The Impact of Large Truck Accidents on Vulnerable Road Users

Pedestrians and cyclists lack the protection that large trucks and motor vehicles have, making them more prone to life-threatening injuries. However, these vulnerable road users suffer the most severe and fatal injuries when struck by large trucks due to the truck’s size, weight, force, and deadly impact.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 15 percent of the 4,714 people killed in truck accidents in 2021 were pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists are the most vulnerable road users because of the catastrophic injuries they suffer when struck by passenger vehicles and large trucks.

Recent large truck accidents with cyclists and pedestrians in the Los Angeles area

Fatal truck accidents continue to rise in the Los Angeles area. As a matter of fact, 128 pedestrians and 17 bicyclists died as a result of these accidents in 2021. Here are a few of the most recent large truck accidents that have injured or killed cyclists or pedestrians in Los Angeles and surrounding areas:

• In May 2023, a pedestrian was killed by an 18-wheeler on the Freeway 10 in Bloomington, CA. It happened at night near Cedar Avenue.
• In February 2023, a bicyclist was struck by a big rig in a hit-and-run accident in Long Beach, CA. The cyclist died from the injuries at the accident scene.
• In September 2022, a pedestrian was struck by a semi-truck on SR-14 North in Los Angeles, CA close to Avenue J. The pedestrian succumbed to their injuries and died.
• In April 2022, a bicycle fatality occurred on Los Angeles Avenue near Sycamore Drive in Simi Valley, CA. The cyclist was hit by a commercial flatbed truck, causing the area to be closed for over five hours.

Types of injuries cyclists and pedestrians suffer in truck accidents

A bike or pedestrian accident can happen anywhere at any time. However, when these accidents involve large and heavy semi-trucks, the results are often traumatic or deadly. The following are some of the most common injuries that cyclists and pedestrians suffer in these types of accidents:

• Broken, fractured, and crushed bones
• Amputations or loss of limbs
• Paralysis
• Severe lacerations, cuts, and bruises
• Permanent disfigurement
• Head and skull injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Facial, eyes, and dental injuries
• Neck injuries and whiplash
• Back and spinal cord injuries

Reasons for bicycle and pedestrian accidents involving semi-trucks

Most semi-trucks are about 80,000 pounds, 72 feet long, 13 feet tall, and 8 feet wide. Therefore, the human body does not stand a fair chance when colliding with these large trucks. Many of these accidents occur at busy city intersections. When the 18-wheeler is preparing to turn, they are most likely surrounded by several pedestrians and cyclists who are also waiting or crossing at the intersection. The truck driver must check their surroundings, look in their blind spots, and proceed carefully to ensure that they do not strike a pedestrian or cyclist. If they fail to do this, a tragic and devastating accident may occur.

When cyclists and pedestrians are involved in truck accidents, there are typically a few common reasons for why these collisions happen, such as:

• The trucker failed to yield.
• The trucker failed to check their blind spots or surroundings.
• There were visibility issues or road defects.
• The trucker made an improper lane change or turn.
• The truck driver was intoxicated or drunk.
• The trucker did not have enough sleep and was driving while tired.
• The truck driver was driving aggressively or carelessly.
• The truck driver was distracted or not paying attention.

While many of these types of accidents are the truck driver’s fault, it is important to know and understand that pedestrians and bicyclists can also cause truck collisions. Your Los Angeles personal injury attorney will analyze the facts of your case and determine who should be held liable for your injuries and other losses.

Potential damages awarded in a pedestrian or cyclist accident involving a big rig

If you or a loved one has suffered life-threatening injuries from a pedestrian or cyclist accident involving a big rig, reach out to a Los Angeles bicycle and pedestrian lawyer from McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP at your earliest opportunity. We can help you calculate the damages that may be awarded to you in these types of cases, which typically include:

• Future and current medical bills (surgeries, emergency room visits, hospital stays, medical devices, prescriptions, and more)
• Lost income and benefits
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional and mental trauma
• Rehabilitation and counseling costs
• Occupational therapy and other hired services
• Home modifications
• Ongoing care
• Loss of companionship and quality of life
• Funeral expenses and burial fees (if the victim passed away)

How can a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles, CA help me with my case?

Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP have the experience, skills, and knowledge to secure the best outcome possible for your case. These are seven of the various ways our team will help you with your case:

1. We will listen to your experience and go over the facts of your case.
2. We will work with medical experts, police officers, accountants, and other professionals to determine the exact amount of money you need to get your life back on track.
3. We will collect proper evidence to support your side of the story.
4. We will help you find out who is at fault and establish negligence for your accident.
5. We will communicate and negotiate with insurance companies regarding your accident and the money you are owed.
6. We will appeal any decision against your claim.
7. We will prepare a strong case and get ready to go to court if necessary.

If you were injured by a negligent truck driver while walking or riding a bike, a Los Angeles truck accident attorney at McNicholas & McNicholas is here to help you get through this difficult time. We are a team of compassionate lawyers who are aware of the laws and regulations when it comes to these accidents, and we will do everything we can to protect the rights of California’s most vulnerable road users. To schedule a free case evaluation, call our office or complete our contact form today.