Pedestrians and cyclists have no protection when a negligent driver strikes them. No airbags, no steel frame, no seatbelt – just the full force of a vehicle against a human body. The injuries are often catastrophic, and the road to recovery is long and expensive.
California has some of the highest rates of pedestrian and bicycle fatalities in the country. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured – or killed – in a pedestrian or bicycle accident, you have rights and you have options. At Injury Attorneys by Amin Law we fight for injured victims across California and pursue every dollar of compensation you are owed. Contact us today at 415-851-4300 for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents in California
Most pedestrian and bicycle accidents are caused by driver negligence. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving – phone use, texting, and inattention at crosswalks
- Failure to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Speeding, especially in residential neighbourhoods and school zones
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Unsafe turns at intersections
- Dooring – a driver or passenger opening a car door into a cyclist’s path
- Failure to check blind spots before turning or changing lanes
- Poor road conditions or inadequate crosswalk signage
Common Injuries in Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Because pedestrians and cyclists lack physical protection, even low-speed collisions can cause severe injuries including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Road rash and severe lacerations
- Nerve damage
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
- Wrongful death
Children and elderly victims are particularly vulnerable and often sustain the most serious injuries.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Because pedestrians and cyclists lack physical protection, even low-speed collisions can cause severe injuries including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Road rash and severe lacerations
- Nerve damage
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
- Wrongful death
Children and elderly victims are particularly vulnerable and often sustain the most serious injuries.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Victims of pedestrian and bicycle accidents in California may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
- Future medical costs
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one was killed
Who Is Liable in a Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident?
In most cases the driver of the vehicle is liable, but liability can extend to other parties depending on the circumstances:
- A government agency if a poorly designed intersection, missing crosswalk, or inadequate signage contributed to the accident
- A vehicle manufacturer if a defective part – such as faulty brakes – caused the driver to lose control
- A rideshare company if their driver struck you while on duty
- A property owner if a hazardous condition on private property contributed to the accident
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning even if you are found partially at fault – for example, crossing outside a crosswalk – you can still recover compensation. Your award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Victims of pedestrian and bicycle accidents in California may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
- Future medical costs
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one was killed
Why You Need an Attorney
Insurance companies routinely attempt to blame the pedestrian or cyclist to reduce their payout. They may claim you were jaywalking, not wearing a helmet, or not paying attention. An experienced attorney will investigate the accident, gather evidence, obtain witness statements and traffic camera footage, and build a case that puts the fault where it belongs.
Do not speak to the insurance company before speaking to us. What you say early in the process can be used against you.
California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Act quickly to protect your rights.
Contact Our Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Team Today
If you have been seriously injured as a pedestrian or cyclist in California, contact Injury Attorneys by Amin Law today by filling out the online form or calling us at 415-851-4300. We will schedule a free consultation to review your case at no cost and no obligation.