Going the Distance for Pedestrians, Bicyclists, and Runners: How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Pursue Maximum Compensation for Your Injury
Pedestrian, bicycle, and runner accidents can cause severe, life-changing injuries. The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is committed to protecting the rights of people injured or killed by negligent drivers throughout Westchester County, Rockland County, and New York City.
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What are some examples of negligence that a bicyclist, pedestrian, or runner can sue a driver for in New York?
Lawsuits from these types of accidents typically result when someone is seriously injured or killed from a driver who acted negligently by:
- Failing to yield to pedestrians or cyclists
- Running a red light
- Driving too fast
- Texting and driving
- Refusing to share the road
- Driving drink, high, or fatigued
- Swerving out of control
- Backing out of parking spaces without checking
Bicycle and pedestrian accidents remain a serious problem across New York in 2026 as statistics from recent years show thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths from crashes caused by motor vehicles.
What types of injuries can you sue a driver for if they hit you while you were walking or on a bicycle?
Because a vehicle can weigh thousands of pounds, collisions with pedestrians and bicyclists can cause very serious injuries or even death in some cases.
Some of the most common injuries that result in lawsuits in this context include broken bones, internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other catastrophic injuries.
Can pedestrians and cyclists get compensation beyond things like lost wages and medical care such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life?
Yes, this is always an important thing to consider in pedestrian and bicycle accident cases. At the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell, we firmly believe that the value of a case should always reflect what was wrongfully taken from someone due to negligence—and that includes things that go far beyond medical bills and loss of a paycheck.
In fact, these types of accidents are often most devastating to people who were in very good physical shape before the accident, which may have occurred while they were out exercising, going for a run, or a bike ride.
Especially for a weekend warrior, marathoner, long-distance runner, recreational cyclist, or other fitness enthusiast, a serious injury can permanently take away a major part of life.
As an avid runner and ultramarathoner himself, Michael J. McConnell is a local personal injury attorney in Ardsley, NY who understands how important training, competition, and athletic goals can be—and how devastating it can be to lose those activities because of someone else’s negligence.
How much can a pedestrian or bicycle accident case be worth in New York?
Every case is different. Factors can include the severity of your injuries, medical treatment, lost wages, impact on your quality of life, liability, and the amount of insurance available.
In general, the types of compensation you can get may include economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages, including pain and suffering and the impact the injury has had on your quality of life.
A New York personal injury lawyer can help you pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve by taking immediate steps to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and push back against insurance companies that may try to downplay your injuries, blame you, or offer a settlement for less money than you deserve.
What are the most important types of evidence in these cases?
Important evidence in a pedestrian or bicycle accident may include:
- Police reports
- Accident-scene photographs
- Photos of your injuries
- Surveillance footage
- Witness information and statements
- Medical records
Acting promptly after an accident can help preserve important evidence and allow you to gain early momentum on your case.
When should someone contact a personal injury lawyer after an accident?
It is generally a good idea to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after your bicycle or pedestrian accident. Important evidence like video surveillance footage can disappear, and a lawyer can help investigate the accident, protect your rights, deal with insurance companies, and ensure strict deadlines for filing a lawsuit are met.
Does it cost anything upfront to hire a lawyer?
No. Injury lawyers in New York generally handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront fees that the client needs to pay. The lawyer will only get paid if you receive money through a settlement or verdict in your favor.
Speak With a New York Pedestrian, Bicycle & Runner Accident Lawyer
Recovering from a pedestrian or bicycle accident can be an uphill battle. If a negligent driver has taken away your ability to work, walk, ride, run, or do the things you love, contact the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell for a free consultation to discuss your options.
Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Please speak directly to an attorney if you need legal advice.
This page was last updated on August 25th, 2026.