Pedestrian & Bicycle Accident Attorney in Los Angeles

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Attorneys: Protecting Vulnerable Road Users in Los Angeles

Pedestrians and cyclists are among the most vulnerable users of Los Angeles’s roads and streets. Unlike drivers, who are protected by thousands of pounds of steel and advanced safety systems, pedestrians and cyclists are entirely exposed to the forces of collision. When a motor vehicle strikes a pedestrian or cyclist, the resulting injuries are almost always severe — traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, pelvic and hip fractures, internal injuries, road rash, and death are tragically common outcomes. If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian or cyclist in Los Angeles, L&F Brown is here to fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve.

Our founding partners are UCLA School of Law graduates who have dedicated their careers to fighting for injury victims. We provide direct senior-attorney access on every case, work on a contingency fee basis — no fee unless we win — and are deeply committed to obtaining maximum compensation for every client we serve.

California Law Protecting Pedestrians and Cyclists

California law provides significant legal protections for pedestrians and cyclists. The California Vehicle Code requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks — marked or unmarked — at intersections and mid-block. Drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians at all times. With respect to cyclists, California law requires drivers to give cyclists a minimum of three feet of clearance when passing, and to take reasonable precautions to avoid injuring cyclists sharing the road.

When drivers violate these legal duties and injure pedestrians or cyclists, California law allows victims to recover full compensation for all injuries and losses. California’s pure comparative negligence system applies, meaning that even if a pedestrian or cyclist contributed to the accident — for example by crossing against a signal — they can still recover compensation reduced by their percentage of fault. L&F Brown fights vigorously to minimize improper fault allocations against our pedestrian and cyclist clients and to maximize their recovery.

Common Causes of Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles

Failure to Yield at Crosswalks and Intersections

Driver failure to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks is one of the leading causes of pedestrian fatalities and injuries in Los Angeles. This failure is particularly common when drivers are making turns, are distracted by phones or other devices, or fail to scan properly for pedestrians before entering an intersection. L&F Brown investigates crosswalk accidents thoroughly, including gathering traffic signal timing data, surveillance footage, and witness testimony, to establish driver failure to yield and support maximum recovery for injured pedestrians.

Distracted Driving Causing Pedestrian and Cyclist Injuries

A driver who is looking at a phone, adjusting navigation, or otherwise distracted has dramatically reduced reaction time and situational awareness. The moments of inattention common in distracted driving are exactly the moments in which pedestrians and cyclists are most vulnerable — when they are in or near the driver’s path. Our attorneys subpoena cell phone records and obtain all available surveillance footage to prove distracted driving in pedestrian and bicycle accident cases.

Dooring Accidents Involving Cyclists

A “dooring” accident occurs when the occupant of a parked vehicle opens their door directly into the path of an oncoming cyclist, causing the cyclist to crash. These accidents can cause serious injuries, and California law imposes a duty on vehicle occupants to check for approaching cyclists before opening their door. L&F Brown handles dooring accident cases throughout Los Angeles and pursues full compensation for injured cyclists.

Wrong-Way and Speeding Drivers

Drivers who are traveling at excessive speeds have dramatically reduced ability to brake in time to avoid hitting pedestrians and cyclists who enter their path. Wrong-way drivers create even more dangerous conditions by approaching from unexpected directions. Speeding and wrong-way driving are clear violations of California traffic law, and L&F Brown uses police reports, event data recorder information, and expert analysis to establish vehicle speed in pedestrian and bicycle accident cases.

Drunk and Impaired Driving

Impaired drivers pose an extreme danger to pedestrians and cyclists because impairment reduces reaction time, impairs judgment, and causes erratic driving behavior. Accidents caused by drunk or drugged drivers may support punitive damage claims in addition to compensatory damages, potentially significantly increasing the recovery available to injured pedestrians and cyclists. L&F Brown pursues the full range of available damages in accidents caused by impaired drivers.

Dangerous Road and Infrastructure Conditions

Sometimes the cause of a pedestrian or bicycle accident is not a negligent driver but a dangerous road condition — a defective crosswalk signal, inadequate signage, poorly maintained bike lane, or a pothole that causes a cyclist to lose control. When the responsible government agency has failed to maintain safe road infrastructure, it may bear liability for resulting injuries. Claims against government entities require specialized procedures and strict deadlines, making experienced legal representation critical.

