Louisville Bicycle & Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Bicyclists and pedestrians are among the most vulnerable people on Kentucky’s roads. Without the protection of a vehicle around them, even a low-speed collision can lead to life-altering injuries. At Haney Law, PLLC, we represent pedestrians and cyclists who have been struck by careless drivers. Our firm is here to help you navigate the legal system, understand your rights, and pursue the compensation you need to recover.

We have handled thousands of personal injury claims and know how devastating these crashes can be. Whether you were walking, jogging, or cycling when a driver failed to yield, our Louisville bicycle and pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to fight for you.

Why Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents Happen

Drivers often fail to see or properly account for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in busy urban areas or low-light conditions. Common causes include:

• Failure to yield at crosswalks or intersections
• Distracted driving (texting, checking social media, eating behind the wheel)
• Speeding or aggressive driving in residential areas or near schools
• Improper passing of bicyclists, including not allowing enough space
• Right-turn or left-turn collisions with cyclists traveling straight
• Drunk or impaired driving

Even when drivers see pedestrians or cyclists, they may misjudge their speed or distance, leading to dangerous and preventable collisions.

Kentucky Law for Pedestrians

Under Kentucky law, pedestrians generally have the right-of-way at marked crosswalks and intersections, even if there is no marked crosswalk. Drivers must yield to pedestrians lawfully crossing the street. However, pedestrians also have responsibilities:

• They must obey traffic signals and “walk/don’t walk” indicators.
• Outside of crosswalks, pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to vehicles.
• Pedestrians should use sidewalks when available. If no sidewalk exists, they must walk on the shoulder or as far from traffic as possible.

Unfortunately, drivers often fail to honor pedestrians’ rights in crosswalks or make unsafe maneuvers without looking for people on foot.

Kentucky Law for Bicyclists

Bicyclists in Kentucky have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers when using public roads. This means:

• Cyclists must obey all traffic laws, including stop signs and traffic lights.
• Drivers must treat bicycles as vehicles and give them the same right-of-way.
• Bicyclists should ride as far to the right as practicable, except when passing, turning left, or avoiding hazards.
• Cars must maintain a safe distance when passing cyclists; Kentucky law generally requires at least three feet of clearance.

Because bicycles are smaller and quieter than cars, drivers often fail to notice them, particularly if they are not careful when changing lanes or turning at intersections. This is a frequent cause of collisions.

How Kentucky’s No-Fault Insurance System Applies to Bicycle and Pedestrian Crashes

Kentucky’s no-fault system (Personal Injury Protection, or PIP) applies differently to pedestrians and cyclists than to motorists.

• If you have auto insurance: Your PIP benefits may cover your medical expenses and lost wages if you are struck by a vehicle, even though you were walking or biking.
• If you do not have auto insurance: You may still be eligible for PIP benefits from the driver’s insurer.

Of course, pedestrians and cyclists often suffer serious injuries that place them outside of the no-fault system, allowing them to bring a negligence claim against the at-fault driver and recover full compensation for their injuries rather than being limited to no-fault benefits.

Because pedestrians and bicyclists are not required to carry auto insurance, these cases can be complicated. Our firm helps clients identify all possible sources of coverage and benefits, including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if the driver is uninsured or flees the scene.

Common Injuries in Louisville Bicycle & Pedestrian Accidents

The lack of protection for cyclists and pedestrians often leads to severe injuries such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Road rash and severe lacerations
• Amputations and permanent disability

These injuries often require long-term medical care and may impact a person’s ability to work or live independently.

Comparative Fault and Bias

Kentucky’s pure comparative fault system means your compensation can be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident. Insurance companies often use this rule to argue that a pedestrian or cyclist was careless, even when the driver’s conduct was the primary cause. At Haney Law, PLLC, we understand these tactics and know how to push back. We gather evidence to show the driver’s negligence and protect our clients from unfair blame.

What to Do After a Louisville Bicycle or Pedestrian Accident

If you are injured in a bicycle or pedestrian crash, taking the following steps can help protect your health and your claim:

1. Get medical attention immediately, whether at the scene, after a ride to the hospital, or following up with your doctor.
2. Call the police and ensure a report is filed.
3. Gather evidence, including photos of the scene, your injuries, and the vehicle.
4. Get witness information if possible.
5. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before consulting an attorney.

Our firm will handle the rest: investigating the crash, identifying all sources of coverage, and managing communications with insurers so you can focus on recovery.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Bicycle and pedestrian accident cases often involve serious injuries, complex insurance issues, and potential disputes about fault. Having an experienced attorney is critical to securing the compensation you deserve.

At Haney Law, PLLC, we have the experience and insight to handle these cases effectively. Our background on both the plaintiff and defense sides of injury claims allows us to anticipate challenges and build strong cases for our clients.

Contact Haney Law, PLLC, After a Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident in Louisville

If you or a loved one has been injured as a bicyclist or pedestrian in Louisville, Haney Law, PLLC, is here to help. We’ll guide you through the process, fight for your rights, and work to secure the financial recovery you need. Call us today for a free consultation.