Serious Injuries Demand Serious Legal Support
A simple bike ride can turn into something serious in just a few seconds. When a driver isn’t paying attention or makes a bad decision, the person on the bike usually takes the worst of it.
Cyclists don’t have airbags or metal frames around them for protection. When a crash happens, the injuries can be painful, stressful, and expensive to treat.
If you or someone close to you was hurt in a bicycle accident in Pennsylvania, you may be able to recover money for your medical bills, lost pay, and other losses. Our firm helps injured cyclists take action and holds careless drivers and anyone else responsible for what happened.
Schedule your free consultation today!
Why Bicycle Accidents Are Often So Severe
When you’re riding a bike, you’re out there with cars, trucks, and buses that weigh a lot more than you do. Even a crash at a lower speed can lead to serious injuries. A lot of bicycle accidents happen at intersections, in bike lanes, or when a driver turns and says they “didn’t see” the cyclist.
Because there’s nothing protecting them, cyclists face a much higher risk of getting badly hurt. They can:
- Be hit directly by a vehicle
- Get thrown onto the road
- Be run over after falling
- Be struck by another car in the chaos
These accidents are usually much more serious than a minor car crash. The injuries tend to require more treatment, more time off work, and can lead to bigger medical bills and other losses.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Most bicycle accidents can be prevented. They usually happen when a driver isn’t paying attention or breaks the rules of the road.
Some of the most common causes are:
- Distracted driving
- Not yielding
- Unsafe turns
- Speeding
- Opening a car door into a cyclist’s path (dooring)
- Driving under the influence
Sometimes, accidents happen because of bad road conditions, unclear signs, or even faulty bike parts.
Injuries Commonly Seen in Bicycle Crashes
Even if a cyclist is wearing a helmet, a crash can still cause serious, life-changing injuries. Head protection helps, but it doesn’t make you invincible.
We often see cases where people suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries that can affect thinking, memory, or even basic daily activities
- Concussions that sometimes take weeks or months to fully heal
- Broken bones and fractures in arms, legs, or ribs that may need surgery
- Spinal cord injuries that can cause partial or full paralysis
- Road rash and deep cuts that require stitches and careful wound care
- Internal injuries that aren’t always obvious but can be very dangerous
- Dental and facial injuries from hitting the pavement or a vehicle
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
The moments after a bicycle crash are stressful and confusing. Here are some important steps to follow:
Seek medical attention right away
Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not be obvious right away. Getting medical care not only keeps you safe but also creates a record of your injuries, which can be important later if you need to make a claim.
Call the police and file a report
Reporting the accident to the police helps document what happened officially. A police report is key evidence if there’s a dispute about fault or if insurance companies try to minimize your claim.
Make sure the report includes details about:
- The crash
- The vehicles involved
- Any witnesses
Take photos of the scene and damage
If you’re able, take pictures of everything: your bike, the vehicle involved, the road or intersection where the crash happened, and any visible injuries. These photos help show exactly what happened and the damage caused.
Collect witness information
If anyone saw the accident, ask for their names and contact information. Witnesses can provide important testimony that supports your version of events, especially if the other party disputes what happened.
Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies
Insurance companies may ask you to give a statement about the accident. It’s best to wait until you’ve spoken with a lawyer before answering. Even small mistakes or unclear answers can be used to reduce your claim.
Who Can Be Held Responsible
Every bicycle accident is different, but most of the time, the person at fault is a careless driver. To win a personal injury claim, you need to show that someone didn’t act responsibly and that their carelessness caused your injuries.
Depending on what happened, the party responsible could be:
- A careless driver, the most common cause of bike accidents
- An employer, if the driver was working when the crash happened
- A government agency, if poor road conditions or a lack of proper signs contributed to the accident
- A manufacturer, if faulty bike parts or equipment played a role
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. That means if you were partly at fault for the accident, your compensation could be reduced by your share of the blame. If you’re found more than 50% responsible, you might not be able to recover anything at all.
Compensation Available in Bicycle Accident Claims
An injury claim is designed to help you get back on your feet after a serious bicycle crash. It’s not just about covering your immediate medical bills.
