Running is a favorite activity of many in the Louisville, Kentucky area and beyond. From museums to caverns, Kentucky has it all and there are many ways to get to these beautiful sights. Kentucky is also home to many running trails, from the Original Natural Bridge Trail and the Tioga Falls Trail. Though many people choose to run on trails, some utilize roadways to get from one place to another. This can put pedestrians at risk of serious injuries or fatalities if they are involved in an accident with any type of vehicle.
At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, we aggressively fight to protect your rights and obtain the most substantial settlement for you as our client. We have received million-dollar settlements for pedestrians injured in accidents and will help you receive a settlement or verdict that helps you move forward financially in your time of need. You should be able to recover with the confidence that your claim is being handled by an attorney who has your best interests in mind.
Dangers to Runners and Joggers in Kentucky
When you decide to lace up and go for a run or a jog, you never expect that you could be involved in an accident. However, this is an unfortunate reality that many runners face each year in Kentucky due to negligent drivers, government entities, other runners, and more. The number one threat to runners in the state of Kentucky is careless drivers. Though drivers are supposed to constantly be on the lookout and share the roads with pedestrians, this does not always happen.
When drivers are driving distracted, fatigued, under the influence, or otherwise in a reckless manner, a running accident can happen within seconds and forever alter a victim’s life. Especially when a runner is headed through an intersection or alongside a major highway, a serious accident can affect an individual when a driver is not paying attention.
Of course, there are many other dangers to runners and joggers in Kentucky aside from vehicle drivers. A runner could be bitten by a dog that could be on the loose due to a negligent property owner. They could fall in a pothole or trip over a crumbling sidewalk due to a negligent property owner or government entity. Any number of accidents could affect runners and leave them in serious condition. Holding a party liable for one of these accidents is vital as you move forward.
Common Injuries to Runners in Kentucky
Because runners have virtually no protection from harm in the event of an accident involving a vehicle, they are likely to sustain serious and life-altering injuries that can follow them through life. Some of these accidents have devastating consequences such as losing mobility for a lifetime or needing multiple surgeries, hospital care, and long-term physical therapy.
Some of the injuries that runners sustain in serious accidents in Kentucky include:
- Musculoskeletal Injuries: These injuries, which are incredibly common in runner-related accidents, include sprains, strains, and dislocations. These injuries can take weeks to months to fully heal.
- Head Injuries: Any type of traumatic brain injury can affect a victim for the rest of their life. The symptoms of these injuries can range anywhere from minor like nausea or headaches to severe such as convulsions, seizures, coma, or an extended loss of consciousness.
- Neck Injuries: Runners sometimes sustain minor neck injuries like whiplash. However, these injuries can also be incredibly severe and require immobilization, which can keep runners away from their favorite activities and work for months.
- Spinal Injuries: When a runner is struck suddenly by a vehicle, they could receive a dislocation to the spine or complete paralysis depending on the severity of the accident.
- Back Injuries: Many runners involved in accidents will sustain back pain that follows them through the rest of their life due to injured muscles, tendons, or ligaments in a runner’s back.
- Broken Bones: Fractures can easily happen in a runner, such as those in the legs, arms, hands, and feet. Though some bones heal within weeks, others must be fixed through surgeries.
- Hip Injuries: Hip injuries can include strains and fractures, which can end a runner’s exercise for some time until they are able to get back on their feet again.
Any one of these injuries can land a victim in the hospital, require future therapy, time away from work, and many other aspects that can physically and financially impact a victim. Those injured in Kentucky running accidents may question where they can turn for financial relief during these difficult times.
Financial Support Following a Kentucky Running Accident
Even just a short trip to the emergency room can cause financial devastation for a runner who cannot afford these bills after an accident. Some traumatic injuries that affect runners require a longer time in the hospital, multiple surgeries, and ongoing care in the future. As such, it is important that you as an injured runner demand compensation that you need to get back on your feet financially. Some of the damages that you may be eligible for through a claim include:
- Medical expenses you have sustained and those you expect to incur due to your injuries
- Costs of permanent disability that can last a lifetime, including career training, physical therapy costs, and medical equipment to use around the house
- Loss of wages due to missed time at work
- Travel costs to doctors and specialists
- Pain and emotional distress caused by the accident
- Punitive damages when gross negligence was at play
Kentucky has a short statute of limitations of just one year, which is why you want to act quickly when it comes to requesting financial support for your injuries. In Kentucky, the statute of limitations is one year from the date of your accident or when you first discover your injury. If you wait too long, you could be barred from bringing forth a personal injury claim altogether.
What To Do After a Running Accident
There are actions that a runner can take following a Kentucky running accident to protect their health, well-being, and the future of their personal injury claim. These include the following steps:
- Get to safety so that you can take a closer look at your injuries and to prevent further accidents. See if you can gain assistance from any bystanders.
- Call police to the scene so that your accident can be documented.
- Get immediate medical attention for your injuries. Going to an emergency room not only protects your health but also documents your accident so that you can move forward with a successful claim in the future.
- Speak to witnesses who may have been at the scene of the accident and receive their contact information, which can benefit you down the road if you file a claim.
- Take pictures and videos of the accident scene and your injuries.
Stress and adrenaline can be at an all-time high after a running accident. It is important to try to remember to take certain steps to protect your rights after an accident. However, speaking with an attorney can also be incredibly beneficial if you expect to bring a claim on behalf of your injuries.
Do You Need a Lawyer After a Running Accident?
It is true that it is legal to move forward with a claim without an attorney in Kentucky. However, bringing a personal injury claim after a running accident can be a complex matter involving tight deadlines and liability concerns. As such, it can be beneficial to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. An attorney can help you with some of the following aspects:
- Investigating your accident and gathering evidence to use in your claim such as witness statements, medical records, and more
- Give you legal guidance on whether or not to move forward with an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit based on the circumstances of your case
- Use expert witnesses who are professionals in their field to back up your claim
- Take your claim to trial if you are unable to reach the best settlement possible
As far as running accidents are concerned, our Kentucky pedestrian accident lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, have a strong record of handling these types of claims from start to finish. Speaking with a legal advocate immediately after an accident can improve your chances of receiving the financial recovery you need during this challenging time in your life.
Support from Kentucky Runner Injury Lawyers
It can be devastating and confusing to face any type of accident in Kentucky, especially life-altering accidents such as those involving pedestrians. The severe injuries and financial losses that stem from these accidents can leave you in one of the most difficult positions you have ever faced, which you should not have to face alone.
Our attorneys at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC understand how physically challenging a running accident can be, as well as how it can affect you both emotionally and financially. We will provide you with the legal guidance and resources that you need through the Kentucky legal process and help you achieve financial support. Please contact us today for a free consultation if you have been hurt in an accident as a runner.
