Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users in California, meaning they are highly likely to suffer serious injuries in traffic accidents. If you get injured as a pedestrian in Santa Cruz because of a careless or reckless driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact an attorney at Jacoby & Meyers for a free discussion about your case to find out how we can help.
Why Clients Trust Jacoby & Meyers
- We have been representing clients since 1972 and have a 99 percent success rate.
- Our lawyers have secured more than $2 billion in case results for clients.
- Our past case results include $9.24 million won in a pedestrian vs. auto case.
- Our attorneys are experts in serious automotive accidents, including pedestrian collisions.
- We don’t take any money from our clients unless we settle or win the case.
Notable Pedestrian Accident Settlements
- $9.24 Million – Auto vs. Pedestrian / Spinal Cord Injury
- $6.7 Million – Auto vs. Pedestrian
- $6.0 Million – Auto vs. Pedestrian
- $1.25 Million – Auto vs. Pedestrian
How Will a Personal Injury Attorney Help With a Pedestrian Accident Case?
If you get hit by a car in Santa Cruz, you should be able to focus all of your attention on recuperating from the physical and emotional harm inflicted. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not prioritize the recoveries of their clients; instead, they put themselves first – making it difficult for pedestrian accident victims to achieve justice without legal assistance.
If you hire a personal injury lawyer after a pedestrian accident in Santa Cruz, you can benefit from an attorney communicating with an insurance adjuster on your behalf. Your lawyer will fight for a fair settlement using personalized legal services. An attorney can help you get your life back on track, including connecting you to top doctors and identifying the cause of your pedestrian accident.
Common Injuries Caused by Pedestrian-Vehicle Collisions
When a car, truck, van or SUV crashes into a pedestrian, the injuries inflicted can be severe or catastrophic, meaning they can cause permanent disfigurement or disability. With little to no protection from injury, pedestrians may suffer:
- Broken bones
- Skull fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Facial injuries
- Crush injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Chest and rib injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Road rash or lacerations
- Amputations
- Psychological and emotional injuries
- Wrongful death
- Back injuries
The injuries sustained by a pedestrian in an accident may result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills, plus lost wages and substantial pain and suffering. Filing a claim or lawsuit could lead to financial compensation for these losses.
How to Hold Someone Accountable for Your Pedestrian Accident in Santa Cruz
In 2021, 1,108 pedestrians in California died in traffic accidents. This was a 9.4 percent increase from 1,013 deaths in 2020. Pedestrian deaths can often be prevented with an inappropriate amount of care exercised by motor vehicle operators.
Dangerous driver errors such as speeding, distracted driving, texting and driving, and drunk driving threaten pedestrian health and safety. If a careless driver struck you while you were walking or jogging in Santa Cruz, you can file a claim with his or her car insurance provider in pursuit of damages.
However, you or your attorney will have to prove fault using convincing evidence. An attorney can help you win your case by investigating the pedestrian collision, determining causation, gathering evidence (e.g., police reports, eyewitness statements and expert testimony), and negotiating with insurance providers on your behalf.
High-Risk Pedestrian Areas in Santa Cruz:
- Santa Cruz County:
- Freedom Boulevard area
- Mission Street corridor
- Ocean Street
- Highway 17
- Highway 1 crossings
- Watsonville area
- Capitola intersections
- Ben Lomond
- Boulder Creek
- San Lorenzo Valley
- Scotts Valley
- Aptos
- Soquel
- UCSC campus vicinity
- Downtown Santa Cruz/Pacific Avenue
- Beach Street/Boardwalk area
Santa Cruz Pedestrian Accident Statistics
County-Wide Rankings
According to the 2021 California Office of Traffic Safety crash rankings, Santa Cruz County ranks among the most dangerous counties for pedestrian accidents. Out of 58 similarly sized California counties, Santa Cruz County ranked 5th overall for pedestrian injuries and fatalities. The county shows particular vulnerability for both young and elderly pedestrians, ranking 7th for injuries/fatalities among those under 15 and 10th for those 65 and older.
City-Specific Data
Watsonville
The southern part of the county faces significant pedestrian safety challenges. Watsonville ranked 2nd overall for pedestrian injuries and fatalities when compared to 105 California cities. The city also ranked 7th for pedestrian accidents involving children under 15, highlighting particular risks for young pedestrians in the area.
Capitola
Among similarly sized cities, Capitola shows concerning statistics for elderly pedestrian safety. The city ranked 1st for pedestrian injuries and fatalities among those 65 and older, indicating a critical need for improved safety measures for senior pedestrians.
Recent Trends
The most recent six-month data (July-December 2023) reveals ongoing safety concerns, with two pedestrian fatalities and four serious injuries reported. These incidents were part of 19 total serious traffic collisions during this period, demonstrating that pedestrian accidents represent a significant portion of severe traffic incidents in the county.
These statistics underscore the importance of experienced legal representation for pedestrian accident victims in Santa Cruz County, particularly given the area’s higher-than-average accident rates and specific risks to vulnerable populations.
Contact Jacoby & Meyers for a Free Pedestrian Accident Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one gets injured in a pedestrian accident anywhere in Santa Cruz, whether on the boardwalk or walking downtown, help is available at Jacoby & Meyers. We will make sure you understand your rights and are given the resources you need to fully protect them.
Our team of pedestrian accident attorneys, medical case managers and assistants will ensure you have everything necessary to recover from a traumatic pedestrian collision. To discuss your case with an experienced attorney, contact Jacoby & Meyers at (888) 689-6862 and request a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Santa Cruz Pedestrian Accident Cases
What Should I Do Immediately After Being Hit by a Vehicle?
- Call 911 for police and medical help
- Document the scene with photos
- Get driver’s contact and insurance information
- Note witness names and contact details
- Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor
- Do not discuss fault or give statements
- Contact an attorney before speaking with insurance
How Long Will It Take to Settle My Case?
Most cases settle within 6-12 months. Complex cases requiring litigation may take 1-2 years. Timing depends on:
- Severity of injuries
- Time needed for medical treatment
- Insurance company cooperation
- Whether litigation is required
What If I Was Hit in a Crosswalk?
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks under California law. Being hit in a crosswalk typically establishes clear liability. Document:
- If crosswalk was marked
- If you had walk signal
- If driver failed to stop
- Any visibility issues
What If I Can’t Afford Medical Treatment?
You could get treatment through:
- Medical liens where providers get paid from settlement
- Your health insurance
- Med-pay coverage from auto insurance
- State assistance programs
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
California deadlines:
- 2 years from accident date for private parties
- 6 months for government entities
- Minors have until age 20
Should I Speak With the Driver’s Insurance Company?
No. Insurance adjusters try to minimize payouts by:
- Recording statements to use against you
- Getting quick, low settlements
- Asking misleading questions
Let your attorney handle all communications.
What If the Driver Fled the Scene?
You may recover through:
- Your uninsured motorist coverage
- California Victim Compensation Program
- Investigation to identify the driver
What If I’m Partially at Fault?
California uses “pure comparative negligence”:
- You can recover even if partially at fault
- Compensation reduced by fault percentage
Example: If 20% at fault, you get 80% of damages
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
We work on contingency, which means no upfront costs and no fees unless we win.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
About 95% of cases settle before trial. Factors affecting trial:
- Insurance company’s settlement position
- Evidence strength
- Disputed liability
- Damage amount
What If I Was Hit by a Government Vehicle?
Special rules apply:
- 6-month claim filing deadline
- Different procedural requirements
- Specific notice requirements
- Damages caps Contact an attorney immediately due to strict deadlines.
Call or text 888-522-6291 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