It’s about making sure you can recover financially for all the ways the accident has affected your life. Depending on the details of your case, you may be able to receive compensation for different types of losses.
Economic damages
These are the costs that are easier to measure in dollars:
- Medical bills: This includes your hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and even future medical care you might need.
- Lost wages: If your injuries kept you out of work, you may be able to recover the money you lost while you were healing.
- Reduced earning capacity: If the accident leaves you unable to work at the same level or in the same job, you may be compensated for future lost income.
- Rehabilitation costs: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other treatments needed to help you recover can be included.
- Property damage: Your bicycle and any gear damaged in the crash can be covered.
Non-economic damages
These damages cover the ways an accident affects your life beyond money:
- Pain and suffering: The physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or trauma resulting from the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: When injuries keep you from doing the things you love, like hobbies, sports, or time with family.
In cases where someone’s behavior was extremely careless or reckless, additional damages may also be available to hold the responsible party fully accountable. These claims can help make sure you’re not left paying for someone else’s mistake.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies usually want to settle as fast as possible, and for as little money as they can get away with. They might try to blame the cyclist, saying you were hard to see, weren’t wearing bright clothing, or somehow played a part in the accident.
Having a lawyer on your side can help make sure you’re treated fairly. A good attorney can:
- Gather evidence: Collect all the details from the crash: photos, police reports, witness statements, and anything else that shows what really happened.
- Work with experts: Sometimes, accident reconstruction specialists or medical experts are needed to prove how the crash occurred and how serious your injuries are.
- Calculate the true value of your claim: A lawyer can look at all your losses. They also look at your medical bills, but also lost wages, future expenses, and the impact on your daily life.
- Negotiate on your behalf: Insurance companies may try to lowball you. Your attorney can push back, negotiate for a fair settlement, and make sure your rights are protected.
- Take the case to court if needed: If a fair settlement isn’t possible, your lawyer can take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Having someone who knows the process and will fight for you can make a huge difference in the outcome of your claim.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Bicycle Accident Case
Bicycle accidents can be complicated. Getting the compensation you deserve often requires careful investigation and strong advocacy.
Our team at Injury Pros is here to guide you through every step and make the process as easy as possible. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:
Personal attention for every client
We treat every case as if it’s our only one. You’ll have a lawyer who listens, answers your questions, and makes sure your concerns are heard.
Keeping you informed
We know this can be stressful. That’s why we keep you updated on your case at every step, so you always know what’s happening and what to expect next.
Building a strong case
We gather all the evidence needed to support your claim, from accident reports and photos to expert opinions. A strong case increases your chances of getting fair compensation.
Fighting for full and fair compensation
Our goal is to make sure you’re fully compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses caused by the accident. We won’t settle for less than what you deserve.
We understand how overwhelming life can feel after a serious crash. Our job is to handle the legal side so you can focus on recovering and getting your life back on track.
Real Results for Bicycle Accident Victims
Our firm is committed to treating every client with respect, compassion, and clear communication throughout the legal process. Here are a few things past clients have said about working with our team:
Respectful and caring support!
“They didn’t waste any time deciding to take my case. Everyone treated me with respect and were genuinely concerned about my well-being.”
Professional and skilled representation!
“Mr. Steven DeBonis is a top-notch attorney. His professionalism, experience, and skill are why they are the go-to firm for your personal injury case.”
Compassionate step-by-step guidance!
“I would recommend them to anyone looking for an attorney. My experience with them was like no other – very compassionate. Mike and Maria take you through each and every step of your case, answering all your questions.”
Supporting Bicycle Accident Victims Across Pennsylvania
No matter where your bicycle accident happened, you deserve strong legal support close to home. We are committed to helping riders and their families move forward after serious crashes.
We proudly serve clients in:
If your accident happened in one of these communities or nearby, our team is ready to help you understand your options and take the next step.
Contact Our Pennsylvania Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today
Getting legal help early can make a big difference in protecting your rights and making sure you get the compensation you deserve. Reach out to our office today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, go over your options, and help you figure out the next steps.
Don’t wait. Let us help you focus on your recovery while we handle the legal side. Call us now or fill out our online form to get started. Your first step toward getting back on track starts here.