Driver Runs Over Pedestrian in La Habra

Few details were available after a January 2025 crash killed one pedestrian and seriously injured another one.

The wreck occurred in the 1200 block of N. Hacienda Road, according to the La Habra Police Department.

Officers arrived to find that a driver, who remained at the scene, had crashed their car into two pedestrians. Paramedics pronounced one of the victims dead at the scene. A second victim was rushed to a nearby hospital with critical injuries.

Fault vs. Liability in Pedestrian Accident Cases

If pedestrians walk out in front of cars, Pedestrian Accident Lawyers California may still be able to obtain compensation for the pedestrian victims, because of the difference between fault and liability.

Insurance investigators and emergency responders assign fault based solely on the evidence immediately available at the scene. Much later, a court determines liability (legal responsibility for the wreck) based on all available evidence, as well as all applicable legal doctrines.

In other words, fault is like the halftime score of a football game, and liability is like the final score. The final score is all that matters, and the liability determination is all that matters.

Additional evidence usually includes electronic evidence, such as a motor vehicle’s Event Data Recorder. This onboard computer measures and stores key operational information, including:

• Engine RPM,
• Brake application, and
• Vehicle speed.

So, EDR analysis determines if the driver slowed down or tried to stop in the moments before impact. This analysis also determines the precise vehicle speed at the moment of impact. Speed is one of the most critical factors in pedestrian injury matters. More on that below.

The comparative fault rule, which divides responsibility between two parties to an accident, may be the most significant legal doctrine in these matters.

When a pedestrian jaywalks in front of an approaching vehicle, most juries divide responsibility on a percentage basis (e.g. 80 percent to the pedestrian for crossing against the light and 20 percent to the driver for not maintaining a proper lookout).

California is a pure comparative fault state. So, in the above example, the pedestrian victim is still entitled to compensation.

The takeaway is clear. If an investigator says you were at fault for a crash, a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer should always at least evaluate your case, since a second half comeback is possible.

Pedestrian Injuries

At impact speeds above 50mph, pedestrians rarely survive motor vehicle crashes. These victims have no seat belts or crash helmets to protect them, so they’re completely exposed to danger.

Usually, exsanguination (excessive blood loss) is the official cause of death in these cases. The force of the impact smashes internal organs against each other. The resulting wounds bleed profusely, since internal organs don’t have protective skin layers.

If exsanguination doesn’t kill these victims, it usually contributes to their deaths. Massive blood loss makes it much more difficult for the body to heal itself. Therefore, serious injuries become catastrophic (life-threatening) injuries, and catastrophic injuries become fatal injuries.

Contact An Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney!

Pedestrian accident victims are almost always entitled to compensation. For a free consultation with Pedestrian Accident Attorney California, contact the Law Offices of Eslamboly Hakim. We routinely handle matters throughout the Golden State.

Credit: Photo by Midjourney