The Law Offices of Matthew J. Quinlan represents anyone that’s been injured in an accident in San Francisco. This includes runners and other pedestrians who were simply trying to take advantage of the beautiful environment that the city gives them. When running, the possibility of being injured is ever-present, but we can help. If you or someone you know has been hurt while running in San Francisco, contact us today for a free consultation.

Do You Need a Lawyer?

Whether or not you actually need our lawyers to help you depends on the circumstances of your accident. If the accident was minor or you suffer minor injuries, you probably don’t need our help–although we’d be happy to provide you with assistance. But if you suffer more serious injuries, which are common in these types of accidents, you’re probably going to need all the help you can get. Our team has a wealth of experience in helping clients like you in the following ways:

• Investigating the facts around your accident
• Explaining your rights and the best option for you
• Determining liability and finding witnesses
• Gathering and presenting evidence
• Negotiating and communicating with insurance companies

As you probably know if you spend any amount of time out and about in San Francisco, there’s any number of potential hazards that can leave you facing serious injuries. This makes the claims process very important to your overall recovery. And the first step in this process is understanding liability.

Do You Have the Same Rights as a Runner?

In the eyes of the law, being a runner doesn’t change your rights in any way. In fact, you’re still considered a pedestrian, which means you have the right of way at crosswalks and intersections. At the same time, though, the actual way your accident happened is going to determine who ultimately is responsible for covering your injuries and damages. And in order to figure that out, you’ll need to show negligence:

• The person or entity had a duty of care to act in a way that prevented accidents
• They breached this duty
• This breach caused the accident in question
• The accident left you injured or damaged in some way

With this established, you can pinpoint legal liability. In a typical runner accident, any of the following could be responsible:

• Drivers
• Other runners or pedestrians
• Vehicle manufacturers
• Third parties, like construction workers or companies
• Government agencies responsible for maintaining the road or malfunctioning road signs

These situations also involve the concept of “comparative negligence”, where your overall recovery can be reduced if you have some percentage of fault in the accident. Usually, this involves things like:

• Darting out into the road
• Not using crosswalks
• Not paying attention

You can still file an injury claim under these circumstances, but just know that your damages will likely see a reduction because you shared some fault in the accident.

What Should You Do After One of These Accidents?

Obviously, the actions you take will play a big role in your claim. This includes the steps you take in the immediate aftermath of the accident itself. Insurance companies–which will be involved in your claim one way or the other–will do anything they can to devalue your claim. So, what you do after the accident is very important:

• Get to safety and check your injuries – As with any accident, you’ll need to prioritize your safety. If possible, move to a safe location off the road or onto the sidewalk. From there, check your injuries, and if you’re seriously hurt, ask for help from a bystander or call 911.
  
  
• Get immediate medical attention – It’s very important to get medical attention to address your injuries. You can do this at the scene with emergency responders or by going to an emergency room or urgent care for less severe injuries. Immediate medical attention is crucial for documenting the accident and your medical needs.
  
  
• Gather evidence and accounts – If possible, talk to witnesses for their accounts of the accident. If it still works, take pictures of the scene with your phone. If your phone doesn’t work or is broken, contact the police to create an accident report and assist in gathering crucial evidence.
  
  
• Manage your stress – it’s okay to acknowledge the high stress level of the situation. If taking these steps is challenging, reach out to our team of lawyers for guidance. We understand the challenges involved and can provide the support you need during this difficult time.

Remember, your well-being is a priority, and taking these steps can contribute to both your immediate recovery and the protection of your legal rights.

Injuries and Damages in an Accident as a Runner

What separates any pedestrian accident–including those involving you as a runner–from others is the potential for serious injuries and other damage. It’s not complicated to figure out why: you have basically zero protection against a larger, moving vehicle. With its metal frame alone, collisions can leave you with any number of injuries like:

• Head injuries -Some of the most serious and common injuries these accidents can cause are severe head injuries like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and skull fractures.
  
  
• Spine injuries – If you’re hit in the back or neck, it may result in spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis or other long-term disabilities.
  
  
• Fractures and broken bones – Another common injury in these accidents are fractures to your arms, legs, or hips, often requiring surgery to treat broken bones.
  
  
• Internal organ damage – These accidents can harm internal organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys.
  
  
• Cuts and bruises – When you’re hit and thrown to the ground, you often end up with cuts, bruises, and scrapes. These injuries increase the risk of infection.
  
  
• Emotional and mental trauma – These accidents not only cause physical harm but also emotional distress. You will likely experience anxiety, sadness, or ongoing stress after the event. These emotional injuries are as significant as physical ones and can impact your life for a long time.

Damages Available in a Claim

There’s generally two options in any injury claim: filing an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s carrier or filing a personal injury lawsuit. Both of these options allow you to recover financial support for your injuries and other losses from the accident–known as “damages.” In a typical runner injury claim, you can potentially recover:

• Medical expenses and bills
• Costs related to ongoing care or rehabilitation
• Lost income or reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life or companionship
• Punitive damages, in certain cases

It’s important to remember that these damages are valued and figured out by looking at the circumstances of your particular accident. Liability, your percentage of fault, and the extent of your injuries are all going to factor in. Another key aspect in any injury claim is California’s statute of limitations, which is just the deadline by which you need to actually file your claim. Currently, you have two years from the date of the accident to file. If this statute of limitations expires, you can’t file your claim.

Experienced San Francisco Injury Lawyers Can Help You

Going through a running-related accident in San Francisco can have a profound impact on your life. This is where our experience and dedication comes into play. We are committed to helping you secure the benefits and support essential for your recovery. Our team of skilled San Francisco personal injury lawyers will take care of all aspects of your claim, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery. To get the recovery process started, contact us today for a free consultation.