Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Oxnard

Legal Advocacy for Pedestrian Injury 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.

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 you, adrenaline can prevent you from knowing the full extent of your injures. 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 what 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.

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 case 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.

Choose Crane Flores, LLP to Secure Your Compensation

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.