California Filing Deadline
2 yrs
California's general statute of limitations for personal-injury claims is two years from the date of injury. Miss it and the claim is usually barred.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1
North County San Diego · Pedestrian & Bike Accidents
The crosswalk and the bike lane should have been safe.
North County San Diego Pedestrian & Bike Accidents Attorney
Pedestrians and cyclists have no protection when a car hits them, and the injuries show it. California's comparative-fault rule means you likely have a case even if the insurer says you were partly to blame.
33% contingency · no fee and no case costs unless we win · Every new case is reviewed by an attorney personally
What you should know about pedestrian & bike accidents cases in North County San Diego.
We start every new case with the same posture: assume the insurance company will try to close fast and pay light. Our job is to slow it down, build the file properly, and force the carrier to value the claim correctly.
Most pedestrian & bike accidents files have a small handful of issues that decide value: liability evidence, the strength of treatment documentation, lost-wage proof, and the available insurance limits. We handle each of those personally rather than passing them through paralegals.
Why timing matters
The clock starts the day you're hurt.
California's deadlines are strict, and evidence like video and witness memories fades fast.
Calling early lets us preserve evidence and file on time, so the insurer can't use the calendar against you.
Government-Entity Deadline
6 mo
Claims against a city, county, Caltrans, NCTD, or any other public entity must be filed within six months, far shorter than the standard two years.
Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2
Property Damage
3 yrs
Claims for damage to your car or other property have a three-year deadline, but injury claims run on the shorter two-year clock.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 338(c)
Pedestrian & Bike Accidents · FAQ
Common questions about pedestrian & bike accidents cases.
Was the driver at fault if I jaywalked?
California is a pure comparative-negligence state. Even if you crossed mid-block, you can still recover damages reduced by your share of fault. Drivers also have a duty to anticipate pedestrians and avoid them when reasonably possible.
What if a driver opened a car door into me in the bike lane?
California Vehicle Code § 22517 prohibits opening a vehicle door into traffic unless it's reasonably safe. A driver or passenger who 'doors' a cyclist is usually at fault, and their auto insurance typically covers the injuries.
What is comparative negligence and how does it affect my case?
California uses pure comparative negligence: your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover something even if you were 99% at fault. The defendant's insurer is responsible for proving your share.
How are damages valued for a pedestrian or cyclist?
Medical bills, lost wages, future care, and pain and suffering are all recoverable. Because pedestrians and riders have no protection, injuries tend to be serious and claims often reach the at-fault driver's policy limits, at which point your own UM/UIM coverage may add more.