Maison Law helps people in Orange County when they’re hurt in an accident as a pedestrian. Of all the traffic accidents that happen across the area, few are more devastating than those involving pedestrians. When someone on foot is hit by a car, the outcome is often severe. And the numbers show just how often these accidents happen.
Understanding the data behind these accidents is a key step in knowing your rights and options if you or someone close to you has been hurt. Our team can take it from there, so reach out today to set up a free consultation.
How Often Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Orange County?
To get a real sense of the issue of pedestrian accidents in Orange County, we can look at data collected by California’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS). The system tracks injury-related traffic accidents statewide–including those involving pedestrians.
Between 2020 and 2024, Orange County has seen an average of 754.2 pedestrian accidents per year involving injuries or fatalities. This is obviously a pretty startling number, but when you look at the yearly breakdown, it’s even more stark:
- 2020 – 551 accidents
- 2021 – 778 accidents
- 2022 – 832 accidents
- 2023 – 821 accidents
- 2024 – 789 accidents
While pedestrian accidents happen less frequently than car or motorcycle crashes, they’re often far more dangerous. That’s because people walking don’t have the same protection as those inside vehicles–and the human body isn’t built to absorb the impact of a moving car. If you find yourself hurt in one, you might be wondering what you should do. Here’s what you can focus on:
- Get medical help right away, even if your injuries seem minor.
- Report the accident to the local police so it’s officially documented.
- Exchange information with the driver and any witnesses.
- Take photos or video of the scene, if you’re able.
- Stick to your doctor’s treatment plan and keep records of your care.
- Don’t admit fault, even by simply saying “I’m sorry.”
Every accident is different, but these steps are a solid starting point after any pedestrian accident. It’s also worth knowing when these accidents are more likely to happen.
When Do Most Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Orange County?
Timing–whether it’s the day of the week, time of day, or even the season–can play a major role in pedestrian accidents. Some patterns are easy to guess: more people are out walking during daylight hours, during commute times, or on weekends. But sometimes, the data shows surprising trends that are important to understand if you’re trying to make sense of what happened to you.
Based on TIMS data for, here’s how the 3,651 pedestrian accident that have happened between 2020 and 2024 break down by day of the week:
- Monday – 523 accidents
- Tuesday – 576 accidents
- Wednesday – 547 accidents
- Thursday – 590 accidents
- Friday – 526 accidents
- Saturday – 467 accidents
- Sunday – 422 accidents
Obviously, these accidents aren’t just happening during busy commute hours or on weekends–they’re spread fairly evenly across the week. Still, Thursdays and Tuesdays see the highest numbers, suggesting that midweek traffic patterns and routines might carry added risks for people on foot.
But no matter the day, the numbers make one thing clear: pedestrian accidents are a daily concern in Orange County. And while timing plays a role, the real question is why these crashes are happening in the first place.
What Are the Leading Causes of Orange County Pedestrian Accidents?
Unfortunately, you’re at a bit of a disadvantage when you’re on foot in Orange County. You can only control what you can do, not what other drivers do. And as you can see from the TIMS data available, certain actions (and inactions) from drivers frequently cause pedestrian accidents. Some of the leading causes have been:
- Failure to yield at a crosswalk – 1,120 accidents
- Speeding – 213 accidents
- Unsafe turning – 168 accidents
- Not stopping at a limit line at a crosswalk – 153 accidents
- Unsafe starting or backing up – 76 accidents
When you look at the numbers, it’s clear that most pedestrian accidents aren’t random. They often happen because someone made a risky or careless move—like a driver speeding or failing to yield, or a pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk. And when someone on foot gets hit, they usually take the full impact.
Getting hit as a pedestrian can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe. That’s why these accidents are so problematic, leaving you facing injuries like:
- Broken bones
- Cuts and scrapes
- Head injuries, including concussions and brain trauma
- Spinal injuries
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue damage (like torn muscles or ligaments)
- Damaged personal items
- Emotional stress or trauma
These incidents can leave more than just physical injuries–they often have long-term effects on a person’s health, finances, and peace of mind. That’s why looking closely at what caused the accident matters. In some cases, those causes don’t just lead to injury–they lead to loss of life.
How Many Fatal Pedestrian Accidents Are There in Orange County?
It’s no surprise–when someone on foot is hit by a vehicle, the results can be devastating. Injuries are almost a given, but the damage often goes far beyond that. Pedestrian accidents regularly lead to serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences.
Looking at the most recent SWITRS data, the numbers in Orange County reflect just how severe these incidents can be. Between 2020 and 2024, there were:
- 71.4 fatal pedestrian accidents per year.
Of all the possible outcomes, the most tragic is death. And given how little protection you or other pedestrians have against a moving vehicle, fatal accidents are unfortunately all too common. When we break it down year by year, we see:
- 2020 – 75 fatal accidents
- 2021 – 87 fatal accidents
- 2022 – 84 fatal accidents
- 2023 – 69 fatal accidents
- 2024 – 42 fatal accidents
These numbers are more than just data–they’re a reminder of how serious pedestrian accidents can be, and why the legal process is so vital. That’s where our team at Maison Law can step in and help you.
Helping You After a Pedestrian Accident in Orange County
Getting hit while walking–whether you’re crossing the street in Santa Ana or taking a stroll through Huntington Beach–can turn your life upside down in seconds. At Maison Law, we’re here to help you make sense of what comes next. We understand the toll these accidents take and how to guide you through the process. If you’ve been hurt, reach out for a free consultation–we’re ready to listen and help you move forward.
