Given the size disparity between bikes and cars, it should come as no surprise that many bicycle wrecks and collisions result in severe bodily injuries. Furthermore, the lack of protection cyclists have only increases the risk of this harm.
When another person is at fault for those injuries, however, anyone injured in a cycling crash might have the right to seek monetary compensation. Because the legal process is often difficult to navigate, a skilled Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Attorney with experience handling these cases may be able to guide you through each step.
As a cyclist, you have the same rights to the streets of Philadelphia as any driver. Therefore, if you were injured by an inattentive or otherwise careless driver while cycling, let a Philadelphia bicycle accident lawyer help you pursue financial recovery for your injuries and other losses.
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Damages Available in a Bike Accident Case
Due to the severity of the injuries involved, bike wreck lawsuits often require a high dollar value of damages. The purpose of these damages is to compensate an injured cyclist, as well as to hold the negligent driver accountable.
When a knowledgeable Philadelphia bicycle accident lawyer who is handling a bike crash lawsuit reviews a case, they should identify all potential damages available to their client. Common damages in these lawsuits include medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages, among others:
Medical Bills
When a cyclist sustains injuries in a collision with a negligent motorist, they have the right to seek damages for any resulting medical bills. These damages may cover emergency room visits, chiropractic care, or physical therapy.
In addition to prior medical bills, a plaintiff may also seek the cost of future medical treatment related to their injuries.
Pain and Suffering
A plaintiff can seek damages for physical pain caused by their injuries, which is a type of non-economic damage. These damages don’t have a clear monetary value and often require a skilled Philadelphia bicycle accident attorney to address. How do you calculate pain and suffering in these cases? It often depends on the severity of the injury and its impact on the plaintiff’s life.
Lost Wages
When a cyclist misses work due to a their injuries, they can also pursue the paychecks they missed through an injury lawsuit.
When injuries are so severe that they impact a person’s ability to earn a living in the future, for example, a plaintiff may also seek compensation for lost future earning potential.
Comparative Negligence
In some cases, a plaintiff might not recover all of the damages established by their Philadelphia bike crash attorney. In a lawsuit, an injured cyclist might see their recovery reduced if they were found to be partially responsible for the accident.
Pennsylvania follows what’s known as the “51 percent bar” rule. This rule prevents a plaintiff from recovering any damages in a lawsuit if they are 51 percent or more liable for the accident. Therefore, a plaintiff may recover damages if their fault is 50 percent or less.
However, according to Pennsylvania Statute 7102, a jury would reduce a plaintiff’s recovery to match their percentage of fault.
For example, if a jury finds a plaintiff to be 20 percent at fault, they would still award 80 percent of the plaintiff’s proven damages.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Philadelphia
Bicycle accidents in Philadelphia can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable. Unfortunately, due to the size disparity between bicycles and motor vehicles, these accidents often result in serious injuries or worse. Understanding the common causes of these accidents is essential for both bicycle riders and motorists alike.
A Philadelphia bicycle accident lawyer can help bicycle accident victims recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress.
Distracted Drivers
One of the leading causes of bicycle accidents is distracted driving. Whether a motorist is texting, adjusting the radio, or simply not paying attention to the road, a moment of inattention can lead to a devastating bike crash.
Distracted drivers often fail to see bicyclists, especially when changing lanes or turning at intersections, resulting in serious accidents.
Philadelphia bicycle accident attorneys regularly handle cases involving distracted driving, proving negligence in bike accident lawsuits.
Failure to Yield
Motorists who fail to yield the right-of-way to bicyclists can cause catastrophic bicycle crashes.
Many bike accidents occur when drivers make left-hand turns without checking mirrors or looking for cyclists. According to Pennsylvania law, bicyclists have the same rights to the road as motor vehicles.
When drivers fail to respect these rights, they can be held responsible for the injuries caused by their negligence.
In these cases, Philadelphia bike accident lawyers work to hold the other party accountable and pursue financial recovery for the injured cyclist.
Poor Road Conditions
Another common cause of bicycle accidents is poor road conditions. Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, and lack of designated bike lanes contribute to many bicycle accident claims. Philadelphia's infrastructure can be particularly hazardous for cyclists, and when local municipalities fail to maintain safe roadways, serious accidents may occur.
In some instances, legal action can be taken against the city or responsible parties for negligence in maintaining the roads.
Dooring Incidents
"Dooring" happens when a motorist or passenger opens a car door without checking for oncoming bicyclists, causing the cyclist to collide with the door. These types of accidents can lead to severe injuries, as cyclists are often thrown from their bikes.
Philadelphia bicycle accident lawyers frequently handle dooring cases, helping victims prove the other party’s negligence and recover compensation for their injuries.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding and reckless driving are major contributors to bicycle crashes. Motorists who drive too fast for conditions or engage in aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating or weaving in and out of traffic, put bicyclists at significant risk.
Philadelphia bicycle accident attorneys often pursue compensation for bike accident victims who have suffered because of another driver's reckless behavior.
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Some bike accidents occur when drivers fail to obey traffic signals, such as running red lights or stop signs. This can lead to high-speed collisions in intersections, where the cyclist has little to no protection. Bicycle accident victims in these situations often face severe or life-threatening injuries, necessitating a personal injury claim to cover medical care and ongoing treatment.
Bicycle-to-Bicycle Collisions
Not all bike accidents involve motor vehicles. Collisions between cyclists are also a common cause of injuries, particularly in areas with heavy bike traffic or during events organized by cycling groups, such as the Bicycle Coalition. In these situations, determining fault is complicated, but with the help of legal counsel, victims may still pursue compensation for their injuries.
Seeking Help After a Bicycle Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Philadelphia, it's crucial to seek immediate medical care and contact a Philadelphia bicycle accident lawyer. A qualified attorney can help prove negligence, navigate the complexities of personal injury claims, and pursue the full amount of financial compensation you're entitled to under Pennsylvania law.
Don’t wait—reach out for a free consultation today to discuss your accident case and begin the path to financial recovery.
Let a Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Attorney Help
Recovering from injuries sustained in a cycling crash can be stressful. In addition to unexpected medical bills, you may find your financial situation unsteady if you were forced to miss work due to your injuries.
Instead of trying to pursue compensation alone, retain a Philadelphia personal Injury lawyer for help with pursuing full and fair compensation. Call today to schedule an initial consultation.
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