Understanding Your Rights After a Bike Accident: Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Philadelphia, PA Explain

Can You Sue if You Get Hit by a Car While Riding a Bike One of the most traumatic types of motor vehicle accidents is being hit by a car on a bike. Even a small tap can cause a cyclist to fall over or launch them into the pavement, another vehicle, or another object like a curb, pole, divider, or other hazards. According to national statistics, roughly 1,000 bicyclists are killed each year in motor vehicle accidents, with deaths peaking in the summer months. The same statistics reveal that over 417,000 emergency department visits are due to bicycle accident injuries. While not all of these deaths and injuries are preventable, our experienced bicycle accident lawyers in Philadelphia, PA, know that most are avoidable.

If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a bicycle accident occurring anywhere in Pennsylvania, call Silver & Silver to learn what your rights to compensation may be under the law. Our bodily injury law firm has over 40 years of experience handling personal injury cases, including bicycle accidents resulting in disabling or wrongful deaths. To learn more about your rights, call to schedule a FREE consultation with one of our experienced bicycle accident attorneys in Philadelphia, PA.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Pennsylvania

There are many common causes of bicycle accidents, most of them are preventable. The reason for so many causes is because of the inherent and unique traits of bicycles. Notably, bicycles are smaller and have a thin profile, making them harder to see unless a motorist properly looks into his or her side mirrors. Bicycles are also quieter and do not create noise that could attract attention. Many bicycles also have weaker and fewer lights to alert others of a cyclists’ presence.

As a result, some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include the following:

Failing to check mirrors
Improper lane changes
Driving in a bike lane
Turns into a cyclist (either an improper left turn or making a right turn in front of a cyclist)
Speeding
Drunk driving
Distracted driving
Drugged driving
Fatigued driving
Improper U-turns
Mechanical errors, and
Other failures that are reckless, careless, and outright negligent.

Were You Hurt By Any of This Conduct? You May Be Able to Sue for Damages

If you have been injured by this conduct, or by any other conduct by a driver, municipality, or another defendant, you may be entitled to sue for your “damages.” Under Pennsylvania law, “damages” is a measure of relief that a party to a lawsuit may obtain. Damages in personal injury cases are for monetary compensation. This includes compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, and other harms caused by a defendant’s negligent conduct.

A bicyclist who was hit by a car and injured in Pennsylvania may be entitled to recover these damages and more in a lawsuit. It is important to realize that you may not have to file a lawsuit to recover these damages, as an insurance adjuster may offer compensation to settle your claim before you commence an action. However, unless you are represented by an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Philadelphia, PA, it is unlikely that an insurance adjuster will fairly compensate you pre-suit (before you file a lawsuit).

Ask Silver & Silver to Help You

If you or a loved one were seriously injured, or if a loved one was wrongfully killed, in a bicycle accident occurring in Philadelphia or anywhere else in Pennsylvania, call the personal injury law firm of Silver & Silver to learn more about how our experienced bicycle accident lawyers can help you recover compensation for your damages. We only get paid after you get paid in a settlement, verdict, or another award. To schedule your FREE appointment, call 610-638-7255 or send us a message on our “contact us” box available here.

This website is designed to provide only general information. The information presented on this website is not formal legal advice. You should not rely on any general information from any source for making legal decisions. Each legal matter is unique and requires specific attention from a qualified and experienced attorney. Unless a representation agreement has been signed with the Law Offices of Silver and Silver, we are not your legal representatives.

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21/07/2024

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20/07/2024

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