Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents: Car vs. Bicycle and Car vs. Pedestrian

While car accidents can be damaging in their own right when the parties involved are both driving cars (or larger vehicles), should a bicyclist or pedestrian be involved in the accident, the results can be devastating and likely fatal even if the vehicle(s) is going at a low speed when the impact occurs. The primary reasons for this are that both pedestrians and bicyclists have no protection (aside from maybe a helmet for a bicyclist) should a car strike them and both are so light in weight when compared to the car that an impact could send them flying off a good distance (ending with a bone-crushing fall to the ground). Although bicyclists and pedestrians can carry some fault when these car accidents occur (namely if the pedestrian or bicyclist is somehow breaking the law), in cases when the negligence or reckless of the vehicle driver causes the accident, victims and families of deceased victims will likely be entitled to compensation for:

• Previous medical bills
• Ongoing treatment costs
• Lost wages
• Permanent disabilities
• Property damage
• Funeral and burial costs (in the event of a wrongful death)
• Mental anguish and suffering.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Some of the most common types of injuries that pedestrians and bicyclists sustain when they are hit by cars include:

• Bone fractures
• Head and brain injuries, including possibly traumatic brain injuries
• Internal bleeding and serious damage to internal organs
• Loss of limbs
• Loss of vision, hearing or other sensory functions
• Severe cuts, burns and bruising
• Spinal cord and back injuries
• Death

Negligence in Car Accidents Involving Bicycles and Pedestrians

Examples of negligence that can cause cars and other vehicles to hit bicyclists and pedestrians include:

• Drunk driving
• Driving while under the influence of illegal, prescription or over-the-counter medications
• Driving while fatigued or exhausted
• Distracted driving, including cellphone use when driving or attempting to use GPS when driving
• Blatant disregard for obeying traffic laws, such as by running red lights, driving on the wrong side of the road and failing to abide by the speed limit

In some cases, vehicle equipment failure (such as tire blowouts or brake failure) or dangerous roadway conditions (such as lack of cross walks, poor night lighting and construction equipment in the roads) can cause cars to hit bicyclists and/or pedestrians even when drivers are doing everything they can to drive as safely as possible. When these types of accidents occur, the liability can rest on the vehicle equipment manufacturer, the company that services the vehicle or the public or private entity responsible for the upkeep and safety of the roads.

At the law firm of Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C., our experienced Mount Vernon car accident lawyers have been providing client-centered representation to our Southern Illinois clients since 1950. Our trusted attorneys focus on our clients’ needs, and we do everything we can to help them get the maximum possible compensation for their injuries so they can focus on recovery and moving on with their life. If you or a loved one has sustained any type of injury due to a bicycle or pedestrian accident involving a car, contact us by calling (800)-553-3125 for a free, thorough assessment of your case, along with professional advice regarding the best manner in which to move forward.