Walking through Santa Ana should never put your life at risk — but every day, pedestrians are seriously injured or killed because of negligent drivers. Whether it happens at a crosswalk, parking lot, or intersection, the results can be catastrophic.
If you or a loved one has been struck by a vehicle, Krolikowski Law can help. Our pedestrian accident lawyer Santa Ana, California, fights for injured victims and families whose lives have been changed by careless drivers. We work to hold those responsible accountable — and help you recover the compensation you need to rebuild.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Are So Serious
Pedestrians have no protection in a collision. Unlike car occupants, they don’t have seatbelts, airbags, or a steel frame. When a car or truck strikes a person, even at low speed, the impact can cause catastrophic injuries — or worse.
According to California’s Office of Traffic Safety, Orange County consistently ranks among the highest in the state for pedestrian injuries and fatalities. In Santa Ana, dense traffic, busy intersections like Bristol Street and 1st Street, and distracted driving all contribute to a dangerous environment for those on foot.
At Krolikowski Law, we know how devastating these crashes can be. We’re here to listen, guide, and pursue justice for those harmed by negligence.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Santa Ana
Pedestrian accidents happen for many reasons — almost always preventable. Some of the most common causes we see include:
1. Distracted Driving
Texting, talking on the phone, or even adjusting a navigation system can divert a driver’s attention from the road. In just a few seconds, a distracted driver can strike someone lawfully crossing the street.
2. Failure to Yield
California law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks and intersections. Yet many drivers fail to slow down or stop, especially when making left or right turns.
3. Speeding
The faster a vehicle travels, the longer it takes to stop — and the more severe the injuries. Even a 10-mph difference can mean the difference between life and death.
4. Drunk or Drug-Impaired Driving
Alcohol and drugs impair reaction time, judgment, and coordination — and are major factors in serious pedestrian crashes.
5. Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
Many drivers try to “beat the light” or roll through stop signs, putting pedestrians at serious risk.
6. Back-Up Accidents in Parking Lots
Pedestrians are often hit in parking lots when drivers fail to check behind them before reversing.
7. Poor Visibility or Weather Conditions
Drivers must adjust their speed and vigilance in rain, fog, or darkness. Failing to do so can make them liable for an accident.
8. Unsafe Road Design
Missing crosswalks, poor lighting, or lack of pedestrian signals can also contribute to dangerous conditions — sometimes making the city or property owner partially liable.
Krolikowski Law investigates every angle — from the driver’s behavior to road conditions — to determine who is responsible.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Because pedestrians are completely exposed, these accidents often lead to life-altering injuries. Some of the most frequent include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage or paralysis
- Fractured or crushed bones
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Pelvic or leg fractures
- Severe lacerations and scarring
- Amputations
- Wrongful death
Even when injuries seem “minor” at first, complications can arise later. Our team works with medical professionals to fully document the long-term impact of your injuries — because your case’s value should reflect your entire recovery journey.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Pedestrian Accident
Identifying all responsible parties is key to maximizing compensation. Depending on the circumstances, those liable may include:
- The driver who hit the pedestrian
- The driver’s employer, if the vehicle was a company or delivery car
- A vehicle manufacturer, if a defect contributed to the crash
- A property owner or city agency, for unsafe road design or poor maintenance
- Another third party, such as a contractor or rideshare company
California law allows victims to pursue damages against anyone whose negligence played a role in the accident. Krolikowski Law thoroughly investigates to ensure no responsible party is overlooked.
California Pedestrian Laws You Should Know
Understanding your legal rights as a pedestrian is important:
- Right of Way: Pedestrians have the right of way in marked crosswalks and intersections, even if there is no signal.
- Duty of Care: Drivers must yield to pedestrians and exercise caution at all times.
- Comparative Negligence: California follows a “pure comparative fault” rule — even if you were partly at fault (e.g., jaywalking), you can still recover damages, reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
- Statute of Limitations: Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Claims against government entities (like unsafe city crosswalks) require a notice of claim within six months.
Our pedestrian accident lawyer Santa Ana, California makes sure every deadline is met and every right protected.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Santa Ana
If you’ve been hit by a vehicle, what you do next can significantly affect your case:
- Call 911 immediately. Request police and medical assistance.
- Seek medical treatment. Even if you feel fine, get evaluated for internal injuries or head trauma.
- Gather evidence, if possible — photos of the scene, the vehicle, your injuries, and any traffic signals.
- Get witness contact information. Independent accounts can strengthen your claim.
- Do not admit fault. Avoid statements that could be misinterpreted.
- Avoid signing anything from insurance companies without speaking to a pedestrian accident lawyer Santa Ana.
- Contact Krolikowski Law as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Early legal representation helps preserve critical evidence and ensures the insurance companies don’t take advantage of you.
