This page was written and reviewed by Michael J. Cefali, Esq. Attorney Cefali is a founding partner of Cefali & Cefali, APC, based in San Juan Capistrano, CA. He holds a Juris Doctor from Chapman University Fowler School of Law and a B.A. in Global Studies & Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy. Widely recognized for his advocacy in personal injury law, he has secured multi-hundred-thousand-dollar settlements in motorcycle accidents, hit-and-runs, and red-light collision cases. He maintains a perfect 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Cefali actively supports his community through the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributes to housing and meal programs for those in need, and enjoys fishing and spending time with his rescue dogs.
The date below reflects when this page was last reviewed for accuracy. Please see our Editorial Guidelines.
Pedestrian accidents happen when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle. This can happen in a number of ways, including when a pedestrian is crossing the street outside of a crosswalk, when a pedestrian is walking on the wrong side of the road, or when a driver does not see the pedestrian.
Traffic accidents can result in serious injury or death for pedestrians. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian accidents can also be caused by jaywalking. Jaywalking is when a pedestrian crosses a street where they are not supposed to cross, such as in the middle of the block or against the traffic signals.
Both motorists and pedestrians share responsibility for avoiding traffic accidents. Pedestrians should always cross streets in designated crosswalks and obey traffic signals. Motorists should always be aware of their surroundings and watch for pedestrians, especially in busy areas. If you are involved in a traffic accident with a pedestrian, it is important to speak with an experienced Anaheim Pedestrian Injury Attorney to protect your rights.
If you were recently hurt in a pedestrian accident, speak to one of our experienced Anaheim Accident Lawyers today. At Cefali & Cefali, we are dedicated to helping people like you get the compensation they deserve. We have over a decade of experience in this field, and we will use our knowledge and expertise to help you every step of the way. We'll work tirelessly to get you the money you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
At Cefali & Cefali, we have the experience and resources necessary to help you get the best results possible. We'll work with experts to reconstruct the accident and determine who was at fault. We'll also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to make sure you receive a fair settlement.
If you've been injured in a pedestrian accident, don't wait any longer. Contact our personal injury law firm today for a free consultation.
Where Pedestrian Accidents Happen Most Often in Anaheim
Anaheim is home to the Disneyland Resort, Anaheim Convention Center, Honda Center, and Angel Stadium, attractions that bring more than 50 million visitors to the city each year. That tourist volume produces an unusually high concentration of pedestrian traffic along Harbor Boulevard, Katella Avenue, Ball Road, and Disney Way. The intersections at Harbor Boulevard and Katella Avenue, Harbor Boulevard and Ball Road, and Disney Way are among the busiest pedestrian crossings in Orange County, with crashes involving tourists, shuttle buses, and rideshare vehicles a frequent occurrence in the resort district.
Beyond the resort area, Anaheim residents face pedestrian risk along the I-5 (Santa Ana Freeway) on-ramps, the SR-91 and SR-57 freeway interchanges, and major surface streets including Anaheim Boulevard, Lincoln Avenue, La Palma Avenue, Brookhurst Street, Euclid Street, and State College Boulevard. Schools, transit stops, and shopping corridors throughout the city add to the day-to-day pedestrian volume.
After a serious pedestrian accident in Anaheim, injured victims are typically taken to Anaheim Regional Medical Center on West La Palma Avenue or West Anaheim Medical Center on West Orange Avenue, with the most severe trauma cases transported to UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange, the region's Level 1 trauma center. If your case proceeds to a civil filing, it will be heard at the Orange County Superior Court Central Justice Center in Santa Ana (700 Civic Center Drive West), which handles all civil personal injury matters for the county.
We also represent injured pedestrians in surrounding north Orange County communities including Fullerton, Buena Park, Garden Grove, Orange, Santa Ana, Yorba Linda, Placentia, and La Habra.
Common Causes of a Pedestrian Accident in Anaheim
When a pedestrian is hit by a car, the results can be catastrophic. In Anaheim, pedestrian accidents occur for a variety of reasons, some of which are preventable.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents. When a driver is distracted, they are not paying attention to the road and may not see a pedestrian in time to avoid hitting them. This can happen when a driver is texting, talking on the phone, or eating while driving.
Another common cause of pedestrian accidents is drunk driving. When a driver is impaired, they may not be able to control their car properly and may strike a pedestrian. Sober drivers also need to be aware of pedestrians who may be walking home from a bar or restaurant.
