Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents
Sacramento Pedestrian & Bicycle Accident Lawyers
When a car hits a person, the person loses. Insurers may still dispute fault, so building the evidence early matters.
Free and confidential. We will explain the next practical step.
Focused reviewWe start with the facts that matter.
Clear guidanceWe explain the practical options and next steps.
Prepared advocacyWe build the record before the other side defines it.
In Plain Terms
Drivers have legal duties to people walking and riding. Insurers may still try to shift blame to the injured person. Get medical care first, preserve what evidence you can, and be cautious about giving a recorded statement before you understand the claim.
A disciplined first step
What evidence matters in a pedestrian or bicycle collision?
Scene photographs, traffic-control information, video, witness accounts, vehicle data, medical records, and the treatment timeline can help establish how the collision occurred and its impact.
Talk through the facts with our teamNo Fender, No Airbag, No Crumple Zone
Even a lower-speed collision can cause fractures, head trauma, and injuries that take months or longer to heal. California law gives pedestrians important protections in marked crosswalks and unmarked crosswalks at intersections, but fault still depends on the circumstances of the collision.
Beating the Blame Game
Insurance companies may argue that a pedestrian stepped out suddenly, that a cyclist was riding unpredictably, or that visibility contributed to the crash. We investigate the scene, look for available camera footage and witnesses, and develop the evidence before competing narratives harden.
E-Bikes and Scooters
E-bikes and scooters add additional questions, including vehicle classification, where the person was permitted to ride, how the collision occurred, and which insurance coverage may apply. Those issues can materially affect how responsibility and coverage are evaluated.
Practical, direct advice
Understand the facts before making the next move.
We identify the questions that need answers, explain the available options, and help clients move forward with a clear view of the risks and evidence.
Straight answers
Questions people ask
These are general answers. The right next step depends on the facts, evidence, injuries, and available coverage.
I was hit in a crosswalk. Is the driver automatically at fault?
Not automatically. California law generally requires drivers to yield to pedestrians crossing within a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Pedestrians also must use due care, so every collision still depends on its specific facts.
What if the driver was uninsured or fled the scene?
You may still have options, including uninsured-motorist coverage depending on the facts and your insurance policy. Hit-and-run and unknown-driver claims can involve additional policy and reporting requirements, so the available coverage should be reviewed promptly.
My child was hit while riding a bike. Is the process different?
It can be. Settlements involving minors may require court approval, and some legal deadlines can operate differently for children. Do not assume that every deadline is automatically extended, particularly if a public entity may be involved.
Related practice areas
Find the right path for the facts.
Appelblatt Mazzola LLP
Tell us what happened.
We will listen, assess the information available, and explain the next practical step. The case review is free and confidential.