Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Lancaster, CA
It only takes a moment for everything to change. One careless driver, one intersection, one walk that didn’t end safely, and you’re left picking up the pieces.
Whether you’re healing from the impact or supporting someone who is, you’re dealing with more than just physical injuries. There’s the stress, the disruption, the pain, and the loss of your sense of normalcy.
The aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it on your own. A Lancaster pedestrian accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Steers & Associates can help you pursue justice, seek compensation, and move forward with the support you need.
With over 40 years of combined experience, our firm has served thousands of injured Californians during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. We’re ready to do the same for you.
This page will explain common causes of pedestrian crashes, what to expect after an accident, how long you have to file a claim, and how a lawyer can help you move forward.
Key Points: Steers & Associates – Lancaster Pedestrian Accident
- Severe and vulnerable injuries. Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer serious harm such as fractures, head trauma, spinal injuries, and long-term disability because they lack protection compared to drivers and passengers.
- Right-of-way and negligence matters. California law protects pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks, and proving a driver’s failure to yield or attention to the road is key in a claim.
- Strong legal advocacy is critical. Navigating pedestrian accident claims requires gathering evidence like police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage to hold negligent drivers accountable.
- Compensation may cover broad losses. Injured pedestrians can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and in fatal cases wrongful death damages.
- Statute of limitations matters. California generally requires pedestrian accident claims to be filed within a two-year time limit from the injury date, so acting quickly is crucial to protect your rights.
- Experienced representation improves outcomes. A Lancaster personal injury lawyer can handle investigations, negotiate with insurers, and advocate for full compensation on behalf of pedestrians injured due to negligent drivers.
What Are the High-Risk Intersections & Pedestrian Zones in Lancaster?
- Avenue K & 10th Street West. Extremely busy commercial intersection with heavy turning traffic and frequent failure to yield to pedestrians.
- Avenue J & 10th Street West. High vehicle volume near shopping centers and transit stops creates constant pedestrian conflict points.
- 22nd Street West & Avenue K-8. History of serious pedestrian crashes, especially at night due to poor lighting and fast-moving traffic.
- Sierra Highway Corridor. Long stretches with high speeds and limited pedestrian protections make crossings especially hazardous.
- Crosswalks Near Lancaster Metrolink Station. Heavy commuter traffic and mid-block crossings make this area especially risky for walkers.
- Lancaster Boulevard & Sierra Highway. Busy downtown area where vehicles and foot traffic mix heavily, increasing crosswalk risks.
What Are Common Causes of Pedestrian Crashes in Lancaster?
Pedestrian accidents occur in various ways and often involve multiple contributing factors. Understanding how these crashes occur is an essential step in evaluating whether legal action may be appropriate:
- Distracted driving. A driver who is texting, using a GPS, or otherwise not paying attention may fail to see a pedestrian in time to stop safely.
- Failure to yield at crosswalks. Drivers are required to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks. When they fail to do so, serious injuries can result.
- Speeding. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of impact in the event of a collision.
- Driving under the influence. Alcohol and drug use impair a driver’s judgment, coordination, and ability to perceive pedestrians in or near the roadway.
- Poor visibility or nighttime conditions. Pedestrian crashes are more likely to occur at night, especially when lighting is poor and drivers fail to adjust their speed or attentiveness.
- Left-hand turns. Drivers making left turns may focus on navigating traffic and overlook pedestrians who are legally crossing.
- Backing up in parking lots or driveways. Accidents can occur when drivers reverse without checking for pedestrians behind them.
Although these are common contributing factors, liability isn’t automatic. To recover compensation, a pedestrian must prove that another party was negligent because they failed to use reasonable care under the circumstances.
An experienced Lancaster pedestrian accident attorney can help investigate the facts and determine whether someone’s actions, or failure to act, led to the injury.
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Lancaster?
Taking the right steps after a pedestrian accident can protect both your health and your ability to pursue compensation. Here’s what to do in the minutes, hours, and days that follow.
Call 911
If you’re physically able, call 911 or ask someone to call on your behalf. A responding officer can assess the scene, take statements from all parties involved, and prepare an official police report. This report will document key details of the crash and may serve as valuable evidence in proving liability.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your injuries seem manageable, it’s essential to seek medical care right away. Many serious conditions, including head trauma, internal injuries, or soft tissue damage, may not be immediately apparent.
Seeing a doctor also creates a clear record linking your injuries to the accident, which will be important later if you decide to file a claim.
Gather Information at the Scene
If it’s safe to do so, collect the names and contact details of the driver and any witnesses. Take photos or videos of the scene, including skid marks, vehicle damage, traffic signs, your injuries, and the surrounding area.
If a business or nearby residence has security cameras, try to obtain the footage of the crash.
Avoid Giving Statements to the Driver’s Insurance
The other driver’s insurance company may contact you quickly to request a recorded statement. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney if you have one. These early conversations are often used to minimize your claim or assign blame to you, even subtly.
Keep Records of Everything
Start a file that includes medical bills, discharge paperwork, prescription receipts, and any documentation of missed work or transportation costs. Keeping a daily journal of your symptoms, pain levels, emotional distress, and physical limitations can also strengthen your claim for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Speak with a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
A lawyer can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights from the start. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the sooner they can begin collecting evidence, managing communications, and preparing your case for settlement or trial, if necessary.
How Long Do I Have to Bring a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Lancaster?
In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations.
If you don’t file your claim within that two-year window, you may permanently lose your right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case may be. That’s why it’s important to act quickly and speak with a pedestrian accident lawyer early in the process.
How Can a Lancaster Pedestrian Accident Attorney Help Me?
A serious accident can leave you overwhelmed. Having the right lawyer on your side can make a complicated process more manageable. A Lancaster pedestrian accident lawyer can help by:
- Investigating the cause of the accident. Your attorney will collect evidence, interview witnesses, review police reports, and work to establish who was at fault and why.
- Handling communication with the insurance companies. Insurers often try to minimize payouts. Your lawyer can manage all correspondence to protect your rights and prevent you from being pressured into a low settlement.
- Documenting and calculating your damages. From medical bills and lost income to pain and suffering, your attorney will ensure every aspect of your loss is fully accounted for.
- Negotiating a fair settlement. A skilled attorney knows how to deal with insurers to maximize your recovery.
- Taking your case to trial if necessary. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can prepare your case for court and advocate for you before a judge or jury.
- Giving you peace of mind. With a legal professional handling the details, you can focus on healing and moving forward.
The legal system is complex, but a dedicated attorney can be your advocate, your advisor, and your support system every step of the way.
Ready to Move Forward? Our Lancaster Legal Team is Ready to Help
Pedestrian accidents can leave behind more than physical injuries. They cause financial stress, emotional strain, and overwhelming uncertainty. You shouldn’t have to face all of that alone.
At the Law Offices of Steers & Associates, our Lancaster personal injury lawyers have recovered millions of dollars for injury victims across California. We know how to deal with insurance companies, investigate fault, and fight for what you deserve, treating you with compassion and respect every step of the way.
Take control of your recovery today. There are no upfront costs and no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. Call now for your free consultation with a Lancaster pedestrian accident lawyer.
