Causes of Accidents

Careless (negligent) drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians:

• Walking legally in crosswalks
• Crossing streets at corners
• Walking in parking lots
• Walking on designated paths

Distracted or careless drivers fail to see bicycle riders who are legally using the roadway. These drivers:

• Fail to share the road with bicycle riders
• Drive into the designated bicycle lane
• Make right turns directly in front of bicycle riders
• Open car doors into the path of bicycle riders

Pedestrians and bike riders are without the kinds of protective devices that can be found in cars, such as airbags, crash cages, seatbelts or interior vehicle padding. This lack of protection results in more serious injury when the victim is pounded against a hard metal vehicle and then smashed into the pavement.

Drunk drivers are inattentive, reckless, and aggressive drivers. The visual and mental impairment caused by alcohol or drugs often results in accidents and injuries involving pedestrians and bicycle riders.

Bicycle Accidents and Pedestrian Accidents

The unprotected human body is no match for a two-ton car or truck. When an automobile or truck hits a pedestrian, runner, or bicycle rider, devastating injury, disability, or death, are the likely results.

The attorneys of Kershaw, Cutter & Ratinoff have many years of experience and have recovered millions of dollars in damages for walkers, runners, and bicycle riders who have been injured in collisions with motor vehicles.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

• In 2006, more than 60,000 pedestrians in the United States were injured after being hit by a motor vehicle.
• In the same year, 4,786 pedestrians were killed after being hit by a car or truck.
• Pedestrians are at the highest risk for injury and death compared to bicycle riders or others who are outside of a vehicle when an accident occurs.

Types of Damages Recoverable

Injured pedestrians and bicycle riders have the same rights as any other person legally using the public roadways. If you have been injured by a motor vehicle, you may be entitled to damages which include:

• Payment for pain and suffering
• Past and future medical bills
• Past and future lost earnings
• Emotional distress

The experienced attorneys of Kershaw, Cutter & Ratinoff will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation, collect the important evidence, and will deal directly and firmly with insurance companies. We know that investigating bicycle and pedestrian accidents calls for special attention to such important issues as visibility and accident reconstruction. We make sure that these important parts of the investigation are never overlooked.

If you were injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident it is important that you contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights. To contact an experienced attorney at Kershaw, Cutter & Ratinoff and get a free case evaluation, please fill out and submit the contact form on this page or call us toll-free at (888) 285-3333.