So yesterday morning I'm sweeping along my way to work at about 30mph and look up to see a jogger, engrossed in her ipod-induced solitude, stopping to pick up some something-or-other in my lane on the Mt Vernon trail. I slam on the brakes and swerve to avoid hitting her. Having made no contact and confirmed that she remained oblivious to her near-death experience, I cursed all joggers under my breath as I worked back up to my previous tempo. ...but it got me thinking... If 200lbs of bicycle/cyclist going 30mph hits a 100lbs jogger standing still, how far will her brains splatter across the Mt Vernon trail when her head makes contact with the pavement? ...and would I be liable for her death? I mean, she was wearing headphones and stepped right in front of me without looking!
If I had crashed in my attempt to avoid killing her, would she be liable for repairing/replacing my bike? Earlier in the year, I went off the trail to avoid a jogger and crashed, blowing out a tire in the process. (The jogger, also a girl wearing headphones, asked if I was alright but barely waited for a response before turning back to her afternoon workout). I had to replace a $25 tire and tube and spent another $10 at a nearby pharmacy to clean and bandage my road rash. I never thought about sending a bill (especially since she ran off), but what if the cost was a lot higher?
Any experience out there with this? Urban myths or legal advice also appreciated.
If I had crashed in my attempt to avoid killing her, would she be liable for repairing/replacing my bike? Earlier in the year, I went off the trail to avoid a jogger and crashed, blowing out a tire in the process. (The jogger, also a girl wearing headphones, asked if I was alright but barely waited for a response before turning back to her afternoon workout). I had to replace a $25 tire and tube and spent another $10 at a nearby pharmacy to clean and bandage my road rash. I never thought about sending a bill (especially since she ran off), but what if the cost was a lot higher?
Any experience out there with this? Urban myths or legal advice also appreciated.