Santa Cruz Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

with over $500 Million Recovered in Compensation for Injury Clients.

Recover Lost Wages, Property Damages, and Medical Fees.

We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.

Our Santa Cruz Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Will Stand With You Until You Get Justice

Whether for short trips, exercising, being environmentally conscious, or simply going places, walking is a common mode of transportation for many. Regrettably, pedestrians are bound to experience minor to catastrophic accidents due to careless drivers, especially in car-centric cities like Santa Cruz in California. Find out how you can pursue compensation as a victim in a free consultation by calling Arash Law’s Santa Cruz pedestrian accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391.

There’s a reason why visitors adore Santa Cruz—beautiful beaches, unique neighborhoods, famous boardwalks, and pleasant weather, just to name a few. However, a booming tourism entails traffic congestion. This increases the risk of accidents, especially for pedestrians, who are the most vulnerable. With over $500 Million in settlement awards in its track record, Arash Law’s legal services are helpful for accident victims securing a financial recovery. Contact the number above or fill out our form to find out more about your legal options.

Pedestrian Accident

$1,000,000.00

Settlement in a motor vehicle versus pedestrian accident; client, suffered facial and spinal injuries

– JUDD ROSS ALLEN

How Can Our Top-Rated Santa Cruz Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Help Your Case?

Among those using our roadways, pedestrians are the most vulnerable. When they get involved in a traffic accident, they are the ones who tend to sustain the most catastrophic injuries. Our trusted Santa Cruz pedestrian accident lawyers are always prepared to leverage their legal expertise to support victims in investigating the accident, identifying at-fault parties, and negotiating with insurers for fair compensation.

The following are legal services Arash Law’s renowned pedestrian accident attorneys in Santa Cruz provide:

Conduct a thorough investigation – Your legal counsel will begin the claims process by gathering evidence and conducting a thorough investigation into your case.
Determine negligent parties – The investigation aims to determine the at-fault parties and establish liability.
Understand complex regulations – Your lawyer has an in-depth understanding and expertise in traffic and personal injury laws, all of which are necessary to build a strong case against the negligent parties.
Handle negotiation with insurance companies – Dealing with the insurance companies and their legal team alone can put you at a disadvantage. With their negotiation skills, your attorney will ensure your rights are advocated as they settle with the insurers for a fair settlement award.
Take legal action – If the insurers continue to insist on underpaying you and a settlement isn’t reached, your legal counsel is more than willing to file lawsuits and represent you in court to get a favorable verdict.
Offer emotional support – In such a challenging and often overwhelming time, they offer guidance and support during the entire claims process.
Defend your rights – Our Santa Cruz pedestrian accident lawyers ensure you stay informed throughout the legal process while always protecting your rights.

What Is Considered A Pedestrian In Santa Cruz, California?

Most people consider pedestrians to be people who are walking, but the law provides a more encompassing definition. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the following are considered pedestrians or vulnerable road users:

A person walking.
A person traveling on something other than a vehicle or bicycle. This includes roller skates, a skateboard, etc.
A person with a disability using a tricycle, quadricycle, or wheelchair for transportation.

We Have 880+ Real Client Reviews Verified by Google With An Average 4.8 Rating

Play

My husband had an accident 2 years ago, a 85 years old man hit him, the Arash law group works very well on my husband case that took 9 month and he won the case and my husband was happy with the results. A year later I got into an accident as well and I’m still waiting in my case is almost resolving and it’s 9 months already. This people knows the law and they do their job right to help you out in getting the most for you to fight on your behalf. I strongly recommend the Arash Law firm they do things right in a efficient and professional manner.

Had a great experience with all the people at Arash law. Long story short was in a bad car accident. It was overwhelming and the whole process was a lot, but they kept me in the loop. They answered all my questions and gave me great advice. Couldn't be any happier. Would definitely recommend anyone looking for a personal injury lawyer. They'll guide you through the whole process!

Having Arash Law handle my auto accident was the best decision I could have made. Everyone I interacted with was kind, professional and detail oriented. I am extremely happy with the outcome and would recommend them highly.

From start to finish, Arash Law firm is there every step of the way with close, constant, personal contact and attention. I never knew a Law firm could actually care so much for me as a person and what I was personally going through as well as the settlement I was going to recieve once my case was finally completed. Thank you to everyone at Arash Law for your ongoing support and communication. You are the ONLY firm I will ever recommend to someone who is need of a great attorny.

