Pedestrian and Bicycle AccidentS

Pedestrians and cyclists are among the most vulnerable people on California roads. When a vehicle strikes someone on foot or on a bicycle, the injuries are often severe, permanent, or life-altering.

At Geller Legal – Personal Injury Attorneys, we represent injured pedestrians and bicyclists throughout California. We combine detailed medical analysis with aggressive legal strategy to pursue full compensation from negligent drivers and their insurance companies.

California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents frequently occur in:

  • Crosswalks

  • Intersections

  • Parking lots

  • School zones

  • Residential neighborhoods

  • Urban streets

Common causes include:

  • Failure to yield to pedestrians

  • Distracted driving

  • Speeding

  • Running red lights or stop signs

  • Driving under the influence

  • Unsafe left turns

Under California law, drivers have a duty to exercise reasonable care and yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. When they fail to do so, they may be held legally responsible for the injuries they cause.

California Bicycle Accident Attorney

Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers under California law. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to respect bike lanes or safely share the road.

Bicycle accidents often involve:

  • Unsafe lane changes

  • Dooring incidents

  • Right-hook collisions

  • Left-turn collisions

  • Failure to maintain safe passing distance

  • Distracted driving

Drivers must provide adequate space when passing a cyclist. When they do not, serious crashes occur. We investigate roadway conditions, traffic camera footage, vehicle damage, and accident reconstruction evidence to establish fault.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Because pedestrians and cyclists have little protection, injuries are often catastrophic.

Common injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

  • Concussions

  • Skull fractures

  • Spinal cord injuries

  • Broken bones

  • Internal bleeding

  • Severe road rash

  • Permanent scarring

  • Emotional trauma and PTSD

Even when a helmet is worn, the force of impact can cause life-changing damage. Proper medical documentation and expert evaluation are essential in these cases.

Proving Liability in a California Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident

To recover compensation, an injured victim must prove negligence. We build strong claims by gathering:

  • Police traffic collision reports

  • Witness statements

  • Surveillance and traffic camera footage

  • Cell phone records (in distracted driving cases)

  • Vehicle damage analysis

  • Accident reconstruction expert opinions

  • Medical records and specialist reports

Insurance companies often attempt to blame pedestrians or cyclists. California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning an injured person can still recover damages even if partially at fault. Strategic case presentation is critical.

Compensation in a California Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident Case

Victims may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages

  • Emergency medical treatment

  • Surgery and hospitalization

  • Ongoing rehabilitation

  • Lost wages

  • Loss of future earning capacity

  • Medical equipment and assistive devices

Non-Economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering

  • Emotional distress

  • Loss of enjoyment of life

  • Permanent disability or disfigurement

California does not cap pain and suffering damages in most pedestrian and bicycle accident cases. Insurance companies, however, often attempt to minimize payouts. We calculate damages based on long-term medical impact and financial loss.

Uninsured and Hit-and-Run Drivers

Many pedestrian and bicycle accidents involve uninsured or hit-and-run drivers. In these cases, recovery may be available through uninsured motorist coverage.

We analyze all available insurance policies to identify every potential source of recovery under California law.

California Statute of Limitations

In most California pedestrian and bicycle accident cases, you have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit.

If the at-fault party is a government entity (for example, due to dangerous road design or defective traffic signals), you may have only six months to file a government claim.

Early investigation is essential to preserve evidence.

Why Choose Geller Legal – Personal Injury Attorneys?

Pedestrian and bicycle accident cases require careful medical documentation and strong liability presentation.

At Geller Legal, we provide:

  • Detailed injury analysis

  • Thorough accident investigation

  • Expert consultation when necessary

  • Strategic damage calculation

  • Aggressive negotiation with insurance carriers

  • Trial readiness from day one

  • No fee unless we recover compensation

We prepare every case as if it will be presented to a jury.

Speak with a California Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident anywhere in California, contact Geller Legal – Personal Injury Attorneys for a free consultation.

Medical Expertise. Legal Power.

When drivers fail to share the road safely, we step in to protect your future.

CONTACT OUR FIRM