Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Oxnard

Fighting For Pedestrian Victims in Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties

Pedestrians are no match for cars and trucks, with accidents leading to head trauma, broken bones, and other serious injuries. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a pedestrian accident, you need dedicated and knowledgeable legal representation. At Crane Flores, LLP, we put more than five decades of combined experience to work for every accident victim. We make it our mission to find out the cause of the crash, hold the negligent parties responsible, and get you full and fair compensation.

Understanding Pedestrian Accident Risks in Urban Areas

Traveling by foot is more dangerous than many people realize, whether it is walking to the neighborhood park in Santa Barbara or stepping outside to grab lunch in Ventura. In 2010, a pedestrian was killed approximately every two hours and injured every eight minutes in a motor vehicle accident, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The risk is highest for:

• Urban streets: Nearly 75% of pedestrian fatalities occur in congested urban areas like Oxnard, where more people walk and drive.
• Nighttime: Pedestrians are harder to see at night. The hours between 8 p.m. and midnight are the most dangerous.
• Non-intersections: It is more dangerous to cross the street away from an intersection. Almost 80% of pedestrian fatalities occurred at non-intersections.
• Elderly: Seniors move slowly and are prone to serious injury if struck by a vehicle. Older pedestrians (aged 65+) accounted for 19% of all pedestrian fatalities and about 11% of all pedestrians injured in 2010.
• Children: Kids are also at increased risk of being hit by a car. Children aged 15 and younger accounted for 7% of the pedestrian fatalities in 2010 and 23% of all pedestrians injured in traffic crashes.

Determining Liability in Pedestrian Accidents

Under California law, both pedestrians and drivers have certain responsibilities. Drivers must exercise “all due care” to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks. Pedestrians must follow traffic signals and wait for traffic to clear before crossing the street. However, there are no guarantees—even in a designated crosswalk—that an approaching driver can see you and stop in time to allow you to cross safely.

Common pedestrian accidents include:

• Hit and run collisions: After striking a pedestrian, many drivers panic and flee the scene. Our lawyers investigate hit and run accidents and work to track down the responsible driver.
• Drunk driving crashes: Alcohol and drug impairment puts everyone at risk, including pedestrians. Our attorneys help drunk driving accident victims seek justice and compensation.
• Distracted driving accidents: Drivers who fail to pay careful attention to the road may not see a pedestrian until too late. Victims injured in crashes due to cell phone use, such as texting while driving, can seek damages from the negligent driver.
• Right-of-way violations: Accidents frequently occur when drivers turn on a green light and do not notice a pedestrian is crossing. Pedestrians obeying a “walk” signal have the right-of-way, and the driver may be held liable.

Pedestrians struck by cars or other vehicles can sustain severe injuries such as head injuries, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries. In the most serious crashes, victims may suffer long-term consequences, such as permanent brain damage or paralysis, or may even be killed.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

Potential damages could include:

Economic Damages

These compensate for financial losses related to the accident, such as:

• Medical Expenses: Covers hospital bills, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost because of the incapacity to work during recovery.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation if the injuries stop the victim from returning to their previous job or career.
• Property Damage: Covers personal items (e.g., phones, clothing) damaged in the accident.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Expenses for long-term therapy, mobility aids, or home modifications.

Non-Economic Damages

These compensate for non-financial losses, such as:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Emotional Distress: Covers psychological effects like anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the injuries limit participation in hobbies, sports, or daily activities.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the effect on relationships with a spouse or family.

Punitive Damages

In instances where the at-fault party acted with extreme negligence or reckless behavior (such as DUI-related accidents), the court may grant punitive damages to penalize the responsible party and deter similar conduct.

Local Support and Resources for Pedestrian Accident Victims in Oxnard

Living in Oxnard, you know how bustling our streets can be, especially around popular spots like the Channel Islands Harbor and the Collection at RiverPark. Unfortunately, this increased activity also means a higher risk of pedestrian accidents. If you've been involved in a crosswalk accident, you need a legal team that understands the unique challenges of our local area.

