Victims Hurt in a Bicycle Accident Should Call Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers in West Chester, PA for Help
Although riding a bicycle is generally safe, that is not always the case. Unfortunately, far too many bicycle riders are seriously injured or wrongfully killed in collisions with motor vehicles. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), there are approximately 1,000 cyclists injured each year in our state and 20 killed while driving a bicycle. The worst part of all these injuries and deaths is that most collisions are entirely preventable. Indeed, our bicycle accident lawyers in West Chester, PA, know that most of these accidents are due to the reckless or careless actions of a motorist. This often means that a defendant is negligent.
If you or a loved one were seriously injured in any type of personal injury accident, from a car accident to a bicycle collision, call Silver & Silver to learn how our accident lawyers in Philadelphia can help you and your family recover compensation for your conscious pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, loss of consortium, and other damages. We offer FREE consultations, and we only get paid after you get paid in a settlement, verdict, award, or other recovery. Learn more by speaking to one of our trained and experienced bicycle accident attorneys in West Chester, PA.
Common Personal Injuries in a Bicycle Accident
Riders of a bicycle are not shielded by the steel shell of a vehicle around them, nor do they have seatbelts, airbags, and side curtains to help protect them. This means a collision with a motor vehicle will often leave a cyclist suffering serious personal injuries. Some of these injuries may require surgery—sometimes multiple surgeries—and prolonged recovery, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, or vocational rehabilitation.
Some of the most common personal injuries after being injured in a bicycle accident include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries or TBIs
- Spinal cord injuries or SCI
- Broken bones
- Nerve injuries
- Organ injuries
- Joint dislocations or separations
- Amputations or loss of a limb
- Significant disfigurement or scarring
- Soft tissue injuries
- Paralysis like paraplegia or quadriplegia
- Torn muscles or tendons
- Neck injuries or back injuries, and
- Other types of serious personal injuries that our bicycle accident lawyers in West Chester, PA could help you recover.
What Can a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Do for You?
While all types of motor vehicle accidents are traumatic, a bicycle accident is one of the most traumatic because the severity of injuries to a rider will be much higher and more devastating since there are limited protections for riders. That means that an experienced personal injury law firm and bodily injury lawyer is needed to handle your case, and our lawyers at Silver & Silver can help you:
- Compile medical records
- Gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, videos, photographs, bills, and other evidence to help prove your case
- Issue a fair and just settlement demand against an insurance carrier or defendant
- Negotiate a settlement to compensate you for your damages
- Protect your legal remedies in court if an insurance carrier will not play fair
- Engage in discovery, motion practice, and trial for you, including any appeals, to ensure your rights are protect, and
- Handle any other facets of your case to recover compensation for you.
Legal Rights and Compensation for Bike Accident Victims
If you’ve been in a bike accident, you have rights. Pennsylvania law protects cyclists just like it does drivers and pedestrians. When a car, truck, or even another cyclist causes your crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Medical bills can pile up fast. And if you’re unable to work, the financial stress only adds to your physical recovery. That’s why it’s important to understand what damages you can recover. Depending on the facts, you may receive compensation for emergency care, follow-up treatment, physical therapy, and property damage to your bike. In serious cases, long-term disability or disfigurement can also factor into the value of your claim.
Even if you think the accident was partially your fault, don’t rule out legal options. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages if you were less than 51% responsible. A bike accident lawyer can help you figure out where you stand and make sure your rights are protected.
How Do I Prove Negligence in a Bike Accident Case?
To get compensation after a bike accident, you’ll need to show that someone else’s negligence caused it. That means proving they owed you a duty of care, breached it, and that breach led to your injuries. Sounds simple, but in practice, it often requires strong evidence and strategic presentation.
Start with the scene. Photos of the accident, traffic signals, skid marks, and property damage can help paint a clear picture of the incident. Witness statements can back up your version of events. Police reports may also note who was at fault or if any traffic laws were violated.
Medical records matter, too. They document the timing and extent of your injuries, which helps link them directly to the crash. If the other party claims your injuries came from somewhere else, your treatment timeline becomes crucial.
In West Chester, PA, and beyond, insurance companies look for any reason to downplay your claim. That’s why many bike accident victims work with a lawyer who knows how to collect and present the right evidence to prove negligence and secure full compensation.
Get Help from Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers in West Chester, PA
With over 40 years of experience, Silver & Silver has been the choice for personal injury accident victims in Pennsylvania for over four decades. We can even serve as your dog bite attorney in Philadelphia. We have helped victims and their families recover compensation after a negligent driver has harmed them. Call our experienced bicycle accident attorneys in West Chester, PA, to learn how we can help you by calling 610-638-7255 or by sending us a message through our “contact us” box available here.