Fullerton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Walking through Fullerton’s busy streets shouldn’t be a life-threatening risk, but reckless drivers, distracted motorists, and poorly designed crosswalks put pedestrians in danger every day. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be facing serious injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and lost income—but you don’t have to go through this alone.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we fight for injured pedestrians, ensuring they receive the full compensation they deserve. We understand local traffic laws, insurance tactics, and what it takes to hold negligent drivers accountable. Our legal team handles everything from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies, so you can focus on healing.

Don’t let them minimize your injuries or deny you the compensation you’re owed. Call (213) 927-3700 today for a free consultation with a Fullerton pedestrian accident lawyer and take the first step toward justice. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why You Need a Fullerton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

After a pedestrian accident, choosing the right law firm can make all the difference in the world —you need a firm that knows how to fight back.

Here’s why so many choose WCTL to handle their cases:

• Local Knowledge, Proven Results – We understand Fullerton’s streets, intersections, and high-risk pedestrian areas, which helps us build a strong case. Our firm has secured over $1.7 billion for injured clients, ensuring they receive the maximum compensation possible.
• Insurance Will Try to Undervalue Your Claim – Pedestrians often suffer severe injuries, but insurers frequently downplay medical costs, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation needs. We fight aggressively to ensure you get compensation that reflects the full impact of your injuries.
  Trial-Tested Attorneys Who Won’t Settle for Less – Some firms rush to settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures you get the best possible outcome.
• No Upfront Costs, No Hidden Fees – We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. There are no hidden costs or surprise fees—just results.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident

The moments after a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, but what you do next can make a big difference in your recovery and your ability to seek compensation. Whether you were hit in an automobile accident while crossing the street or struck in a parking lot auto accident, taking the right steps can help protect your health and legal rights.

1. Get Medical Attention Right Away

Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms right away but can become serious if left untreated. A medical evaluation not only protects your health but also creates official records of your injuries, which can be essential if you decide to file a claim.

Delaying treatment can hurt both your recovery and your case. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident at all. Getting checked out right away strengthens your claim and ensures you get the care you need.

2. Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you are physically able, try to document the accident scene to support your case. Key evidence includes:

• A police report, which can help establish what happened and who was at fault.
• Witness statements from people who saw the accident. Their testimony can help support your version of events.
• Photos and videos of the accident scene, including traffic signals, vehicle damage, skid marks, and any hazards that may have contributed to the crash.
• Driver information, including name, contact details, and insurance information.

Pedestrian accident cases fall under personal injury law, meaning you will need to prove that the driver was negligent. The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be.

3. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Even if you were a pedestrian, your auto insurance policy may provide coverage. Personal injury protection (PIP) or uninsured motorist coverage could help with medical expenses, so it’s important to notify your insurer as soon as possible. Be cautious about what you say—stick to the facts and avoid making statements that could be used to minimize your claim.

4. Speak with a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

A lawyer who specializes in personal injury law can investigate the accident, gather additional evidence, negotiate with insurers, and fight for full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, taking the right steps now can protect your future. Acting quickly ensures your rights are preserved and helps you get the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Below, we outline the most frequent causes of these incidents, drawing from our extensive experience representing victims in Fullerton. Our goal is to inform and protect our neighbors while pursuing justice for those harmed.

Distracted Driving

In today’s world, distractions are everywhere—phones, navigation screens, and more. Drivers on Fullerton’s roads, such as those traveling down Chapman Avenue, may lose focus, putting pedestrians at risk. This preventable lapse in attention often leads to devastating car accidents.

Failure to Yield

Crosswalks are meant to be safe zones, yet many Fullerton drivers fail to yield the right-of-way. The intersection of Nutwood Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue, a hub for students and commuters, frequently sees this issue, with vehicles disregarding signals and endangering those on foot.

Excessive Speed

Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react in time. On streets like State College Boulevard or Orangethorpe Avenue, where traffic can pick up pace, pedestrians face heightened danger from vehicles moving well beyond posted limits.

Limited Visibility

Fullerton’s evenings and occasional rainy days can dim visibility, particularly in areas with inadequate lighting. Along stretches like Brea Boulevard, pedestrians may go unnoticed by drivers, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

Left-Turn Incidents

Left turns pose a unique challenge, especially at busy Fullerton intersections. A driver turning from Commonwealth onto Nutwood, for instance, might not see a pedestrian crossing, resulting in a sudden and severe impact.

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence remains a persistent threat. In areas like downtown Fullerton near Wilshire Avenue, where nightlife thrives, impaired drivers can turn a routine walk into a life-altering tragedy.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we see the impact of these accidents on Fullerton families every day. Our commitment to this city drives us to advocate for safer streets and to hold negligent parties accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, our team—rooted right here in Fullerton—is prepared to stand by your side with the expertise and dedication you deserve.

Types of Compensation Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims

Pedestrian accident victims deserve compensation that truly covers what they’ve lost. Medical bills pile up fast—both the ones hitting your mailbox now and the ones you’ll face down the road. You shouldn’t have to stress about paying for treatment when you’re already hurting, and fair compensation makes sure you don’t. Then there’s lost wages. If you’re sidelined from work while you recover, you ought to be paid for that time, including any vacation or sick days you couldn’t use.

What if the accident prohibits your ability to do your old job? That’s where diminished earning capacity comes in—it’s about protecting your future income, not just what you’re missing today. Beyond the numbers, there’s the stuff that’s harder to measure: the pain you’re enduring, the emotional toll, or how life just doesn’t feel the same anymore. Those non-economic damages—like pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment—matter, and they should be part of your settlement.

How Comparative Negligence Affects Your Claim

California’s pure comparative negligence system allows claimants to recover damages even if they are predominantly at fault for the accident. The jury determines the fault percentage for both parties involved, directly influencing the compensation amount. If a claimant is found to be partially responsible, their total compensation will be reduced according to their assigned fault percentage.

For example, if a pedestrian is 30% at fault, they can recover 70% of the total damages. Even if a plaintiff is 99% liable, they can still recover 1% of the total damages under California law. This system ensures that victims receive some compensation regardless of their level of fault, encouraging both parties to exercise caution and responsibility.

Dealing with Insurance Adjusters

Insurance adjusters often aim to minimize payouts, making it challenging to deal with them. Personal injury attorneys in Fullerton negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair settlements for victims. Legal representation is crucial for navigating insurance claims, which could be minimized without proper support.

Victims should avoid discussing fault with insurance adjusters to protect their legal rights. Keep conversations brief and provide only basic details about the accident to avoid revealing sensitive information. Refrain from giving recorded statements, as they can be used against you later in the claims process. Following these guidelines helps victims protect their interests and work towards fair compensation.

Contact a Fullerton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

A pedestrian accident can change your life in an instant, leaving you with serious injuries, financial burdens, and uncertainty about the future. You shouldn’t have to navigate this alone. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we are committed to fighting for your rights, holding negligent drivers accountable, and securing the compensation you deserve.

Time is critical in building a strong case, reach out to a qualified Fullerton pedestrian accident attorney today to start the process of securing your future. Call us today at (213) 927-3700 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is It Important to Hire a Fullerton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

It is crucial to hire a Fullerton pedestrian accident lawyer to safeguard your legal rights and significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation while effectively managing the complexities of insurance claims.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident?

Immediately seek medical attention, gather evidence at the accident scene, and notify your insurance company to safeguard your health and legal rights.

What Types of Compensation Can I Claim After a Pedestrian Accident?

You can claim compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, non-economic damages, and potentially punitive damages after a pedestrian accident. It’s essential to document your losses accurately to support your claim.