Many people have taken to running over the last few years in light of the pandemic. Running can be an extremely healthy and fulfilling form of exercise. But while running can certainly be good for you, it also carries a risk of injury or even death, especially in areas that offer unsafe roadways and little to no running lanes.
When runners don’t have a safe space to run, away from traffic it only makes the activity more dangerous. This is largely due to the fact that drivers often fail to see runners or don’t see them soon enough to avoid contact with them. This is even worse after dark when visibility has decreased significantly.
While cars and other motor vehicles offer protection to their drivers, runners lack any type of real protection. Unlike bicyclists, runners don’t even wear helmets. Therefore, when a car hits a runner, the results can prove catastrophic. This is just another reason as to why drivers must use great caution whenever behind the wheel – and especially when sharing the road with runners.
Common Reasons Drivers Hit Runners
There are many reasons as to why drivers end up hitting runners. Such causes of these accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Inattentive driving
- Failure to look before backing out of a driveway, alley, or parking space
- Failure to look before opening the car door
- Drunk driving
- Failure to give way at an intersection
Other Types of Running Accidents
It’s important to note that accidents involving runners don’t always involve motor vehicles. Other common causes of accidents involving runners include:
- Running over uneven terrain
- Tripping on cracked sidewalks
- Running over or into debris on the road
- Sharing a lane with another runner and being forced out
- Getting attacked by a dog
- Trying to avoid any of the above
Common Running Accident Injuries
When a runner is involved in an accident, he or she can suffer a variety of injuries, such as:
- Broken and fractured bones
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Psychological issues (e.g., PTSD, anxiety, depression)
What Can Runners Do?
While you can’t always prevent accidents, there are certain things that runners can do to minimize the risk of occurrence:
- Run facing towards coming traffic
- Wear appropriate footwear and clothing
- Wear reflective clothing at night (if you can’t avoid running at night)
- Avoid running in inclement weather
- Assume you can’t be seen
If you have been involved in a running accident, it’s imperative that you consult with a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. There may be cameras in the area that captured the accident that may only be available for a short period of time. Also, even if you were partially to blame for the accident you may still be entitled to compensation.
The Attorneys at Ceja Law Firm Help Those in Houston Who Have Been Injured in an Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to the recklessness or negligence of another, it’s vital that you understand to what you are entitled under the law. With this information under your belt, you can make the important decisions regarding how you want to move forward. That’s why it’s in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced Texas personal injury attorney.
At Ceja Law Firm PLLC, we understand the impact that an accident can have on many parts of your life and the importance of properly dealing with such negligence or recklessness. That’s why we will work to get you the compensation that you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