I had an excellent experience with Arash Law. I will definitely recommend to my family and friends. I interviewed a few firms before deciding to work with Arash Law. What made my experience excellent was (i.e. head attorney being accessible to talk to and he answered all my questions and concerns, sensitive and thorough personel who completed in home intake & follow up process, being connected immediately to quality Physicians who addressed my injuries and recovery process, clear contract-read throughly to ensure its something you can commit to). Being in a car accident is a traumatic experience and I had a sense of peace knowing Arash Firm was walking with me throughout the whole process. Thank you Arash Firm for all your hard work and help. I am so grateful and appreciative for you all! 🙏 With Gratitude, Monica Parra

Pedestrian Accident Statistics in California

Despite the many programs and laws passed to mitigate pedestrian accidents, they’re still one of the most widespread issues faced in the United States. Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas account for 14% of pedestrian deaths in the country.

A report released by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) shows over 500 deaths in California in the first half of 2019. In 2021, the fatalities rose to 1,108, according to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). That’s approximately three pedestrian deaths per day in California alone.

A UC Berkeley SafeTREC Traffic Safety Survey asked 1,298 Californians about their experiences as pedestrians or cyclists over the past six months and about any safety hazards they encountered. More than 22.8% of respondents reported “cars not stopping,” while 17.7% reported “cars going too fast.” About 18.4% responded, “distracted drivers (by cell phones).”

These safety hazards are all symptoms of negligent drivers that can lead to devastating outcomes for other road users, including pedestrians. If you’re suffering injuries caused by a reckless driver, call our Santa Cruz pedestrian accident lawyers immediately to know your legal options for compensation.

Why Are Pedestrian Accidents On The Rise?

Our roadways are designed for cars, not for people, as is the case nationwide in many instances, with high speeds frequently taking precedence over the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. This leads to the rise of pedestrian accidents, not just in California but also all over the country. Other elements that could play a role are as follows:

Size of the Vehicle

A growing number of people are selecting larger cars, including SUVs and pickup trucks. The vehicle’s large size can result in significantly more severe injuries, even fatal ones, on the part of the pedestrian.

Hybrid, Quieter Cars

Compared to their gas-powered predecessors, electric and hybrid cars are much quieter. This has shown to be a drawback, such as for blind pedestrians.

Pedestrian Errors

People put themselves at risk when they disobey or don’t properly observe traffic laws, such as not walking at designated crosswalks.

Dangerous Pedestrian Crossings

Pedestrians frequently have to cross at dangerous crossroads, which frequently results in severe injuries or fatalities. This is especially true at night or in situations where visibility is poor or nonexistent.

Pedestrians can be eligible for compensation and pursue it through the help of experienced Santa Cruz pedestrian accident lawyers if negligence is a contributing factor to their accident.

Safety Is A Major Concern – The Vulnerability Of Pedestrians

In a traffic collision involving pedestrians, the pedestrian is always the more vulnerable party due to a lack of protection. This makes them susceptible to severe, incapacitating, and frequently fatal injuries. Unlike drivers, who are protected by seatbelts and airbags in their vehicles, pedestrians are smaller, less noticeable, and lack safety features. They may even sustain severe injuries even at low speeds.

There are certain predictable and avoidable causes of pedestrian accidents. Most of the time, drunk driving is intentional and premeditated. Speeding is a decision, and a car going too fast for the circumstances of the road can easily lead to crashes. In addition to endangering pedestrians, distracted drivers can seriously endanger other cars on the road. Illegal U-turns, running red lights and traffic signals, and failing to yield at crosswalks are a few instances of inappropriate behavior that could cause property damage and personal harm.

It is the duty of both drivers and pedestrians to exercise reasonable caution when it comes to pedestrian safety. Pedestrians who jaywalk, dart into traffic, or stroll while impaired by drugs or alcohol are more likely to be physically harmed. Lastly, distracted walking, or when someone is more preoccupied with their phone than their environment, can also lead to very serious problems.

Sadly, some causes of pedestrian injuries cannot be avoided. All too frequently, we witness pedestrians being the victims of environmental problems like potholes, damaged sidewalks, dim illumination, awkward crosswalk positions, and bad road design, or being collateral damage in multi-vehicle accidents or conflicts with other pedestrians.

The Statute Of Limitations – What Is The Deadline For Filing A Pedestrian Accident Claim In California?

