As temperatures rise and the days grow longer, more Californians head outside to walk, jog, and bike. While spring is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, it also brings a surge in pedestrian and bicycle accidents.
Unfortunately, with more people sharing the roads comes an increased risk of injury—and too often, these accidents are caused by negligent drivers. If you or a loved one has been hurt while walking or cycling, it’s important to know your rights and take action quickly.
Why Do Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents Increase in Spring?
Several seasonal factors contribute to the rise in accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists:
- More foot and bike traffic due to nicer weather and longer daylight hours
- Spring break and holiday travelers unfamiliar with local streets
- Distracted drivers as traffic picks up after winter lulls
- Increased use of e-bikes and scooters sharing paths with pedestrians
When drivers fail to adjust to changing traffic patterns, people on foot or bike often pay the price.
Common Causes of Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Most accidents are preventable and result from driver negligence, such as:
- Distracted driving (texting, using GPS, etc.)
- Speeding, especially in residential or school zones
- Failure to yield at crosswalks or intersections
- Unsafe turns without checking for bikes or pedestrians
- Running stop signs or red lights
In some cases, poorly designed roads or lack of bike lanes also play a role in creating unsafe environments.
What to Do After a Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident
If you’re hit while walking or biking, it’s important to act quickly to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Call 911 and get medical attention immediately.
- File a police report at the scene, even if injuries seem minor.
- Gather evidence – take photos, get driver information, and speak to witnesses.
- Avoid admitting fault or negotiating with the driver’s insurance company alone.
- Contact a pedestrian accident attorney or bicycle accident lawyer to evaluate your case.
Who Is Liable in These Accidents?
In most cases, drivers are held liable when they fail to follow traffic laws or drive with reasonable care. However, liability can also involve:
- Third parties, like commercial vehicle companies
- Local municipalities, if poor infrastructure contributed to the accident
- Product manufacturers, in cases of faulty bike parts or helmets
An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate and determine who is responsible.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages or loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage (e.g., damaged bike or gear)
- Emotional distress or loss of enjoyment of life
Let M&Y Law Company Fight for You
At M&Y Law Company, we know how devastating a pedestrian or bike accident can be—and we’re here to help you recover physically, financially, and legally.
- Over $400 million recovered for injured clients
- No fees unless we win
- Free consultations available 24/7
- Experienced in complex injury cases across California
Injured While Walking or Biking This Spring? Call Us Today
Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact M&Y Law Company to speak with a trusted pedestrian accident attorney or bicycle accident lawyer who will stand up for your rights and fight for full compensation.
