Fatalities in bicycle accidents don’t always involve vehicles

Many Manhattan residents enjoy jogging and cycling in Central Park rather than along the busy roads. However, a recent bicycle accident that allegedly caused the death of a jogger in Central Park underscores the dangers to which both joggers and cyclists are exposed. One commonly associates pedestrian and bicycle accidents with negligent vehicle drivers; however, this freak accident proves the association wrong.

A 75-year-old former physics teacher was jogging in Central Park on a recent Sunday as part of his training for a marathon. His wife joined him for the first five miles and then went home while he continued on his planned 18-mile run. It was reported that a cyclist, age 17, who was also out enjoying the fresh air, was riding in the cycling lane when he unexpectedly had to swerve into the joggers’ lane to avoid colliding with a pedicab.

The elderly jogger was allegedly knocked over, striking his head as he fell to the ground. He was taken to the hospital in an unconscious state. His condition did not improve, and he became comatose. This state lasted for two days before he succumbed to the head injuries he had suffered. The elderly jogger, who was also an enthusiastic cyclist, will be sadly missed by many.

Although this was an unusual bicycle accident, Manhattan residents who have lost loved ones in bicycle accidents that were caused by the negligence of another party may want to pursue recovery of medical and end-of-life expenses. By accurately documenting the negligence and successfully presenting a wrongful death claim in a civil court, the family of the deceased may receive monetary compensation to cover their damages. If deemed appropriate by state laws, the court may award additional damages that resulted from the tragic accident.

Source: New York Post, “Elderly jogger killed by cyclist was longtime physics teacher“, Gabrielle Fonrouge and Rebecca Harshbarger, Aug. 14, 2014