Reckless driving is another factor that can lead to pedestrian accidents. Drivers who speed or run red lights may not have time to stop if they see a pedestrian on the road. This can result in serious injuries or death for the pedestrian.
These are just some of the causes of pedestrian accidents in Anaheim. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you should speak to an experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Anaheim immediately. The lawyers at Cefali & Cefali can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Common Injuries of a Pedestrian Accident in Anaheim
A pedestrian accident can occur in an instant and leave the victim with serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries include head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and cuts and lacerations.
Head and brain injuries are often the most serious type of injury sustained in a pedestrian accident. These injuries can range from mild concussions to life-threatening injuries such as skull fractures. The effects of a head or brain injury can be long-lasting and may require extensive rehabilitation.
Spinal cord injuries can also be very serious and can cause paralysis or even death. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and may result in lifelong care.
Broken bones are also common in pedestrian accidents. Many victims suffer multiple fractures which may require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
Cuts and lacerations are also common injuries in pedestrian accidents. These can often be treated at the scene of an accident but may require stitches or other medical treatment.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Then, call the Anaheim personal injury attorney at Cefali & Cefali to discuss your case. We will work to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Proving Negligence in a Pedestrian Accident in California
If you are a pedestrian who has been injured in an accident, it is important to seek legal assistance. A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Anaheim, CA can help you prove negligence on the part of the driver who hit you. In California, there are specific laws that apply to pedestrians and drivers, and it is the job of the Anaheim Accident Attorney to make sure that the driver is held accountable for their actions.
There are several things that an Anaheim Pedestrian Injury Lawyer will look at in order to determine whether or not negligence was a factor in the accident. First, they will look at the circumstances leading up to the accident. Was the driver speeding? Was he or she distracted? Did they fail to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk? These are all factors that can be used to prove negligence.
A Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Anaheim will also look at the injuries suffered by the pedestrian. If you have suffered serious injuries as a result of the accident, it is likely that negligence was a factor. Finally, the lawyer will look at how the accident has affected the victim's life. If you have had to miss work or pay for expensive medical bills, then you may be able to win a lawsuit against the driver who hit you.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to contact a personal injury lawyer right away. The sooner you start building your case, the more likely you are to win damages from the driver who hit you.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Anaheim
Pedestrian accidents can happen in any city, but they may be more common in areas where there is a lot of traffic. If you've been injured in a pedestrian accident, below are your next steps and what you should do. Here are some tips from the pedestrian accident lawyers at Cefali & Cefali:
Get medical attention. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Many injuries may not appear immediately, so it is important to be checked out by a doctor.
Contact a lawyer. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Gather evidence. It is important to gather evidence after a pedestrian accident. This evidence can help support your case and prove that the other driver was at fault. Make sure to gather the names and contact information of any witnesses, photograph the scene of the accident, and keep copies of any medical records or bills related to your injury.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact the Anaheim pedestrian accident lawyers at Cefali & Cefali today for a free consultation. We will help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Why Call Cefali & Cefali?
When you are injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to have a law firm that understands the laws and regulations that apply to these accidents. Claims, settlements, and lawsuits involving pedestrian accidents can be complicated, so it is important to have an experienced law firm on your side.
At Cefali & Cefali, we have extensive experience representing pedestrians who have been injured in traffic accidents. We know what to look for in these cases, and we will work hard to get you the best possible outcome. We also handle hit and run accidents, wrongful death claims, car crash cases, bicycle accident cases, and Uber and rideshare accidents.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, please call us today for a free consultation. We will review your case and let you know how we can help.
How much is my claim worth?
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be wondering how much your claim is worth. If you or a loved one suffers an injury while walking as a pedestrian, know that you could be eligible for monetary damages from the at-fault party. This includes potential payments for medical treatment, time missed from work and any emotional anguish caused by the accident.
The amount of your claim will depend on the severity of your injuries and the amount of damages you have suffered. A skilled Anaheim Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can help you estimate the value of your claim and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.
Cefali & Cefali will fight for you if you've been hurt in a pedestrian accident. We offer free consultations and can help you get the fair compensation that you're owed for your injuries.
If you have been injured due to somebody else's negligent or reckless behavior while on a roadway, sidewalk, or roadway crossing, contact our car accident Lawyer in Anaheim, CA, today for experienced representation. We can help hold those responsible accountable and ensure that you receive proper compensation for damages incurred as a result of auto crashes, vehicles colliding with pedestrians, or any other scenario involving negligence. Don't wait. Contact our office today!
