Lehigh County Bicycle Accident Lawyer
In Pennsylvania, bicyclists must share and adhere to the same duties as any other motor vehicle driver within the state. With the increased number of bicyclists on the road, there is an increased frequency of accidents. Bicyclists often sustain severe injuries in collisions with motor vehicles such as spinal trauma, head injuries, and broken bones. The party responsible for an accident could be held liable for damages.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident while riding a bike, a Lehigh County bicycle accident lawyer could help you seek compensation for damages. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney could calculate your losses and help you seek compensation that covers the full value of your damages.
Rules For Bicyclist Safety
With few exceptions, a bicyclist must adhere to the rules and regulations of other motor vehicle drivers, pursuant to 75 Pa. C.S. §3501. A thoroughly prepared bicycle accident attorney in the Lehigh County area would be able to review their client’s accident to determine which laws apply.
Four-Feet Rule
According to 75 Pa.C.S. §3303, there must be no less than four feet between the vehicle and the bicyclist when a vehicle passes a bicyclist in the same lane. Furthermore, the vehicle driver must pass at a careful and prudently reduced speed.
Door Law
The door law found in 75 Pa.C.S. §3705 restricts people from opening a motor vehicle door only when it is reasonably safe to do so and is done without interfering with the movement of other traffic. Additionally, any period of time that a door remains open should not exceed the amount of time necessary to load or unload passengers.
Determining Liability for a Cycling Accident
Establishing liability in a bicycle accident can be a daunting process in light of the myriad laws and regulations. A knowledgeable bike crash lawyer in Lehigh County needs to prove that the other driver’s negligent actions caused the collision. The attorney could prove negligence by implementing investigative tools such as accident reconstruction, reviewing traffic surveillance cameras, and witness testimony of the crash.
The State of Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence approach, which means that both parties, the plaintiff and the defendant, may be partially liable for an accident. Any negligence on the part of the injured party diminishes any monetary award. If the plaintiff is found to be more than 51 percent liable for an accident or their injuries, then they may be unable to recover compensation for damages.
The Statute of Limitations
Each state must abide by the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations refers to the deadline to file a personal injury case. A person injured in a bicycle accident has two years in which to file a lawsuit, according to Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations outlined in 42 Pennsylvania Constitutional Statutes §5524. However, certain claims against government entities must be filed within six months.
Reach Out to a Lehigh County Bicycle Accident Attorney
A bicycle accident could cause devastating injuries and damages. Fortunately, injured bicyclists may be eligible to recover compensation from the party that caused them harm. Reach out to a Lehigh County bicycle accident lawyer to help you determine your next steps.
Call today to schedule a consultation.