There is a statute of limitations for personal injury claims in every state, which covers pedestrian accidents, and this sets the deadline for filing an accident claim. It’s two years from the date of the accident in California. Any claim made after that will most likely be rejected since the allowable time has passed.

It’s worth noting, however, that this deadline is subject to certain exceptions, which may include whether or not the victim is a minor, the accident involved a government vehicle or personnel, or in relation to the Delayed Discovery Rule in California. In general, though, you must adhere to the default statute of limitations, as failing to file a claim after it will result in the loss of your right to reimbursement. Pedestrian accident lawyers in Santa Cruz can deal with the deadlines and all required documentation as they examine the particulars of your case.

Compensation And Types Of Damages For Victims Of Pedestrian Accidents

Accident victims may file a personal injury claim to pursue several types of damages, including both economic and non-economic. A medical professional, preferably your doctor, plays a crucial role in assessing your future medical needs, as it will also be taken into account. A full settlement amount should be enough for you not to worry about crash-related out-of-pocket costs years after the event.

Sadly, insurance providers often always get in the way, as their best interests lie in their profits rather than your financial well-being. You can trust Arash Law to thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case in order to maximize the award you are entitled to.

The following are damages our Santa Cruz pedestrian accident lawyers can recover on your behalf through a personal injury claim:

Economic damages are tangible losses that can be measured. It includes:

Present medical bills and future-related expenses
Property damage for vehicle repairs or replacement

Lost wages
Loss or diminished earning capacity

Non-economic damages are hard to measure as they’re intangible:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Permanent disability or disfigurement

Loss of consortium
Loss of quality of life

In unique cases, the injured party may receive additional punitive damages through a jury verdict if the negligent party is found to have acted with willful disregard of their rights.

Lastly, when the accident leads to a loved one’s death, a wrongful death claim may be pursued.

Play

Franchot M.

$610,000

Personal Injury Settlement

Our client was the victim of a rear-end accident who was left injured and severely in pain. Arash Law was able to outshine other injury law firms when he searched online, and thankfully we were able to handle everything for our client from A to Z — All that he had to do was ask and focus on his recovery. Our client’s life has changed forever, and the compensation received for the pain and suffering has opened paths for new lifelong opportunities.

Personal Injury Settlement

Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents In Santa Cruz, California

Both motorists and pedestrians have a duty of care to one another for using the same roadways. Unfortunately, though, some drivers show a lack of regard for them, resulting in pedestrian accidents. In California, parking lots, crosswalks, and intersections are among the common places where such accidents occur.

The following are common causes of pedestrian accidents:

Distracted drivers – Anything that takes a driver’s attention off the road, such as using the phone, eating, or conversing with someone, increases their risk of being involved in an accident.
Drunk or impaired drivers – When driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol, drivers are less likely to be able to react quickly to pedestrians.
Exceeding the speed limit – Speeding is against the law. Vehicle speed increases the force of impact and potential severity of pedestrian injuries.
Disregarding traffic signals – Ignoring traffic rules and regulations, such as crossing against a red light, can lead to catastrophic consequences.
Backing up accidents – When drivers don’t check behind them when backing up, pedestrians are put at grave risk of being run over.
Failure to yield the right of way – The California Vehicle Code 21950 states that “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.” Failing to do so puts pedestrians’ lives at risk.
Failure to signal – Pedestrians may be caught off guard if drivers fail to signal their turns, potentially leading to an accident.
Left-hand turns – Automobiles making left turns may fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, resulting in accidents.
Poorly marked or unmarked crosswalks – When crosswalks are not clearly marked, accidents are likely to occur.
Hazardous roadway conditions – Roads that are poorly maintained can cause accidents involving pedestrians.
Climate conditions – During rainy or foggy weather, visibility may be reduced, contributing to accidents.
Unsuitable lighting – Under-lit areas can make pedestrians and drivers less visible, increasing accident risks.
Automotive malfunction – A malfunctioning vehicle can cause a pedestrian accident, such as brake failures.

If you are injured in an accident as a pedestrian, our dedicated pedestrian accident lawyers in Santa Cruz will thoroughly investigate your case to determine what exactly caused it, thus granting you the chance to win favorable financial recoveries.

