Representing Injured Cyclists After a Serious Bike Accident

Cycling is a part of everyday life for many people in Philadelphia, whether they’re trying to be more eco-friendly or enjoy riding in the fresh air along the Schuylkill River Trail. Unfortunately, sharing the road with cars, trucks, and other large vehicles can be extremely dangerous for a bike rider, especially if the drivers of those vehicles aren’t paying proper attention to the road. Even a few seconds of distraction can result in an accident that leaves a cyclist with devastating injuries and a long road of recovery.

At Full Court Justice, we’re dedicated to helping injured victims recover the compensation they deserve. If you were injured by a negligent driver, call our office at (215) 770-0282 to schedule a free initial case evaluation and determine if you may have grounds for a bike accident lawsuit.

What Are Common Causes of Bicycle Accident Cases?

Bicyclists have the right to use Philadelphia’s streets, and motor vehicle drivers must follow the laws and treat cyclists with respect. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen, and negligent drivers are the cause of many bicycle accidents around the city. Some of the most common situations we see include:

Driving in Bike Lanes

Philadelphia has invested in infrastructure to ensure that cyclists have a safe place to bike. The city has more than 16 miles of separate bike lanes through the city, and while this is convenient for cyclists who are trying to get to work or who are out for an afternoon ride, it also means that bikes and cars are often in close proximity. When drivers aren’t paying attention, they may drift into marked bicycle lanes and strike a cyclist.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the biggest dangers drivers pose to themselves and others who share the roadways, and unfortunately, it’s becoming more and more common. Drivers who call, text, or use apps on their phones while driving pose a hazard to others, and even hands-free use can be distracting enough to cause an accident. If a cyclist is in the bike lane and the car is beside it, even a driver reaching to change the temperature controls or the volume can result in an accident. Even a parked car can be a hazard if a driver is distracted and fails to notice or yield to a cyclist when the driver starts to move back onto the road.

Failure to Yield

Bicyclists who are riding in traffic are bound by the same laws and rules as vehicles. They can lawfully ride in car lanes where there are no separate bike lanes, and vehicles must yield to them just as they would to another car. Unfortunately, many drivers aren’t aware of these rules and think that they always have the right of way because they are in a motor vehicle. If you were injured in an accident because a driver failed to yield according to the law, our attorneys can help you create a strong claim and case strategy for pursuing compensation.

Unsafe Passing Behaviors

Motor vehicle drivers who are passing a cyclist must make sure to do so in a safe manner and leave the bike appropriate room. A driver who is passing at a high rate of speed or who swerves and causes an accident can be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages.

What Injuries Can Happen as a Result of a Bike vs. Auto Accident?

Even when wearing a helmet, cyclists have little to no protection against the speed, force, and impact of a motor vehicle. The risk of serious injury is high, and recovering from those injuries can take weeks or months.

Some of the most common types of injuries that happen in bike vs. auto accidents include:

• Abdominal injuries, including those to the internal organs
• Amputations from limbs trapped between the vehicle and the pavement
• Spinal cord injuries
• Crush injuries
• Fractures and broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries, such as a concussion or penetration injury
• Dislocated joints
• Road rash
• Lacerations and extensive blood loss

These injuries can lead to weeks and months of pain, ongoing medical treatment, and recovery. It’s also possible for injuries to be unnoticed at first or to worsen over time, making it critical to seek medical attention after a crash and monitor your health closely in the weeks after for any new injuries or discomfort.

How Does Insurance Coverage Affect Who Pays?

Figuring out whose insurance policy covers a bike accident can be complicated in Pennsylvania due to the state’s liability and insurance coverage laws. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, the victim could receive compensation from their own insurance policy or the driver’s auto insurance. Understanding if and when first-party benefits coverage applies to bicycle accidents can be complex. Every case is different, and the best way to determine legal liability and financial responsibility is to have an attorney review your case.

What Is the Process of Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim After a Bike Crash?

After a bike accident, your first step should be to speak with a qualified personal injury attorney. The lawyers at Full Court Justice will start this process by talking with you about what happened, who may be responsible, and what evidence supports your claim. Figuring out who is liable for your injuries can take some investigation, particularly if there was more than one driver involved.

Our attorneys will then go through the process of determining a value for your case. This involves looking at your medical expenses and financial statements to determine what you’ve spent and the amount of income you’ve lost from time away from work. We’ll also consider the cost of future care and how your injuries might affect your ability to earn a living in the years ahead.

Most bike accident claims are settled out of court through negotiations, but our attorneys are prepared to take your case to court and fight for a better outcome if the other party refuses to come to a fair settlement.

Why Is It Important to Work With an Experienced Law Firm?

Bicycle accidents aren’t always as clear-cut as they appear. Drivers often try to blame the crash on the cyclist, and when insurance companies get involved, they may do everything they can to avoid paying out a claim. The best way to learn about and protect your rights is to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who has a strong track record of successfully advocating for clients.

The legal team at Full Court Justice can help you better understand how Pennsylvania’s complex liability and insurance coverage laws apply to your bike accident case and calculate a fair value of your medical expenses and other losses. We’re dedicated to helping those in and around Philadelphia get the compensation they deserve after being injured in an accident. Call (215) 770-0282 today to schedule a free case consultation with one of our attorneys.