At Maison Law, we offer compassionate and diligent representation to those who have been hurt in pedestrian accidents throughout California. Runners have many rights on our roads and many areas where running can take place as safely as possible. However, sometimes runners will share the roads and paths with other individuals – including bicyclists. When a runner is injured in an accident caused by a negligent cyclist, they may wonder where they can turn. Contact us today for a no-obligation and completely confidential case consultation.
Pedestrian Injuries in Accidents Involving Bicycles
Both pedestrians and cyclists share our roads and sidewalks. Another aspect that these parties have in common is that they have few protections from harm in the event of an accident. However, pedestrians are known to be the most vulnerable parties on California roads due to the complete lack of protection they have, whereas a bicyclist may have a helmet to protect their head in a collision.
Each year, it is estimated that 122,000 runners, walkers, and cyclists are injured in collisions. Out of these accidents, a large percentage are hospitalized with concussions, heart attacks, and other injuries. When a pedestrian is running and they are involved in an accident with a cyclist, they could sustain any of the following severe injuries:
- Road rash injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries, such as paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Cuts and lacerations, which can lead to infection
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
The injuries that a runner sustains in a bicycle accident can be so severe that they land in the hospital for an extended period of time or even lose their life depending on the circumstances of the collision. This is why bicyclists must always pay close attention to the roads around them and why pedestrians should always know their legal options after an accident.
Bicycle Accidents at Pedestrian Crossings: Who is at Fault?
Both bicyclists and runners have the freedom to enjoy themselves in many areas throughout California. However, there are many times when a cyclist may share the same space with a runner, such as on a sidewalk or at a crosswalk as they navigate the streets. Though bicycle riders are permitted to use pedestrian crosswalks to safely cross the road, they are supposed to yield to pedestrians at all times. In fact, cyclists are encouraged to get off of their bike in these areas and walk their bike across the street to lessen the chance of an accident occurring.
A pedestrian runner can claim that they had the right-of-way if they were injured at a crosswalk due to a cyclist’s negligence. A cyclist could be taken to court for damages if they have caused harm, even if they didn’t expect the accident to happen.
Damages in a Runner Pedestrian Accident Involving a Bicyclist
Runners who have been struck by bicyclists unexpectedly may sustain serious and devastating injuries that affect their life for months or even years to come. If a pedestrian is injured in one of these accidents, they may find that they are eligible for both economic and non-economic damages. These include some of the following:
- Medical expenses you have sustained or expect to incur in the future
- Lost wages and future loss of earning capacity
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Counseling due to mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
You may be concerned about all of your damages being covered in a pedestrian accident claim involving a bicyclist. The bicyclist may be pointing the finger at you and their insurance company might not be willing to negotiate. This is why it can be incredibly beneficial to speak with a legal advocate who has handled these claims in the past.
Contact a California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
As a runner, you know that you are offered certain protections from harm and that drivers are supposed to look out for you at all times. However, bicyclists and other parties may miss runners from time to time, causing a serious accident with tragic consequences. This is why it is crucial that you understand your options after a serious accident so that you can get back on your feet.
Our California pedestrian accident lawyers at Maison Law will help you with many aspects of your claim, from standing up to the insurance company to meeting all deadlines in your case. We want to demand what is owed to you after a serious accident. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us today for a free consultation.