Most Common Injuries Sustained In Pedestrian Accidents

Some get lucky by surviving unscathed during a traffic accident. Others, tragically, not so much. The types of injuries one can sustain from a car crash can change the trajectory of one’s life irreversibly. From bone fractures to crippling spinal injuries and traumatic brain damage, victims are often left in financial ruin. It’s frustrating to think that one careless action by someone you have never met can leave you forever damaged.

As part of pursuing justice, you ought to be entitled to monetary damages from the at-fault party that caused the collision. But, the legal journey will not be straightforward, as this typically entails interacting with their insurance provider. They are notorious for prioritizing their profit margins over providing you with just compensation.

Arash Law’s Santa Cruz pedestrian accident attorneys can assist you in the negotiation process so the insurers fulfill their obligation to pay you the money you are owed.

Concussions, head trauma, traumatic brain injuries – Minor concussions can take a few days or weeks to heal, while severe head trauma can lead to devastating cognitive impairments.
Spinal cord injuries – Injuries sustained by any part of the spinal column, spinal cord, or associated nerves can lead to permanent and lifelong disabilities.
Soft tissue injuries – These injuries can range from mild to catastrophic and affect the body’s skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Compound fractures – Broken bones can lead to an open wound due to breaking the skin. A secondary infection, which is more serious than common fractures, may accompany these injuries
Internal bleeding – Internal injuries can lead to internal bleeding, which, in turn, can create further damage to the body.
Internal organ damage – Injuries that affect the organs inside the body require surgery and can lead to the removal of the organ or a portion of it.
Crush injuries – These injuries result from the body getting squeezed by an intense force or between two heavy objects.
Amputation – The loss of a limb due to an accident is referred to as a traumatic amputation. A lack of immediate medical attention can lead to profuse bleeding, shock, and infection.
Paralysis – This condition is characterized by the loss of control of the whole or parts of the body and can have long-term and debilitating consequences.
Burns, scarring, and disfigurement – Burn injuries can lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement. Lifelong suffering and chronic pain are common among victims, and they are often re-injured.
Post-traumatic stress disorder – PTSD is an anxiety disorder caused by having lived through a terrifying event or accident. Among its symptoms are uncontrollable thoughts, flashbacks, and irrational worrying.
Wrongful death – In a wrongful death claim, the death of the victim is caused by the misconduct or negligence of another, causing damages to the victim’s loved ones.

Most injuries result in significant costs and long-term disabilities for the injured party. As a pedestrian accident victim, Arash Law’s Santa Cruz pedestrian accident attorneys can help you hold the at-fault parties liable for your costs and damages.

Motor Vehicle Accident

$3,500,000.00

Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.

– JUDD ROSS ALLEN

How To Determine Fault In Pedestrian Accidents In Santa Cruz, CA

As an accident victim, how much you can pursue as compensation depends on whether or not multiple at-fault parties were involved and if you share the blame. Due to California’s pure comparative negligence rule, the insurer will likely place the responsibility or a share of it on you so they can pay you less, as every percentage of fault they can assign to you reduces their obligation. So, it’s vital your Santa Cruz pedestrian accident lawyers establish the exact cause of your case.

It’s the duty of every driver to keep their car, truck, or commercial vehicle in good condition. It’s also the duty of the local government agencies to provide and maintain safe road infrastructure for everyone. Lastly, it’s the duty of pedestrians to act responsibly and observe traffic laws.

Whatever the circumstances, hiring the services of experienced pedestrian accident lawyers in Santa Cruz remains critical. More than ever, you need an advocate to fight for your rights, even if you share some of the blame, to maximize your potential financial reparation.

Some of the parties to consider are:

The driver – The driver is usually the first and most obvious suspect. A more severe repercussion could result from drunk, distracted, reckless, or sleepy driving.
The manufacturer of vehicle parts – Occasionally, a vehicle component malfunctions and causes a crash. Should there be a manufacturing or design defect, you can be entitled to reimbursement from the manufacturer of the part.
Construction company – When road construction sites are disorganized, contributing to the accident, the construction company may be liable. Some examples are a careless flagger, misleading signs, road debris, and machinery.
Government Agency – You may be able to sue the government if your accident was caused in part by a pothole, steep shoulder drop-off, uneven lane, or other hazardous road conditions.

The following four factors must be established with strong evidence when proving negligence in a personal injury case:

Duty of care – The motorist has a legal duty to exercise reasonable care to prevent harm.
Breach of duty – The motorist breached their duty of care by acting irresponsibly or failing to exercise reasonable care.
Causation – The injuries must have a causal link to the negligent action in order to be considered significant.
Damages – The injuries must have caused medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.

