Pennsylvania Bicycle Accident Lawyer
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) provides a map of the thousands of miles of bicycle routes in the Keystone State. With certain exception, the Pennsylvania Code provides cyclists all of the rights and responsibilities applicable to drivers of motor vehicles.
While bicycles are becoming increasingly popular forms of transportation both for leisure and for commutes to and from work, bicyclists are extremely susceptible to serious injuries when involved in accidents. People riding bikes have virtually no protection when struck by or colliding with motor vehicles.
Need an Injury Lawyer Pennsylvania represents clients in Hazleton, Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Altoona, York, Wilkes-Barre, Erie, Chester, Williamsport, Lancaster, Easton, Northampton, Reading, Lebanon, Allentown, Scranton, Northampton, and many other surrounding areas of the Keystone State.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Pennsylvania
Drivers in Pennsylvania are required to provide at least a four-foot buffer zone when passing bicycles and must yield the right of way to bicyclists traveling in the opposite direction. Additionally, drivers are specifically prohibited from forcing bicyclists off of the road.
A significant majority of bicycle crashes stem from some kind of motorist negligence. Some of the most common examples of driver negligence include, but are not limited to:
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Distracted driving
- Improper turns
- Failure to obey traffic signals or traffic control devices
Another common kind of bicycle accident, particularly in urban areas of the state, is “dooring” crashes. In a dooring incident, the occupant of a motor vehicle opens the door to an automobile without any regard to oncoming bicyclists who are often unable to avoid striking the doors and thus collide with them and are thrown from their bikes.
When you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle crash in Pennsylvania, your first priority needs to be getting medical attention. Even if you think that you were not hurt, it is important to remember that some serious injuries involve delayed symptoms, and it is important to have a medical professional identify these injuries as soon as possible in order to receive proper treatment.
Additionally, an insurance company will almost certainly use any delay in treatment to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. You should also avoid speaking to any insurer after an accident until you have legal representation. Contact Need an Injury Lawyer Pennsylvania as soon as possible.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Pennsylvania
Cyclists are far likelier than occupants of motor vehicles to suffer fatal injuries in most accidents. Even when victims are fortunate enough to survive, many still sustain catastrophic injuries.
Some serious injuries can include:
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Paralysis
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Disfigurement
- Amputations
- Herniated Discs
- Internal Organ Damage
- Road Rash
Pennsylvania Bicycle Accident Attorney
Did you suffer serious injuries or was your loved one killed in a bicycle crash in Pennsylvania? You will want to contact Need an Injury Lawyer Pennsylvania right away.
Our firm is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to schedule a free consultation at which you can have our experienced personal injury attorneys review your case and answer all of your legal questions.