Recoverable Compensation in a Pedestrian Accident Claim
Victims of pedestrian accidents may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Transportation and home-care costs
- Property damage (clothing, personal items)
Non-Economic Damages
Wrongful Death Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and anxiety
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (for spouses)
If the accident was fatal, surviving family members may seek damages for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Emotional suffering
At Krolikowski Law, we calculate both immediate and long-term damages so your recovery truly covers what you’ve lost.
How Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Your Claim
After an accident, insurance adjusters often act quickly — not to help you, but to limit payouts. Common tactics include:
- Offering a low “quick settlement” before you know your full medical prognosis
- Arguing you were outside the crosswalk or “not paying attention”
- Delaying payments to pressure you financially
- Asking for recorded statements that can later be used against you
You don’t have to face them alone. Our pedestrian accident lawyer Santa Ana, California handles all communication with insurers, ensuring you never say or sign anything that weakens your case.
How Krolikowski Law Builds Strong Pedestrian Accident Cases
We know how to prove negligence and maximize recovery. When you hire Krolikowski Law, our legal team will:
- Conduct a comprehensive investigation of the accident scene
- Obtain police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage
- Review medical records and consult medical experts to document your injuries
- Work with accident reconstruction specialists to show exactly how the crash occurred
- Identify all liable parties and their insurance coverage
- Handle all negotiations with insurers
- Prepare your case for trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered
We handle the legal work — so you can focus on healing.
Why Choose Krolikowski Law?
After a devastating pedestrian accident, you need more than just a pedestrian accident lawyer Santa Ana — you need an advocate who truly cares about your recovery.
At Krolikowski Law, we offer:
- Local experience: We understand the unique traffic patterns and challenges of Santa Ana streets.
- Personal attention: You’ll work directly with your pedestrian accident lawyer Santa Ana, not be passed off to case managers.
- No upfront fees: We work on a contingency fee — you pay nothing unless we win.
- Aggressive representation: We take on large insurers and corporate defendants without hesitation.
- Comprehensive support: From medical coordination to financial guidance, we help you every step of the way.
Our mission is simple: to protect the injured and hold negligent parties accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What if the driver who hit me left the scene?
A: You may still have options under your uninsured motorist (UM) policy or through crime-victim compensation. We can help you explore all recovery sources.
Q: What if I was crossing outside a crosswalk?
A: You may still recover damages under California’s comparative fault rule, even if you share some responsibility. We’ll fight to minimize your assigned fault percentage.
Q: Can I sue the city if the crosswalk was unsafe?
A: Possibly. If poor design, lighting, or maintenance contributed to the accident, you may have a claim against the city or county — but strict deadlines apply.
Q: How long will my case take?
A: Each case varies. Some settle in a few months, while others take longer if litigation is required. Our firm moves efficiently while ensuring we never accept less than you deserve.
Q: What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
A: You can. We work on contingency — there are no fees unless we win your case.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
Time is critical after a pedestrian accident. The sooner you hire a pedestrian accident lawyer Santa Ana, the more effectively they can:
- Preserve evidence before it disappears
- Obtain nearby security or traffic-cam footage
- Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
- Prevent insurance adjusters from manipulating your statement
- File timely claims before legal deadlines expire
At Krolikowski Law, we begin working the moment you contact us — ensuring no opportunity for recovery is lost.
The Krolikowski Law Process
- Free Consultation – We review your accident, injuries, and legal options.
- Investigation – We gather all evidence, witness statements, and police reports.
- Claim Filing – We submit detailed claims to all responsible insurers.
- Negotiation – We demand full and fair compensation for your injuries.
- Litigation (if necessary) – If insurers refuse a fair offer, we take your case to court.
- Resolution – We fight for the outcome that secures your future and peace of mind.
Throughout the process, we keep you informed — no surprises, just progress.
What Sets Us Apart in Santa Ana
Pedestrian safety has become a major issue in Santa Ana, where busy intersections and speeding traffic have led to rising accident numbers. Our firm doesn’t just know the law — we know this city.
We’ve handled cases near:
- Main Street & 1st Street intersections
- Bristol Street & Warner Avenue corridors
- Harbor Boulevard pedestrian zones
- Residential neighborhoods and school zones
That local knowledge gives us an advantage when reconstructing accidents, identifying responsible agencies, and presenting evidence to local courts.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Santa Ana
If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian in Santa Ana, don’t wait to get help. You deserve accountability, justice, and compensation for what you’ve endured.
At Krolikowski Law, we’re ready to stand by your side — from the first phone call to the final verdict or settlement. We’ll handle the insurance companies, the paperwork, and the legal battle while you focus on recovery.
Call Krolikowski Law today for a free consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Santa Ana, California.
We’re available 24/7 and charge no fees unless we win your case.