FAQs About Pedestrian Accidents In Santa Cruz, California

Where can I ask for a copy of the accident report?

The official report of your accident, and all accident reports in California for that matter, are available through the California Highway Patrol (CHP) website or your local police. Forms must be filled out and mailed with the required fees in person or by mail. Your Santa Cruz pedestrian accident lawyers can also make a request on your behalf. Arash Law offers help in this matter.

How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?

As discussed above, your claim’s worth includes any monetary losses you may have incurred due to medical bills, missed income, paying for assistance around the house or for travel to and from appointments, physical therapy, and other incidental charges. Remember that these costs might sometimes last a lifetime, which needs to be considered.

Here are some of our relevant cases:

In August 2021, our lawyers won $6,100,000 in a pedestrian accident for a 6-year-old victim and their family.
Arash Law also secured $5,000,000 for a client struck by a large truck while walking on the crosswalk. This client suffered a mild traumatic brain injury.
We recovered $2,000,000 for a pedestrian injured during a nighttime walk.
Thanks to our lawyers’ expert accident reconstruction, we also won $1,250,000 for another minor hit by a vehicle on the street.
Our esteemed attorneys also won $1,000,000 for a pedestrian hit by a vehicle in a parking lot. This case was incredibly challenging because there were no witnesses.

More about our case results.

How long will it take to settle my pedestrian accident case?

Since every case is unique, the duration it takes for it to settle varies. While the majority of cases were settled outside of court, others necessitated bringing legal action and would require months or even years to resolve. In general, you should anticipate a longer process time the more complex your case is, such as having multiple potential at-fault parties. Because you have the option to accept or reject settlement offers, you have some control over how long your case will take.

Will my pedestrian accident case go to trial?

The great majority of pedestrian claims or any personal injury claims are settled out of court. Insurance companies usually cooperate and provide fair compensation just by threatening to take your case to court. Also, most settle out of court before the trial date. Nevertheless, when there are disagreements over the facts or a disputed legal issue, the case is most likely to proceed to trial. Your chances of reaching a suitable settlement award and getting the other party to agree on the quality of your evidence are higher the more meticulously your Santa Cruz pedestrian accident lawyers develop your case.

Do I Need The Help Of Santa Cruz Pedestrian Accident Lawyers, Or Can I Settle On My Own?

It may be much better for you to work with experienced pedestrian accident lawyers in Santa Cruz, particularly in more serious cases involving injuries or death. Firstly, with legal representation, insurance companies might fairly compensate you. They know an attorney can determine the case’s true value, and they would rather avoid incurring unnecessary costs and delays by making a low offer. Furthermore, having legal representation frequently sets off legal provisions that enable you to drastically lower your medical expenses. You may even be prohibited from receiving reimbursement requests from certain medical providers.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire Santa Cruz Pedestrian Accident Lawyers?

A pedestrian accident case, or any personal injury claim, is almost always handled on a contingency fee basis by a personal injury lawyer. This means you don’t have to pay anything until you are compensated. You also owe nothing if your legal counsel loses your case. Here at Arash Law, we handle cases in the same manner. The only payment we will receive is a portion of the settlement amount you will win, so you don’t have to worry about how to discover a means to work with us.

Call Our Award-Winning Santa Cruz Pedestrian Accident Lawyers At Arash Law Today!

Santa Cruz, its surrounding communities, and the rest of California need to be more pedestrian-friendly. Accident victims and their families also need to pursue compensation for damages from negligent parties not only for their sake but also to promote safe driving practices among motorists. Esteemed Arash Khorsandi, Esq. and his team of proficient Santa Cruz pedestrian accident lawyers at Arash Law promise to work tirelessly to provide our personal injury clients with the best possible result.

There’s no telling how your case will turn out, but we guarantee honest and transparent communication to ensure you are well-informed every step of the way. As we focus our resources on your case, you shall know you are in the right hands. Our proven track record of success, with over $500 Million recovered for clients, shows how one of the biggest and most respected personal injury law firms can also help win your case.

Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Santa Cruz also offer legal services in neighboring cities and communities, including Live Oak, Soquel, Capitola, Pleasure Point, Twin Lakes, Monte Toyon, Aptos, Pasatiempo, Felton, and Scotts Valley.