Oxnard residents can rely on local government resources such as the City of Oxnard and the County of Ventura for support and information following an accident. These entities provide valuable resources, including traffic safety updates and pedestrian safety programs, which can be crucial in understanding your rights and the steps to take after an accident.

One of Oxnard’s most pressing issues is the high traffic volume, particularly on major roads like Oxnard Boulevard and Vineyard Avenue. These areas are notorious for heavy congestion, making them hotspots for pedestrian accidents. Additionally, the lack of adequate lighting in some neighborhoods can make nighttime walking particularly hazardous.

At Crane Flores, LLP, we are deeply familiar with these local pain points. We know the intersections and streets where accidents are most likely to occur, and we use this knowledge to build a strong claim for our clients. Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of an accident near the Oxnard Transit Center or a busy crosswalk in downtown Oxnard, we are here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.

Don’t let a pedestrian accident disrupt your life. Contact our Oxnard pedestrian accident attorneys today to learn how we can assist you in your time of need.

Pedestrian Safety Tips for Oxnard Residents

For those navigating the busy streets of Oxnard, staying safe as a pedestrian involves vigilance and adherence to best practices suited to our local environment. With increasing foot traffic in bustling areas like downtown Oxnard and the Channel Islands Harbor, pedestrians should prioritize their safety by remaining alert and using crosswalks and pedestrian signals. Familiarize yourself with common pedestrian pathways and abide by traffic laws that protect you and others.

When walking, especially during dusk or nighttime, it is advisable to wear visible clothing or reflective gear to enhance driver visibility. Make eye contact with drivers at intersections to ensure they see you before stepping onto the crosswalk. Avoid distractions such as texting or listening to loud music, which can divert your attention from approaching hazards. By maintaining awareness and cautious behavior, pedestrians can significantly reduce their risk of accidents and contribute to a safer community in Oxnard. In areas notorious for congestion like Oxnard Boulevard, taking these additional precautions can make all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do If I'm Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?

• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don't feel hurt, adrenaline can prevent you from knowing the full extent of your injuries. You should get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible so that you can get any necessary treatment. It also creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident for insurance purposes.
• Contact the Police: You should report the accident to law enforcement so that there is official documentation of the accident and any related injuries. This documentation may be crucial if liability is disputed later on.
• Gather Information: If you’re able to after your accident, get the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. It’s also beneficial to take pictures of the scene, your injuries (if possible), and any damage to the vehicle.
• Don’t Admit Fault: When discussing the details of your accident, avoid admitting fault or over-sharing details of what you were thinking or feeling at the time, especially with the driver or their insurance company. Stick to the basic facts of what happened.
• Keep Records: Document everything related to the accident, including medical bills, receipts, and lost wages.
• Consult an Attorney: An experienced personal injury lawyer can advise you on your legal rights and help you navigate the process of filing a claim for compensation for your injuries.

Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right-of-Way in Oxnard?

Pedestrians in Oxnard, like all of California, generally have the right of way in specific situations:

• Marked Crosswalks: Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing the street within any marked crosswalk, even if there's no traffic signal [California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 21950(a)].
• Unmarked Crosswalks: Drivers must also yield at unmarked crosswalks at intersections [CVC 21950(a)].

However, it’s important to remember:

• Pedestrian Responsibility: Pedestrians also have a duty to use care for their safety. This means not stepping into traffic when it's unsafe or jaywalking [CVC 21950(b)].
• Traffic Signals and Law Enforcement: Pedestrians may lose the right-of-way at crosswalks if there are traffic signals or a police officer directing traffic.

Contact Our Oxnard Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today

To ease the burden of a pedestrian accident, we help personal injury victims recover damages from the negligent driver who caused the collision, including reimbursement for medical bills and time missed from work. The family of a pedestrian killed in a crash may also recover compensation for their losses, from funeral expenses to the loss of the victim’s love, affection, and companionship.

To find out how we can pursue financial compensation for your injuries, contact the Oxnard pedestrian accident attorneys at Crane Flores, LLP today. We have offices in Santa Barbara, Oxnard, and Ventura, and we offer hospital or home visits to accident victims and their families.

Call our offices today at (805) 628-4967 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation with our pedestrian accident lawyers in Oxnard.