Bicycling has gained in population throughout the entire country, but Philadelphia’s urban environment makes bicycling particularly enjoyable and convenient for many Philadelphians—in many cases, biking as a primary form of transportation is even more convenient than driving a car. While cost, fitness and convenience provide examples of clear advantages to choosing a bicycle over a motor vehicle, one notable disadvantage to bicycling is the fact that bicyclists continue to share the roadways with cars, buses, trolleys and even motorcycles that present a significant danger to the bicyclist’s safety.
Despite this, bicyclists have every right to share the Philadelphia roadways with their motorized counterparts, and drivers of motor vehicles are responsible for making sure that they drive safely and responsibly to help protect the safety of everyone on the roadways. At the Marrone Law Firm, LLC, our bicycle accident lawyers are committed to helping injured cyclists recover compensation for their injuries when drivers on the roadway fail to exercise the appropriate degree of caution and cause harm. If you have sustained injuries in a bicycle accident, call our offices today for a free consultation with an understanding personal injury attorney about your right to recover financial compensation for your injuries.
Even when a bicyclist is wearing appropriate protective gear, bicycle accidents can cause extensive and serious injuries—especially when the accident involves a much larger motor vehicle. The unfortunate fact is that no amount of padding can completely protect a bike rider from injury when that person is struck by a car or truck. Bicycle accident injuries commonly include:
While bicycles generally have the right to share the roadways with other drivers, our bicycle accident attorneys could explain how certain specific limitations apply to cyclists’ rights in Philadelphia, including:
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Bicycling should not be as dangerous as it currently is, but many drivers simply fail to pay attention to bicyclists and other pedestrians on the roadways. While Philadelphia has taken steps to help protect bicyclists’ safety, including installing over ten miles of new bike lanes throughout the area, aggressive and inattentive drivers continue to cause injuries to cyclists. Common causes of accidents include:
At the Marrone Law Firm, LLC, our Philadelphia lawyers take on the burden of investigating your bicycle accident case to determine who caused the accident, and explore all possible avenues for recovering compensation for injuries, damage to your bicycle, lost wages and even the pain and suffering that recovery can generate.
Retaining a lawyer with specific experience handling bicycle accidents can be key to making sure you obtain the maximum compensation award possible in your case. If you have questions after sustaining injuries in a bicycle accident in or around Philadelphia, call our offices or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your questions with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer.
What should I do if I was just involved in a bike accident?
The first thing you should do is call the police and seek out medical attention—call an ambulance if the police do not do so for you, because the severity of your injuries may not be immediately apparent, and attempting to walk or take public transportation can serve to exacerbate your injuries. Calling the police makes sure that your rights as a bicyclist are protected following the accident, and can be helpful in ensuring evidence is preserved after the crash. A reputable bicycle accident lawyer will also be willing to meet you at the scene of the accident or at the hospital to begin work in preserving evidence in your case immediately. Taking photos of the vehicle so that you can preserve the vehicle information, including the license plate number and/or PUC number if the car was a taxi, can also be helpful if you are able. Additionally, look around to see if anyone witnessed the accident and record their contact information so that we can get their statement later.
Am I allowed to ride my bike in the street?
Yes, although it is generally safer to ride in a designated bike lane if available, and as far to the shoulder as possible in other cases. In fact, in some cases, pedestrian use of the Philadelphia sidewalks can be impeded by cyclists, so it is perfectly legal for a bicyclist to ride in the roadway instead.
What kind of compensation can I recover from a bicycle accident in Philadelphia?
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
An experienced Philadelphia bicycle accident lawyer can help you determine the full extent of your damages and pursue fair compensation.
How long do I have to file a bike accident claim in Philadelphia?
In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim, including bicycle accidents. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the right to pursue compensation for your injuries. It’s important to consult with a bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after the incident to ensure that all legal deadlines are met and to start building your case promptly.
What are the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Philadelphia?
Common causes of bicycle accidents in Philadelphia include:
A skilled bicycle accident lawyer will work to investigate the cause of the accident and gather evidence to support your case.
How can a Philadelphia bike accident lawyer help me after an accident?
A Philadelphia bike accident lawyer can assist you by:
Having an experienced lawyer on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, especially if your injuries are severe. Contact us right away!
Legal questions? We’ll take it from here. Contact our top-rated attorneys.
