vigilant, make eye contact with the driver, and make their intentions known before processing.
Poor Visibility and Inclement Weather
Poor visibility can significantly inhibit driving safety, particularly during inclement weather, fog, or at night. Rain, snow, ice, fog, and strong winds are especially dangerous to navigate on the road. Limited visibility diminishes a driver’s ability to see and anticipate hazards, increasing the likelihood of a bad car accident.
To navigate such conditions safely, drivers should reduce their speed and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. It’s also important to ensure their vehicle’s headlights, windshield wipers, and defoggers are working properly.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries because the pedestrian has no protection comparable to a motor vehicle. Some common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents include:
- Fractures and Broken Bones – Pedestrians often sustain fractures and broken bones in a crash, especially in the arms, legs, hips, clavicle, and pelvis. The impact of a car accident can cause hairline fractures or more complex compound fractures.
- Head Injuries – Head injuries are unfortunately common in pedestrian accidents. These types of injuries can range from concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – After a car accident, pedestrians may suffer spinal cord injuries, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These kinds of injuries can have long-lasting implications on the individual’s mobility and overall quality of life.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – A pedestrian accident can cause soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, and bruises. These injuries can be painful and lead to swelling, muscle bleeds, and prolonged recovery times.
- Internal Injuries – The force of impact in pedestrian accidents can cause severe damage to organs, including the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys. Internal bleeding and organ damage require immediate medical intervention.
- Cuts and Lacerations – Pedestrians may suffer cuts and lacerations from contact with the vehicle, objects, or the road during a crash. Depending on the severity of the injuries, the victim may require stitches. Severe lacerations can also cause noticeable scarring.
- Emotional Trauma – Being involved in a pedestrian accident can lead to emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The psychological impact of a bad car accident can be lifelong and may require therapy.
- Wrongful Death – Tragically, pedestrian accidents oftentimes result in fatalities. The vulnerability of pedestrians makes them particularly susceptible to severe injuries that may be fatal. If you lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to pursue compensation in a wrongful death claim.
It’s vital for pedestrians to seek immediate medical attention after an accident, even if their injuries are not immediately apparent. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment can aid in both the recovery process and is valuable evidence in a pedestrian accident claim.
Understanding California’s Pure Comparative Negligence Law
California follows the legal principle of pure comparative negligence when determining liability in personal injury cases. Under California law, each party involved in an accident can be held liable for a percentage of fault based on their degree of responsibility for the incident.
This means that even if an injured party is found partially at fault for the accident, they may still be entitled to recover damages. However, the damages awarded will be reduced in proportion to reflect their percentage of fault.
For example, if a pedestrian is hit by a car but is found to be 10% at fault for the accident, their total compensation will be reduced by that percentage. Therefore, if the total damages are $100,000, the pedestrian would receive $90,000.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
After a pedestrian accident, victims may be eligible for different types of compensation to help cover their losses and damages. This can include economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic Damages
One form of compensation is economic damages, which are quantifiable losses that are typically easy to calculate. Economic damages can include:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing medical expenses
- Lost income
- Physical therapy costs
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
In addition to economic damages, victims may also be entitled to non-economic damages. These are more subjective damages that are meant to compensate victims for intangible losses. Some non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Mental distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement or scarring
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may be granted to the plaintiff when the defendant’s conduct is deemed particularly reckless or harmful. These kinds of damages are intended to punish the defendant and deter others from engaging in similar behavior. For example, if the defendant was driving under the influence and caused the accident, they may have to pay punitive damages.
Proving Fault in Pedestrian Accident Claims
In personal injury cases, plaintiffs must prove certain elements to establish negligence. The four elements a plaintiff must demonstrate include the following:
The Duty of Care
The duty of care is a legal obligation that requires individuals to exercise reasonable care to prevent causing harm or injuries to others. Motor vehicle drivers and pedestrians alike have a duty of care to avoid engaging in careless acts that could foreseeably harm others. Failure to fulfill this duty can result in legal consequences.
Breach of the Duty of Care
The breach of the duty of care occurs when a person fails to meet the standard of care expected in a particular situation. When a breach of the duty of care is established, the responsible party can be held accountable for their actions.
Causation
It must be proven that the defendant’s actions or negligence directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries and losses. To establish causation, it must be shown that the defendant’s breach of duty was a significant factor or a direct cause of the accident.
Damages
Damages aim to provide financial relief for the injuries and losses suffered in an accident. This can include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. The amount of damages awarded in personal injury claims depend on factors like the severity of the injuries, the impact on the plaintiff’s life, and the degree of the defendant’s liability.
How Much Time Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Fullerton?
Generally, the statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims in California is two years from the date of the accident. Therefore, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and damages.
However, it’s crucial to consult with a skilled Fullerton pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you meet all necessary deadlines and have ample time to build a compelling case. If you delay seeking legal representation it could potentially jeopardize your ability to pursue a claim. An experienced attorney will evaluate your case, gather evidence, and maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation for your damages.

Contact a Skilled Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Fullerton Today
At Commonwealth Accident Attorneys, we are committed to helping injured victims obtain justice. If you sustained serious injuries in a Fullerton pedestrian accident, don't hesitate to reach out to our law firm. We will deal with the insurance company on your behalf and will fight to recover the maximum compensation. We will fight to protect your rights and will help you hold the liable party accountable. Call our law firm today to schedule a free consultation.
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Commonwealth Accident Attorneys will help you win your traffic accident case with expert knowledge. Contact our experienced auto accident attorney to discuss your legal options at no cost if you suffered injuries in a severe car accident in Fullerton, California.