Bicycle Accident Attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

According to the 2019 Pennsylvania Crash Facts and Statistics report, there were 1,020 total bicycle crashes statewide, comprising 1,003 injuries and 16 fatalities. When a traffic collision occurs between a motorist and a cyclist, the bicyclist usually sustains the most injuries. If you or a family member was hurt in a bicycle accident caused by another person's negligent or careless actions, you may be entitled to pursue fair financial compensation by filing injury claims.

At Richard L. Vanderslice, P.C., we are committed to offering comprehensive legal guidance, support, and vigorous representation to victims of bicycle accidents and their loved ones. As your legal counsel, Attorney Vanderslice and his team can evaluate all the facts of your case, conduct a thorough investigation, and explore your options to seek damages. Let’s work together to fight diligently to protect your rights and pursue fair financial compensation to cover medical bills, lost income and benefits, future medical treatment, and any pain, discomfort, and suffering you have been through.

Richard L. Vanderslice, P.C. proudly represents clients across Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas of Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Philadelphia County.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

The period after your involvement in a bicycle crash can be confusing and unsettling. However, what you do—or do not do—can have a significant impact on the outcome of your injury claims. If you were involved in a bicycle accident, here are the steps to take:

• Remain calm and never allow your emotions to overwhelm you

• Exit your bicycle carefully and get to safety

• Call 911 to get emergency medical help for your injuries and injuries to other victims

• Report the bicycle accident to the police or law enforcement officer

• Gather relevant information, including the other driver's name, phone number, license details, and insurance information

• Collect and document required evidence, such as police reports, accident scene photos, testimonies, and statements from witnesses

• Document all of your medical treatments, hospital expenses, and doctor's appointments, your personal account of the incident, and how it has affected your day-to-day life

• Notify your insurance company about the incident

• Hire an experienced attorney to help negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance provider or file a personal injury claim

As time goes on, however, you may forget important information or misplace some evidence and documentation. Therefore, it is important that you act quickly and hire an experienced personal injury attorney to help you understand Pennsylvania laws affecting bicycle riders and help you file your injury claims.

Pennsylvania Laws Affecting Bicycle Riders

Here are some laws pertaining to cyclists and bicycle riders in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:

Equipment

• All bicycles used between sunset and sunrise must be equipped with a front lamp and rear and side reflectors that are visible from at least 500 feet

• All bikes must be equipped with functioning breaks

• Depending on your municipality laws, the bike should be equipped with a bell or equivalent signal device

Operation

• Cyclists must obey all traffic signals, including stop signs, and red lights, in accordance with standard vehicle laws

• Bicycles may be ridden on the shoulder of the road in the same direction of traffic

• Cyclists may move from the right lane when overtaking another vehicle, preparing to make a left turn, or when there is an obstruction ahead

• Only two cyclists are permitted to ride side-by-side.

• Cyclists may only ride on freeways with the permission of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

Helmets

• Cyclists under the age of 12 are required to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle in Pennsylvania

Even after obeying the required traffic laws, bicycle riders face unique risks on the road. When you're involved in an accident, an experienced attorney can help you file injury claims and recover deserved compensation.

Filing a Claim

Pennsylvania is a no-fault state. Typically, this means that each driver's personal injury protection (PIP) will pay for the medical expenses and other out-of-pocket losses of anyone covered under the policy, notwithstanding who was at fault. Pennsylvania, however, is somewhat unique in that vehicle owners may "opt out" of the no-fault system when they purchase a car insurance policy. It’s important to reach out to a lawyer to understand the details of your specific case.

Modified Comparative Fault State

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania follows the modified contributory negligence system, with a 51% bar. Under the principle, a plaintiff's contributory negligence will not bar their ability to recover damages, as long as their negligence is not more than the defendant's causal negligence. However, the amount of damages that may be recovered will be reduced by their fault percentage.

For example, if the court awarded $50,000 in damages against the at-fault party and you were found to be 20% responsible for the bicycle accident, your damages will be reduced by $10,000. Thus, you will be entitled to collect $40,000 from the initial $50,000 that you were awarded. Under Pennsylvania's modified comparative fault system, you will be barred from recovering compensation for your injuries if you were found to be mostly (51% or more) at fault for the bicycle accident.

Statute of Limitations

According to the Pennsylvania bicycle accident statute of limitations, an action to recover damages for personal injury must be commenced within two years from the date of your accident or injury.

Work With an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

A bicycle wreck can be an overwhelming experience. Such an incident can affect you mentally, physically, and financially. However, you don't have to bear the challenges and financial liability all by yourself. When you're hurt in a bicycle accident, you need to act quickly and hire an experienced personal injury attorney to advocate for your legal rights and help you seek the financial justice you deserve.