In this blog we often write about injuries suffered by individuals due to negligence on the part of another person. Many times those injuries are due to involvement in a motor vehicle accident that occurs in the Pittsburgh area. Those are not the only situations in which someone could find that he or she is dealing with an injury however. Earlier this week a parade participant and a bicyclist learned this first hand.

The incident occurred when a 56-year-old man participating in a Columbus Day parade was struck by a man riding his bicycle in the opposite direction. The force of the impact left the parade participant unconscious. In addition, he received a large cut on the back of his head when it hit the ground. Following the incident the injured man was taken to an area hospital. It is unclear whether he suffered any sort of head or brain injury in the collision.

The cyclist however apparently did suffer a head or brain injury. Though seemingly minor, it is possible symptoms could appear at a later date and linger for some time. Despite the injury, he did not go the hospital for treatment.

While cyclists are often the victim of crashes involving cars due to their size difference, as this incident illustrates, where pedestrians are concerned, it is possible for a bicyclist to be the aggressor. Accordingly, as those driving cars may be charged with a crime in relation to an accident, so too could a bicyclist find that he or she is facing criminal charges. Depending on the circumstances a civil personal injury lawsuit could be filed as well.

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Columbus Day parade marcher injured,” Oct. 12, 2013