At Maison Law, our attorneys represent those injured in pedestrian accidents throughout California every year. We understand how overwhelming it can be to face the aftermath of a truck accident as a runner, especially due to the severity of the injuries involved. Our attorneys have the resources necessary to help you back on your feet during these difficult times. Please do not hesitate to contact a California pedestrian accident lawyer soon after your accident for the assistance you deserve.
Large Trucks Involved in Accidents with Runners and Other Pedestrians
According to estimates by RoadID, there are approximately 122,000 accidents involving runners, walkers, and cyclists in the U.S. each year. Though many of these accidents involve negligent motor vehicle drivers, pedestrians are also seriously injured and killed in accidents involving large trucks each year as well.
Between 2018 to 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) found that hundreds of pedestrians were killed in accidents involving large trucks each year in the country. In 2018, 452 pedestrians were killed in these collisions. In 2020, this number rose to an astounding 514 individuals. Though the data is unclear about the types of pedestrians, there is no doubt that a percentage of these accidents involved pedestrian runners.
Common Causes of Accidents Involving Large Trucks and Runners
Drivers of large trucks can be found anywhere, from major highways to intersections in California. Pedestrians who are running or jogging in these areas assume that the driver of a truck will see them since the drivers are so high off the ground, but this is not always the case. Truck drivers have extensive blind spots in many areas, which can lead to an accident in the blink of an eye.
Though California Vehicle Code 21950 states that all motorists are supposed to yield to the right-of-way to runners and all types of pedestrians, this is difficult to do if a driver does not see a pedestrian until the last minute. Large truck accidents involving runners in California tend to happen due to some of the following reasons:
Right-Hand Turns: Truck drivers may not see a pedestrian until it is too late while making a right-hand turn. As the runner is headed through an intersection at a crosswalk, a truck driver may slam into them without ever seeing them in the first place.
Backing Up: If there is a pedestrian running behind a truck and the driver does not see them, they might back up directly into them.
Exiting Ramp Near Intersections: Truck drivers frequently exit highways at high speeds. As a pedestrian is crossing the street at a nearby intersection, they might not be able to stop in time.
Rest Stops/Fuel Stops: Pedestrians sometimes jog in the area of rest stops and fuel stops. A trucker might be pulling into one or driving through a parking lot and could strike a runner if they do not see them in time.
Injuries in Runner Accidents Involving Large Trucks
When a runner is involved in an accident involving a large truck, they are likely to sustain long-lasting and catastrophic injuries. Some of these include the following:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries/Paralysis
- Amputation
- Eye injuries
Due to the severity of these accidents, many pedestrians are also killed in fatal truck accidents when they are struck while running. Receiving immediate medical attention after an accident can increase the likelihood that a runner will get the care that they need. This is why it is important to never delay seeking medical treatment, even if you believe that you have not been seriously injured.
Contact a California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Runners are injured and killed in serious accidents involving large trucks every single year in California and beyond. Because trucking companies employ big-name insurance companies, there is always a chance that they might not be willing to negotiate after an accident. Speaking with an attorney can help you and your family protect your rights.
At Maison Law, our California pedestrian accident lawyers are here to help you after you have been hurt or your family lost a loved one in an accident. We understand how devastated you are feeling and believe that you should be able to grieve on your own after an accident. Please contact us for more information on how we can assist you at this time.