Compensation for Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Victims

Pedestrian and bicycle accident victims in California are entitled to recover full compensation for all injuries and losses caused by another party’s negligence. Economic damages include all medical expenses — emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, assistive devices, and future medical care needs — as well as lost wages and diminished earning capacity. Non-economic damages include physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring and disfigurement, and loss of consortium. Given the severity of injuries common in these accidents, damages in pedestrian and bicycle cases are frequently substantial.

L&F Brown builds comprehensive damage analyses for every pedestrian and bicycle accident case, working with medical, vocational, and economic experts to ensure that every element of your losses is fully documented and pursued. We fight for maximum compensation and do not accept settlement offers that undervalue your injuries.

Why L&F Brown Is the Right Choice for Your Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident Case

At L&F Brown, we are committed to fighting for the rights of vulnerable road users who have been injured by negligent drivers. Our UCLA Law-trained founding partners handle every case personally, providing the direct senior-attorney involvement that produces better outcomes. We work on a pure contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront and nothing unless we win — and we advance all case expenses. If you have been injured as a pedestrian or cyclist in Los Angeles, Calabasas, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Woodland Hills, or anywhere in the surrounding communities, contact L&F Brown today for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions: Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Claims in Los Angeles

Can I recover compensation if I was hit while jaywalking?

Yes. California’s pure comparative negligence rule allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault — including if you were crossing outside a designated crosswalk. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $70,000. The important point is that a driver who was not paying adequate attention, was speeding, or otherwise failed to exercise reasonable care still bears legal responsibility for your injuries, regardless of whether you were crossing at a crosswalk. L&F Brown will work to minimize your assigned fault and maximize your recovery.

What should I do after being hit by a car as a pedestrian or cyclist?

First and foremost, seek immediate medical attention. Do not decline medical care at the scene — your health is the priority, and adrenaline often masks the severity of injuries. Call 911 so that a police report is filed. Gather the driver’s name, contact information, license plate number, and insurance information. Take photographs of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Get contact information from any witnesses. Do not give recorded statements to any insurance company before consulting with an attorney. Contact L&F Brown as soon as possible so that evidence can be preserved and your legal rights protected.

Does a bicycle helmet affect my right to recover compensation?

California law requires cyclists under age 18 to wear helmets but does not mandate helmet use for adult cyclists. If you were not wearing a helmet and suffered a head injury, the at-fault driver may attempt to argue that your failure to wear a helmet contributed to the severity of your injury, potentially reducing your recovery under comparative negligence principles. However, this argument is limited to damages that were actually caused or worsened by helmet non-use — it does not affect compensation for other injuries, such as broken bones, internal injuries, or road rash. An L&F Brown attorney will evaluate the specific impact of helmet use on your claim and develop a strategy that maximizes your recovery.

Can I recover damages if my bicycle was destroyed in the accident?

Yes. Property damage is a recoverable element of damages in California personal injury claims. If your bicycle was damaged or destroyed in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you are entitled to recover the cost of repair or replacement. You may also be able to recover related property losses including damaged safety gear, electronics, and clothing. L&F Brown includes all applicable property damage claims in every bicycle accident case we handle.

What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?

Hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately common in Los Angeles. If the driver who injured you cannot be identified, you may be able to recover through your own uninsured motorist coverage if you carry it on an auto policy, or in some cases through a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Additionally, surveillance footage from businesses, traffic cameras, and nearby residents’ security cameras sometimes allows hit-and-run drivers to be identified after the fact. L&F Brown assists hit-and-run accident victims in identifying all available sources of recovery and navigating the claims process.

How long will my pedestrian or bicycle accident case take to resolve?

The timeline depends on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of fault, and the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate fairly. Cases with clear liability and well-documented injuries sometimes settle within several months. Cases involving catastrophic injuries, disputed liability, government entity defendants, or uncooperative insurers may take one to three years. L&F Brown works efficiently to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring that you receive the full compensation you deserve — and we never rush settlements that undervalue your injuries.

Contact L&F Brown — Los Angeles Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Attorneys

If you have been injured as a pedestrian or cyclist in Los Angeles or the surrounding communities, L&F Brown is ready to fight for you. We offer free consultations, work on a contingency fee basis, and are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for every client. Contact us today — the sooner we begin protecting your rights, the stronger your case will be.