Running is a popular activity enjoyed by many individuals throughout Bakersfield and the rest of Kern County. In fact, you can find runners on some of the most highly rated trails in Bakersfield at any given time, from the Hart Park Trail to El Camino Viejo Bike Trail. However, sometimes runners must enter traffic as they cross intersections and highways to get from one place to another. In these situations, a runner could be seriously injured or even lose their life due to a negligent driver.
At Maison Law, our attorneys offer representation to runners who have been affected by life-altering running accidents in Bakersfield. We will identify all responsible parties and protect your rights every step of the way as you navigate the California legal system and work toward financial support. Please contact us today for a no-obligation and completely free case consultation.
How Running Accidents Occur in California
Accidents involving runners have become all too common in California. Even though runners find recreational fun and stay healthy by enjoying a good run, it can come with consequences when a negligent driver is out and about. Many of these accidents happen at intersections when drivers are distracted by cell phones, speeding, or otherwise disobeying the rules of the road. However, there are more than just drivers that pose a risk to runners. In Bakersfield, a dog off of its leash could suddenly chase after a runner, biting them or knocking them down. In these cases, a dog owner could be responsible for the harm that a runner suffers. Lastly, government entities could also be responsible for harm caused to a runner if the runner is injured in an accident due to a broken or uneven surface. Imagine running on a sidewalk or road when, all of a sudden, you trip and fall due to a pothole or a raised surface you never expected. Local municipalities are often responsible for keeping sidewalks and roads free of debris and adverse conditions in general. In an accident caused by a defective sidewalk or road, a Bakersfield runner could have a personal injury claim.Injuries Present in Running Accidents
As a result of a Bakersfield running accident, you could sustain minor to severe injuries that affect you for weeks, months, or even years. These injuries can easily lead to time spent in the hospital, multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and more. Some of the injuries that result from running accidents include the following:- Musculoskeletal Injuries: These injuries are some of the most common in the event of a running accident. They include strains, sprains, and dislocations of various muscles and joints in the body. These injuries can signal a long road to recovery and a runner may also face chronic pain, making them unable to run or enjoy certain activities.
- Head/Brain Injuries: Head and traumatic brain injuries can lead to various debilitating symptoms from memory loss and seizures to coma and brain bleeding in some of the most severe cases.
- Spine Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can be catastrophic to a runner and include spinal fractures and dislocations. In some of the worst cases, a spinal cord injury could lead to paralysis.
- Broken Bones: Various fractures are present in running accidents. These breaks can take a long time to heal and even require surgery in some cases.
- Knee Injuries: A runner could fall onto their knee cap, causing a break or a ligament tear.
Damages Available to Runners After an Accident
When a Bakersfield runner is injured in an accident caused by the negligence of another party, they may be facing many bills. Runners who have been hurt in an accident may be eligible for the following types of damages:- Medical expenses that you have sustained and care that you may need in the future
- Costs of permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income and future loss of income
- Costs of travel to and from hospitals and doctor’s visits
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Wrongful death damages if a life was lost in an accident
Contact a Bakersfield Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been hurt in a running accident in Bakersfield, you have options to move forward with an injury claim. At Maison Law, our Bakersfield pedestrian accident lawyers are here to stand by your side and help you negotiate the insurance company when it comes to your claim. We offer you a no-obligation case review that comes with absolutely no risk. Please contact us today for more information on how we can help you get started on your claim.Additional Resources:
