When many people think of pedestrian accidents, they may picture a car hitting someone crossing a street. This case is a little different because it involves a bicyclist hitting a pedestrian. A senior citizen is recovering after he was hit by a hit-and-run bicyclist in New York City.
The 69-year-old man was crossing W. 40th St. when he was hit by the bicyclist on April 21. The bicyclist kept on going, while the man suffered a fractured skull. The injuries caused by the pedestrian accident initially forced doctors to put the man in a coma, but his condition is now improving.
Pedestrians almost always have the right of way, so liability is generally placed on the person who hits the pedestrian. The man who hit the pedestrian could be held liable for the accident and subsequent injuries. Plus, he could face charges for leaving the scene of the accident.
A pedestrian accident can cause major injuries, as seen in this case. A fractured skull is a serious condition that could take many months for recovery. With the skull suffering so much damage, it is possible that the victim has brain trauma as well. Brain injuries can last many years or even a lifetime.
When a person is injured in a pedestrian accident or any other type of accident caused by someone else’s negligence, he or she can seek financial recovery through a lawsuit. A civil lawsuit may provide compensation for damages such as medical expenses and lost wages. Even emotional damages, such as pain and suffering or even emotional distress, can also be claimed, but these types of damages are a bit harder to quantify.
Source: New York Daily News, “Bicyclist sought after Midtown hit-and-run that left pedestrian, 69, with fractured skull” No author given, Apr. 25, 2014
