Share the Road: Pedestrians and Cyclists Have Rights, Too

Pedestrians who are injured in an accident have legal rights and protections. These rights include seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages.

Collisions with cars are nothing new, but with the onset of summer, and more traffic on streets with cars, pedestrians, dog-walkers, runners, skaters, and cyclists all out and about, it is important to understand your legal rights and the steps you should take in the event of an accident.

 Legal Rights and Protections for Injured Pedestrians and Cyclists

If you are a pedestrian and have been injured in an accident, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit for injuries you sustained. In most cases, the driver of the vehicle involved in an accident will likely be held liable. However, the rules vary depending on the circumstances of the accident and the location where it occurred.

Cyclists also have rights, even though they usually share the road with vehicles. Bicycle riders are vulnerable road users and are at high risk of being hit by cars, trucks, buses, or from defects on the road. Similar to pedestrians, the driver of the motor vehicle is often held liable for a crash, though an experienced bicycle accident lawyer could look for evidence of the rider sharing fault.

How to Proceed if You Are Injured

If you are injured as a pedestrian or bicyclist, there are three crucial things you should do immediately.

• Seek medical attention: Whether the injuries are minor or major, it does not matter, it is important to seek medical evaluation to identify any hidden injuries, like a TBI.
• Collect evidence: Your case will be stronger if you are able to take photos of the accident scene. Documenting injuries and obtaining contact information for witnesses is always a good idea.
• Report the incident: Notify the appropriate authorities, like the police or local transportation department. This is important especially if the accident involved a motor vehicle. A police record would help to provide an official record of the accident.

These steps are necessary to receive the best outcome when filing a lawsuit for damages you experienced.

Injured Cyclists and Pedestrians Should Contact a Lawyer as Soon as Possible

After calling for medical help and emergency services, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney. If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian, bicycling, or car accident, call us today and learn how we can help. Your consultation is completely free.