In Torrance, pedestrians and cyclists often face greater risks than drivers. With city streets built primarily for car traffic, those on foot or bike are more exposed to injury during a collision. While the city has made strides in improving infrastructure, serious accidents continue to happen.
Every year, there are dozens of pedestrian and cyclist injuries. Some result in lifelong disabilities. Others end in tragic loss. As traffic patterns shift due to microtransit, delivery vehicles, and distracted driving, now is the time to focus on better protections for those most at risk.
Walking and biking are efficient, environmentally friendly ways to move through Torrance. But compared to drivers, pedestrians and cyclists lack the physical protection of airbags, seatbelts, or a steel frame. This means even low-speed collisions can cause severe trauma, including:
For cyclists, helmet use may reduce the risk of head injury—but it doesn’t prevent leg fractures, chest trauma, or internal organ damage from an impact.
Some of the most frequent situations that lead to injuries include:
In many cases, drivers claim they “didn’t see” the pedestrian or cyclist until it was too late. But under California law, that excuse doesn’t clear them of responsibility.
California Vehicle Code gives pedestrians and cyclists several rights. However, asserting those rights after a crash often involves evidence, medical records, and legal support.
Under state law:
Despite these laws, enforcement isn’t always consistent. That’s why injured road users often rely on legal action to seek justice and compensation.
California uses a “pure comparative negligence” system. This means that even if the pedestrian or cyclist is partially at fault, they can still recover damages. For example, if a jury finds a cyclist 20% responsible for an accident, they can still recover 80% of the total damages awarded.
However, proving fault requires more than just an injury. A skilled Torrance motor accident lawyer can help gather surveillance footage, eyewitness statements, and police reports to build a strong claim.
While driver behavior causes most collisions, Torrance’s urban layout sometimes contributes to the danger. Wide roads without traffic-calming features encourage high speeds. Inconsistent bike lanes and faded crosswalks make it harder for drivers to predict where vulnerable users are traveling.
In some cases, injured pedestrians or cyclists may have a valid claim against the city itself if poor road design or maintenance played a role in the crash.
Filing a claim against a public entity like the City of Torrance involves a shorter deadline—often six months from the date of injury under the California Government Claims Act. Waiting too long can bar the victim from recovering damages.
Victims should act quickly after being injured in a pedestrian or cyclist accident. Here’s what to do:
Walking and biking are everyday activities that should not come with a constant threat of injury. Yet every year, Torrance residents suffer preventable harm because drivers fail to yield, speed through intersections, or drive while distracted.
Pedestrians and cyclists may be the most exposed on our roads, but they are not powerless. California law provides strong protections for injured road users—but time, evidence, and legal guidance matter.
If you or someone you love was hit while walking or biking, don’t wait. A Torrance motor accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, hold the right parties accountable, and recover the support you need to heal.
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