Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents vs. Car Accidents: How Are They Different?

Walking or riding a bicycle can provide exercise, enjoyment, and cost-effective transportation. However, every time you are near traffic, you are at risk of being involved in a crash and suffering injuries.

Bicycle and pedestrian accidents are some of the most dangerous traffic accidents for a variety of important reasons. One universal difference of these types of accidents is that when you are on foot or on your bike, you’re far more vulnerable than the occupants of passenger vehicles to the impact of an ensuing crash. If someone else’s negligence leaves you injured in a bike or pedestrian accident, don’t delay consulting with an experienced Forsyth County bike and pedestrian accident attorney. 

Inherent Dangers

There are certain unique dangers that are inherent to both bike and pedestrian accidents, including:

• You sometimes join the flow of traffic, but you have neither the size and weight nor the speed of the vehicles all around you, which leaves you at an extreme safety disadvantage.
• It is much more difficult for motorists on the road to see you and, therefore, to accommodate your safe passage, especially if drivers are distracted.
• You lack the protective shell that cars and other vehicles allow their passengers, which leaves you extremely vulnerable to the impact of an accident.
• You are much more vulnerable to driver negligence, and negligent drivers are on every road.

These factors often mean that pedestrians and cyclists sustain more severe injuries than drivers or passengers of motor vehicles.

Serious Injuries and Serious Damages

When you are walking or riding your bike, you’re more likely to suffer a very serious injury in an accident, which means you’re also more likely to suffer serious losses, including:

• Extensive Medical Expenses – The serious nature of bike and pedestrian accidents can lead to wide-ranging medical expenses that include emergency care and transportation, surgery and hospitalization, ongoing care and treatment from doctors and specialists, physical therapy, rehabilitation, prescription medications, home health care, adaptive physical devices, and much more.
• Lost Wages – A bike or pedestrian accident can leave you off the job for a considerable amount of time, which can translate to a considerable decrease in earnings and even to lost earning potential into your future. If your injuries are catastrophic in nature, you may never be able to work again, which is both an emotional and a financial blow.
• Pain and Suffering – The physical and emotional pain and suffering associated with being injured in a pedestrian or bike accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence can be overwhelming and very difficult to calculate.

You Need an Experienced Cumming Bike and Pedestrian Accident Attorney on Your Side

The extremely serious nature of bike and pedestrian accidents can leave you facing overwhelming damages. The Forsyth County bike and pedestrian accident attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland are well-positioned to help guide your claim toward its most beneficial conclusion. Our legal team is committed to skillfully advocating for your rights and for your rightful compensation, so please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 770-887-1209 today.