Need help from a pedestrian vs. bicycle accident lawyer? Speak with a Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group attorney today. We explain your rights in plain English and fight for the full value of your claim.
While encounters with pedestrians are mostly harmless, unpredictable pedestrian behavior, whether intentional or not, can occasionally lead to dangerous situations. Consider these examples:
Proving intentional pedestrian behavior in legal cases can be challenging, as intent is often difficult to establish. However, an experienced lawyer will be able to gather evidence and prove that the cyclist is not at fault in case the bicycle accident was a pedestrian’s fault.
A collision with a pedestrian can throw riders off their bikes, causing severe injuries even at low speeds. Here are the main types of possible injuries:
Cyclists may suffer concussions or traumatic brain injuries when trying to avoid a collision. A quick turn or a sudden stop can send them headfirst into the ground or other surfaces around them.
Cyclists often extend their arms instinctively during a fall, which can transmit force to the shoulder and collarbone. This can lead to fractures or broken collarbones or shoulders.
When they’re forced off their bikes by sudden pedestrian actions, cyclists usually land on their hands. This can cause broken wrists and sprained fingers.
Sudden stops and swerves can hurt knee ligaments and cause more severe injuries to the legs, such as fractures or muscle damage.
While helmets protect the skull, the face remains vulnerable during a fall. Facial injuries include dental issues, broken nose, and cuts.
Bicyclists may suffer chest injuries when falling from their bike. A sudden stop can send them headfirst into the ground and cause serious chest injuries.
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Even if you think the incident was minor, proper documentation is essential, as in some cases, pedestrians may later claim the cyclist was at fault. Follow these steps to protect yourself:
Both cyclists and pedestrians have rights and responsibilities when they use the same areas. Cyclists are generally expected to yield to pedestrians, alert them when passing, and slow down shared spaces. But, just because someone is on a bike, it doesn’t mean they’re automatically to blame for an accident.
Pedestrians must follow traffic signals, use crosswalks, and avoid stepping into bike lanes without ensuring it is safe to do so. If they choose to ignore these rules or get aggressive, they could find themselves legally responsible for bicycle accidents that happen.
Most states use comparative negligence to assign fault in these accidents. Rather than placing all blame on one party, a court or insurance adjuster determines each person’s percentage of responsibility, and compensation is reduced accordingly. For example, a pedestrian found 70% at fault for stepping into a bike lane leaves the cyclist recovering 70% of their damages. In some states, being more than 50% at fault bars recovery entirely. The specific bicycle laws in your state play a significant role, so gathering strong evidence (surveillance footage, witness statements, police reports) early on is critical for building a solid claim.
Many cyclists face both injuries and unfair blame after pedestrian crashes. Whether someone stepped into your path without looking or deliberately caused a crash, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Fault disputes can directly affect how your claim compares to the average bicycle accident settlement.
If a pedestrian’s negligence causes a bike accident, you may be entitled to recover medical expenses. This includes emergency room visits, follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and any ongoing treatment you need.
You may recover compensation for lost wages, including missed workdays, overtime, and bonuses, provided you can document the missed income with pay stubs, employment records, or employer testimony. If your injuries affect your ability to do your job long-term, you can also claim compensation for reduced earning capacity.
Getting into a crash with pedestrians can lead to serious physical pain and even heavy emotional distress. You may be entitled to compensation for physical and mental discomfort, which includes pain, emotional distress, and the broader impact on your quality of life. The amount awarded varies based on the severity and documentation of your injuries.
There’s a good chance your bike and gear got damaged in the crash. You may recover compensation for property damage, including the cost of repairing or replacing your bike, helmet, clothing, phone, and other personal items.
Finally, you can also receive compensation for any lasting changes to your appearance, including scars from road rash, surgical scars, or other permanent marks. This may cover both the physical changes and emotional impact.
A good bicycle accident lawyer knows how to stand up for your rights. Here’s how we help you get a fair compensation:
We make sure to document all your losses, from medical bills and lost work time to your damaged bike. This lets us secure maximum compensation for everything this accident has cost you, depending on the evidence provided and applicable laws.
Our bicycle accident law firm is experienced in dealing with insurance adjusters and tactics designed to minimize payouts. Focus on recovery, and we’ll protect your interests to ensure you receive fair compensation.
If the pedestrian changes their story or makes inaccurate claims, we use the evidence gathered to demonstrate what happened in reality.
Whether we’re communicating with insurance companies or the pedestrian’s lawyers, we’re here to stand up for what you deserve. If settlement negotiations fail to yield a fair outcome, our bicycle accident attorneys are ready to advocate for you in court.
Our experienced attorneys work tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable and ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve for medical expenses.
While general personal injury attorneys may take care of your case, bike accidents with pedestrians need some expertise in these practice areas. Here are the specific qualities to look for in your potential lawyer.
Ensure your attorney is actively involved in cycling advocacy and manages cases with both cyclists and pedestrians.
Your lawyer must understand local and state bicycle laws, which is crucial for building a case and determining the fault based on the specifics of the incident.
Experience counts because these types of accidents need specific knowledge that only comes from dealing with similar cases over and over.
Feel free to ask about their wins in bike accident cases. A good lawyer should be able to share examples of cases where they helped cyclists get fair compensation.
Dealing with serious injuries and false claims after a pedestrian causes your bicycle accident? Our experience with bicycle-pedestrian accident cases allows us to foresee and effectively counter strategies that might unfairly place blame on cyclists. We’re here to explore your legal options and provide guidance on protecting your rights. Contact us for a consultation!
If you’re a cyclist who has been in an accident, call today for a free initial consult about your legal claim. We’re here to help with your legal questions. Contact our law firm for coast-to-coast bike accident and personal injury representation.
