Anaheim, California – Eight Anaheim High School track athletes were injured Wednesday afternoon when a car veered onto a sidewalk and struck them while they were waiting at an intersection less than a mile from their campus, according to police.
The collision occurred at about 2:55 p.m. at the southwest corner of North Harbor Boulevard and North Street. Authorities said the students — boys and girls between 16 and 17 years old — were standing with their coach, waiting for the light to change so they could continue their run, when they were hit by a Toyota Corolla.
Anaheim police identified the driver as 27-year-old local resident Anthony Alva-Palafox. According to Sgt. Matt Sutter of the Anaheim Police Department, Alva-Palafox was traveling southbound on Harbor Boulevard with a green light when the orange Toyota he was driving veered off the roadway, onto the sidewalk, and struck the group.
Seven of the students were transported to a hospital with varying injuries, though none were considered life-threatening, Sutter said. The coach was not struck; he was running behind the students and approaching them when the crash happened.
Alva-Palafox was also injured and taken to a hospital. Police said he showed objective signs of intoxication, giving officers probable cause to believe he was operating the vehicle in an unsafe manner due to impairment.
He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Authorities said his level of intoxication and the type of drugs involved will be determined through blood analysis.
The Toyota was impounded as part of the investigation, and police were seeking a search warrant to determine whether there was additional evidence inside the vehicle. Investigators said speed and other unspecified factors contributed to the crash.
The incident remains under investigation by the Anaheim Police Department.
Compensation Options When Multiple Pedestrians Are Hit by a Vehicle
When a single driver strikes multiple pedestrians, the legal process becomes more complex—but each injured person still has the right to pursue compensation. These cases often involve shared insurance limits, multiple claims, and careful liability analysis, especially when alcohol or drugs are suspected. Understanding how compensation works is critical to protecting your rights.
Each Injured Pedestrian Has an Individual Claim
Even though the crash involves one driver and one incident, every injured pedestrian has a separate personal injury claim. Compensation is not divided evenly by default; instead, it depends on:
- The severity of each person’s injuries
- Medical expenses and future care needs
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and long-term impact
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer california victims rely on can ensure your injuries are properly documented and valued, even when multiple victims are involved.
How Insurance Policy Limits Affect Multiple Victims
In crashes with several injured pedestrians, the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits often become a major issue. Auto insurance policies usually include:
- Per-person limits (maximum paid to one victim)
- Per-accident limits (maximum paid for all victims combined)
If damages exceed available coverage, insurers may try to minimize payouts or rush settlements. A skilled car accident attorney orange county ca accident victims trust can push back against low offers and explore additional recovery options.
DUI Crashes May Increase Liability
When a driver is suspected of impairment, the case may involve enhanced liability. DUI-related crashes often strengthen injury claims because impaired driving is considered reckless behavior. Victims may be entitled to higher compensation, and in some cases, punitive damages.
Working with experienced dui accident attorneys can be crucial when alcohol or drugs are involved, as they know how to use police reports, blood test results, and criminal proceedings to support civil injury claims.
Multiple Victims Can Still Recover Fair Compensation
Being one of several injured pedestrians does not mean your claim is less important. Attorneys may pursue compensation through:
- The driver’s auto insurance
- Umbrella or excess liability policies
- Third-party liability (employers, vehicle owners, bars, or event hosts in DUI cases)
- Underinsured motorist coverage, if applicable
A local personal injury attorney anaheim accident victims turn to can assess all available sources of compensation and coordinate claims to protect your interests.
Why Legal Representation Matters in Multi-Victim Cases
Cases involving multiple pedestrians move quickly, and insurance companies often prioritize protecting their own financial exposure. Without legal guidance, injured pedestrians risk accepting settlements that fail to cover long-term medical needs.
An experienced attorney can:
- Preserve evidence early
- Coordinate claims among multiple victims
- Prevent insurers from undervaluing injuries
- Fight for full and fair compensation
Speak With Megeredchian Law Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a crash involving multiple pedestrians, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Megeredchian Law has extensive experience handling complex pedestrian and DUI accident cases throughout Orange County and California.Call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807 for a free consultation and learn how we can fight for the compensation you deserve.