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Runners Hit by Cars in California

Central California is an especially great place for runners to enjoy the outdoors and see the sights around them. There are actually many places that have been specifically implemented for runners to have a safe area to run – from the Mackerricher State Park to the Berkeley Marina. Though running can have many benefits, there are also many dangers to those who choose to run in California for leisure and health.

Maison Law offers representation to those who have been struck and injured in California pedestrian accidents over the years. You deserve a safe place to run without having to worry about the threat of accidents or injuries. If you have then been injured by a driver who was not obeying the rules of the road, you have legal options. Please contact a compassionate and knowledgeable lawyer who has handled these cases in the past.

How Often Are Runners Hit by Vehicle Drivers in California Every Year?

Unfortunately, the data concerning runners struck by vehicles in pedestrian accidents is not as clear as we would like it to be. This is due to the fact that, when California reports are taken, there is nothing to differentiate between the actions of the pedestrian at the time. However, statistics presented by RoadID show that there are approximately 122,000 people who are running, walking, or cycling who are hit by vehicles every year in the U.S.

Especially in major cities, running-related pedestrian accidents tend to be most common. Though Los Angeles takes one of the top spots for cities with the most pedestrian accidents involving joggers, there are many other cities where these accidents commonly occur when they are best prevented and do not happen at all. California cities must work together to ensure that the safety of runners is one of their top priorities.

Injuries to Runners Struck by Motor Vehicles

In any type of pedestrian accident, including those involving runners, many catastrophic injuries can occur and alter the lives of those involved. These include some of the following:

  • Neck and back injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
  • Sprains, strains, and tears
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Broken bones

In the most severe cases, a runner’s life could be taken in a pedestrian accident that they never expected. No matter the type of injuries and their severity, you could have a long road to recovery before you after a pedestrian accident while running. This can keep you from work, paying necessary bills, and returning to running as a favorite activity.

Things to Remember if You Have Been Injured in a Pedestrian Accident While Running

From the moment that you are hit by a vehicle while running, your first major concern should be your health and well-being. After this is accounted for, gathering necessary evidence that you can use in the future of your claim takes priority over many other aspects. You should take the following steps immediately after your collision:

  • Call emergency personnel so that you and any other runners can receive medical attention for your injuries. You may suspect that you are not injured but the injuries could show themselves later, which is why you never want to wait.
  • Call law enforcement so that they can make an official report that you can use in the future of your claim. Contact information could also be provided in this report.
  • Take photographs at the scene if you are able to. These include photos and videos of involved vehicles, license plates, injuries that all parties sustained, and damage to any belongings.
  • Take note of any cameras nearby that may have caught the accident on camera, as this can serve as great evidence.
  • Follow up on all doctor’s orders, as it proves that you care for your health and well-being after an accident and can prevent injuries from worsening.

Many people do not realize the exact consequences of their accident until hours or even days after it has happened. This is why it is especially important that you see your normal physician or go to the hospital for treatment before all else.

How Runners and Joggers Can Protect Themselves in California

When you are running or jogging close to areas or on roads where passenger vehicles drive, there is always a chance that you could become involved in a life-altering accident. It is critical that joggers and runners keep all safety measures in mind. Here are some steps to protect your well-being while running:

  • Don’t listen to loud music that drowns out nearby traffic.
  • Avoid jogging or running anywhere directly on a street.
  • Make sure that you are visible during day and night.
  • Pay attention to your surroundings at all times.
  • Bring a phone with you, as you never know when an emergency can happen.
  • Obey all traffic laws.
  • Try to always cross at crosswalks when they are in the area.

Though drivers are supposed to always be on the lookout for runners and other pedestrians, a collision can still occur when even the simplest road mistake occurs. By working together, runners and drivers can prevent these accidents from taking place.

Contact a California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

No matter the severity of the injuries involved in your accident, the medical bills and other damages you obtain after a pedestrian collision can be overwhelming. You should not have to worry about any out-of-pocket costs as you focus on your recovery following a running accident caused by another party.

Our California pedestrian accident lawyers at Maison Law have diligently assisted many victims of pedestrian accidents over the years. It is important to know that you have options for recovery and we have the resources to help you through these difficult challenges. We make our clients a priority during one of the most traumatic events of their lives. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a confidential and completely free case review.