Costa Mesa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Dedicated Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Costa Mesa, CA
Most Costa Mesa residents know that busy areas like the intersections of Newport Boulevard and 17th and 19th streets and various parts of Harbor Boulevard can be hazardous for pedestrians, but pedestrian accidents can happen on any street for many reasons. If you or a family member is injured in such an accident, it is vital to consult an experienced Costa Mesa pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
Representing Injured Victims of Pedestrian Accidents in Costa Mesa, CA
The team at Bentley & More LLP can help you pursue accountability and compensation for your damages after a driver has injured you in a pedestrian accident. Our firm has an extensive record of securing substantial settlements and case awards for injured clients in Costa Mesa and throughout Orange County, and we are ready to put this experience to work in your pedestrian accident case.
The California Office of Traffic Safety recorded 32 pedestrian injuries and deaths in Costa Mesa in 2023, one of which was a child under the age of 15. Whenever pedestrians walk near vehicle traffic, it is vital for them to be alert and cautious. While drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, negligence and misconduct behind the wheel can easily result in severe accidents. Distracted driving, speeding, and moving violations are just a few examples of this.
Our team can review the details of your recent pedestrian accident, help you determine liability, and then guide you through the process of claiming compensation for your damages. We are confident that with our help, you can approach your proceedings with peace of mind and have a better chance of obtaining suitable compensation for your losses. The sooner you connect with our firm, the more time we have to build your case.
Proving Fault in a Pedestrian Accident Case
California resolves all vehicle accident cases, including pedestrian accident cases, based on fault. Whoever caused the accident is liable for the resulting damages, so an injured driver must prove fault for their recent accident before they will be able to recover any compensation for their damages. You should hire a pedestrian accident lawyer at your first opportunity after your accident so they can start gathering and preserving crucial evidence.
Liability for pedestrian accidents is sometimes contested. For example, an at-fault driver may claim that the pedestrian was jaywalking or otherwise negligent in a way that contributed to the accident. Under California’s pure comparative negligence law, the percentage of fault assigned to a plaintiff in a personal injury case is deducted from their total case award, and they keep the remainder. Your attorney can determine whether this is a risk for your case.
You may need police reports, eyewitness testimony, vehicle computer data, and physical evidence from the scene of the crash to firmly establish liability for your pedestrian accident. If there were any traffic cameras in the area, the footage they captured could also be helpful to your case. A Costa Mesa pedestrian accident lawyer can gather the evidence you need to prove exactly how your accident happened and identify the party responsible.
Recovering Compensation for Your Damages
After most vehicle accidents in California, filing an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver is an injured driver’s first option for recovering their losses. The same applies to pedestrian accidents, so you are likely eligible to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy. However, you should hire a pedestrian accident lawyer before attempting to file your claim.
Most insurance companies will try to devalue your claim as much as possible, and some will even engage in bad faith, hoping to avoid paying out a settlement. If the insurance company sees that you have legal representation, its representatives will be more likely to handle your claim appropriately and offer a reasonable settlement. Your attorney can negotiate on your behalf, verifying that the insurance carrier processes the claim in good faith.
You may need to file a personal injury case against the driver who hit you to recover your losses. Pedestrian accidents can easily result in life-changing injuries, so it will be crucial to have an experienced Costa Mesa pedestrian accident lawyer representing you to have the greatest chance of securing appropriate compensation from the at-fault driver. If you successfully prove fault for the accident, you may be able to recover:
- Compensation for all medical expenses resulting from the accident. Pedestrians could suffer traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and a host of other injuries that require immediate and ongoing care. The defendant who injured you is liable for the full cost of all medical expenses you incur because of their negligence.
- Lost wages. When you cannot work for an extended period due to your injuries, you have the right to claim compensation for the wages lost during this time. Additionally, if the accident caused a permanent disability that diminishes your capacity to work, you may also recover compensation for lost future income with your attorney’s help.
- Compensation for your pain and suffering. A personal injury plaintiff in California can claim compensation for the non-economic damages a defendant caused, including physical pain, psychological trauma, and emotional suffering. A Costa Mesa pedestrian accident attorney can help you pursue an amount that reasonably reflects the severity of your experience.
Ultimately, many pedestrian accidents are life-changing for victims, and it is natural for you to have many difficult legal questions that only an experienced Costa Mesa pedestrian accident lawyer can answer. Since you have a short time to pursue accountability and compensation, it is crucial to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer you can trust as soon as possible after your accident.
Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Costa Mesa Today
The attorneys at Bentley & More LLP have years of experience representing injured clients in Costa Mesa and surrounding Orange County communities. If you or a family member is struggling in the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, we are confident we can help you recover compensation for your damages. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Costa Mesa pedestrian accident lawyer.
About Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa is home to the world-renowned South Coast Plaza, offering exceptional dining, culture, and retail to the local community. However, traffic density on major arterials creates serious collision risks, with official records from the California Office of Traffic Safety documenting 27 victims of pedestrian accidents in Costa Mesa in 2023. In response, municipal traffic engineering teams actively maintain signalized crosswalks and electronic speed feedback devices. Costa Mesa remains dedicated to fostering safe, walkable neighborhoods across the city.
Client Testimonials
“I can’t thank Bentley & More enough, especially Steve. After my dad’s passing in a car accident, they secured a settlement we are so grateful for. From the start, they made sure we were taken care of, handling everything so we didn’t have to worry. Steve went above and beyond, always there when we needed support, and it was such a relief knowing we were in good hands. If you’re looking for a firm that truly cares, Bentley & More is the one. Highly recommend them!” – Kevin Jimenez ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bentley & More LLP Office
Address: 4931 Birch Street Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (949) 870-3800
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