Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Santa Ana

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  • 30 years of litigation experience
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Legally Reviewed by Tom Willford on October 9, 2026

Pedestrian accidents in Santa Ana happen often and the injuries are usually severe. Santa Ana consistently ranks among the worst California cities for pedestrian crashes, especially those involving children.

If you were hit by a car while walking, you may face serious injuries, time away from work, and medical bills you can’t afford.

At Willford Law Corp., attorney Tom Willford represents injured pedestrians and their families. We hold negligent drivers accountable and pursue the compensation you need to recover and move forward.

Pedestrian Accident Attorney Santa Ana

Time-Sensitive: California Law Limits Your Window to File

In most California pedestrian accident cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit.

Tom Willford has represented injured clients for 30 years. You pay nothing upfront, and you pay only if we win.

Pedestrian Accidents in Santa Ana: A Known Problem

Santa Ana is one of the most densely populated cities in the U.S., and traffic congestion adds to the danger for pedestrians. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS):

  • Santa Ana had 186 pedestrian injuries in the most recent year of available data.
  • It ranked 5th worst out of 15 comparable cities for pedestrian crashes.
  • For accidents involving children under 15, Santa Ana ranked 4th worst.

These aren’t just numbers. Each case involves real people, often dealing with long-term injuries, disabilities, or loss of life.

Person lying on the ground after a car accident

Why Pedestrian Injuries Are So Severe

Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no protection during an impact. Even a low-speed collision can cause:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal cord damage or paralysis
  • Broken bones or fractures
  • Internal injuries
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement
  • Death, in the most serious cases

Pedestrians often require emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care. These costs add up quickly.

driver squatting above pedestrian after car accident on road

Who Is Liable in a Pedestrian Accident?

Drivers in California are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and drive carefully around foot traffic. Yet many pedestrian accidents happen because a driver:

  • Failed to stop at a red light or stop sign
  • Made an unsafe left or right turn
  • Was distracted (texting, using GPS, etc.)
  • Was speeding or failed to yield
  • Drove under the influence

If any of these caused your injury, we can hold the driver (and in some cases, their employer or another party) legally responsible.

Your Right to Compensation

As an injured pedestrian, you may be able to recover compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Physical therapy and rehab
  • Lost wages and reduced earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Disability or scarring
  • Wrongful death damages (if a family member was killed)

At Willford Law Corp., we calculate the full value of your case and negotiate directly with insurance companies to get what you’re owed.

Car accident victim with leg injury receiving help
Scared girl with phone and headphones runs away from the car at a pedestrian crossing

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Santa Ana

  1. Get emergency medical care – your health comes first
  2. Call the police – a report helps prove liability
  3. Collect evidence – photos of the scene, contact info from witnesses
  4. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters – they do not work for you
  5. Call Willford Law Corp. – the sooner we’re involved, the stronger your case

How We Handle Your Case

We take care of the legal process so you can focus on healing. That includes:

  • Investigating the accident
  • Collecting evidence and expert input
  • Filing your claim and handling all insurance negotiations
  • Preparing your case for court, if necessary

Most cases settle, but if the other side won’t offer a fair amount, we are ready for trial.

Person lying on the ground after a car accident

Local Knowledge. Real Results.

Santa Ana pedestrian accident claims are handled in the Orange County Superior Court at 700 Civic Center Drive. With over 3,000 traffic accident lawsuits filed per year in Orange County, you need someone who knows the process and how to move your case forward.

Attorney Tom Willford knows the local courts, judges, and how insurance companies operate in this area. We use that knowledge to your advantage — no delays, no wasted time.

Santa Ana personal injury attorney Tom Willford

Why Choose Willford Law Corporation?

  • Focused on personal injury and accident law
  • Local experience with Santa Ana courts and traffic cases
  • Direct access to your attorney, not just staff
  • No fees unless we win your case
  • Personalized approach with aggressive representation

You’re not just another case file here. We treat every injury seriously, and we fight for every dollar you deserve.

Attorney Tom Willford at Willford Law Corporation office

California Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws and Your Claim

California law generally requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks, and drivers must also use reasonable care around people on foot. Pedestrians have duties too, so insurance companies may argue that you crossed against a signal or outside a crosswalk. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you may still recover compensation if you share some fault, although your award can be reduced by that share.

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, and a written claim generally must be presented within six months if a public agency is involved. Learn more about wrongful death claims, government claims, and the other types of motor vehicle collisions we handle, or contact Willford Law Corporation to protect your deadline.

Let's Get Started.

Call us now to discuss your case. At Willford Law Corporation, our clients come first. We know how to navigate the complicated legal system, have represented thousands of clients, and we can help you too.

FAQ Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do after a pedestrian accident in Santa Ana?
Call 911, get medical care even if you feel okay, and report the crash to the police. Photograph the crosswalk, signals, lighting, and your injuries, collect witness and driver information, and avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance company before speaking with an attorney.
California law generally requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. Pedestrians must also use reasonable care, so fault can depend on the exact facts, such as the signal, the location, and how the crash happened.
Responsibility may rest with the driver, an employer if the driver was working, a property owner in a parking lot, or a government agency if a dangerous crosswalk or road design contributed. Our team reviews the evidence to identify every responsible party.
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Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault?
Yes, in many cases. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, so you may still recover compensation if you share some fault, although your award can be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Report the crash to the police immediately and get medical care. You may be able to pursue compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage, and nearby video and witness accounts can help identify the driver. Contact an attorney quickly because this evidence can disappear.
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in California, and families generally have two years from the date of death for a wrongful death claim. A claim against a government agency can require a written claim within six months.
Willford Law Corporation works on a contingency fee, so there are no upfront costs and you pay only if we win. We explain the fee terms in writing before you sign anything.