The Erie Canalway Trail in the Buffalo area is very popular for good reason. It marks the spot where the canal meets the Great Lakes and affords waterfront access along the scenic Niagara River. Unfortunately, however, pedestrian and bike accidents are not uncommon. If you’ve suffered an injury as a result of another party’s negligence in either kind of accident, our experienced Buffalo injury attorneys at Campbell & Associates can help.
Primary Causes of Bike and Pedestrian Accidents on the Trail
The Erie Canalway Trail runs through urban, suburban, and rural terrain, and several primary concerns often cause bike and pedestrian accidents.
Crossing Public Roadways and Parking Lots
While most of the trail is off-road, the portion in and around Buffalo crosses public roadways and parking lots. This puts both pedestrians and cyclists at greater risk of being injured. Ultimately, those who travel on foot or by bike are especially vulnerable to driver negligence, which takes a wide range of dangerous forms on our public roads. Prime examples include speeding, distraction, drunk driving, and drowsy driving.
Issues with the Trail’s Infrastructure
There are also safety concerns that relate to maintenance on the Erie Canalway Trail. For example, tree root intrusion renders some of the trail’s surfaces dangerously uneven. In addition, loose gravel and immediate transitions from the trail to the road increase the chances that pedestrian accidents will happen.
Proximity to the Canal
The Erie Canalway Trail’s proximity to the canal can also prove risky, especially when there is low light. When a pedestrian or cyclist accidentally leaves the trail and enters the waterway, the danger involved is difficult to overstate.
Large Crowds
The Erie Canalway Trail in Buffalo is prone to congestion, and it leads to safety concerns. For example, it increases the risk that accidents involving both a pedestrian and a cyclist will occur.
Protect Your Claim
If you suffered an injury from someone else’s negligence while walking or riding a bike on the Erie Canalway Trail, bringing a strong claim is paramount. The following steps all play a critical role in the process:
- Seek immediate medical attention and follow your doctor’s guidance.
- Consult with a trusted bike and pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as you can, and allow them to speak on your behalf in support of your best interests.
- Don’t post on social media while your claim is pending.
- Don’t accept a settlement offer before you’ve discussed the matter with your focused attorney.
Our Experienced Buffalo Bike and Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Are on Your Side
Our seasoned Buffalo bike and pedestrian accident attorneys at Campbell & Associates have a wealth of experience obtaining favorable settlements for our valued clients, and we’re here for you, too. Your claim is important, so please don’t put off reaching out for more information about how we can help by contacting us online or calling our firm at 716-992-2222 today.