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to contact an experienced Anaheim Pedestrian Accident Attorney as soon as possible. At Cefali & Cefali, our team of attorneys has years of experience representing victims of pedestrian accidents and knows how to get the best results for our clients. We understand that a pedestrian accident can be a traumatic experience, and we are here to help you through this difficult time.
One of the most important things to remember when dealing with a pedestrian accident is that the insurance companies are not on your side. They will do everything they can to minimize your losses and avoid paying out on your claim. That is why it is important to have an experienced advocate fighting for your rights.
If you have been hit by a car while walking, call Cefali & Cefali now for your free consultation. We will review the details of your accident and let you know how we can help get you the money you are entitled to.
We represent injured pedestrians throughout Orange County, including Anaheim, Fullerton, Buena Park, Garden Grove, Orange, Santa Ana, Yorba Linda, Placentia, and La Habra. From our Hemet office, we also represent injured clients in Riverside County. We understand that this is a difficult time for you and your loved ones, and we are here to help you every step of the way.
Call us today to get started on your case. Our experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Anaheim, California will fight hard for your rights in court, ensuring that you get the best possible outcome for your situation. We are committed to helping you get the justice and compensation that you deserve. Let us be your legal advocate and help you through this trying time. Contact Cefali & Cefali today for a free consultation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I file a pedestrian accident lawsuit if I was hit in Anaheim?
Civil pedestrian accident lawsuits for crashes in Anaheim are filed at the Orange County Superior Court Central Justice Center, located at 700 Civic Center Drive West in Santa Ana. This courthouse handles all civil personal injury and wrongful death matters for Orange County cities. Your attorney will manage the filing process, including meeting the two-year statute of limitations for California personal injury claims and the six-month deadline that applies when a government entity is the at-fault party.
What are the most dangerous areas for pedestrians in Anaheim?
The Disneyland Resort district sees the highest concentration of pedestrian accidents in Anaheim, particularly at the busy crosswalks along Harbor Boulevard between Katella Avenue and Ball Road where tourists, shuttle buses, and rideshare vehicles share the road. The Anaheim Convention Center area and the surface streets around Honda Center and Angel Stadium also see frequent pedestrian incidents, especially during events. Beyond the resort and sports venues, major surface streets like Anaheim Boulevard, Lincoln Avenue, La Palma Avenue, and State College Boulevard see day-to-day pedestrian risk from heavy commuter traffic.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in California?
The standard statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is two years from the date of the accident. However, if a government entity is involved (for example, a city or county vehicle, or a poorly maintained crosswalk or sidewalk), you typically have only six months from the date of the accident to file an administrative claim before you can sue. Missing this deadline usually ends the case. Contact an Anaheim pedestrian accident attorney promptly so no deadline is missed.
What if I was partly at fault as a pedestrian?
California follows pure comparative negligence rules, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partly responsible for the accident. For example, if a pedestrian crosses outside a crosswalk and is struck by a speeding driver, both parties may share fault. The pedestrian's recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault but is not eliminated. Insurance companies often try to shift more blame onto pedestrians to reduce payouts, which is why having an experienced attorney evaluate the fault allocation matters.
How much is my pedestrian accident claim worth in Anaheim?
The value of a pedestrian accident claim depends on the severity of your injuries, total medical bills (current and projected future treatment), lost income, reduced future earning capacity if the injury is permanent, and pain and suffering damages. Pedestrian cases tend to involve more serious injuries than vehicle-to-vehicle crashes because there is no protective vehicle around the pedestrian, which often produces higher settlements. An experienced attorney can review your specific case during a free consultation and estimate a realistic range based on similar cases.
How much does an Anaheim pedestrian accident lawyer cost?
Most California personal injury attorneys, including Cefali & Cefali, work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and nothing out of pocket while your case is being handled. The firm only gets paid if it recovers compensation for you, either through a settlement or a court verdict. The initial consultation is also free, so there is no financial risk in finding out whether you have a case.
Michael Cefali is a dedicated accident attorney based in San Juan Capistrano, California, committed to securing justice and fair compensation for accident victims.
A graduate of Newport Harbor High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy, followed by his Juris Doctor from Chapman University School of Law.
Deeply invested in his community, Michael is an active member of the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributing to efforts that provide meals, housing, and support to those in need. Outside of his legal work and volunteer service, he enjoys fishing in Dana Point and spending time with his three rescue dogs—a Chihuahua, a Spaniel mix, and a Shepherd mix.
Driven by his strong belief in justice and fairness, Michael remains steadfast in advocating for individuals harmed by the negligence or inaction of others.
