Biking has become more popular than ever, but with more cyclists on the road, the numbers of bicycle accidents and injuries are on the rise as well. At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices, our bicycle accident lawyers are well-versed in Pennsylvania traffic laws and have decades of experience handling all types of accident claims. We can help you pursue maximum compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Pennsylvania Bike Crash Statistics
According to PennDOT, in 2022, bicycle crashes made up 0.7% of the total reported vehicle crashes and 1.3% of all traffic fatalities. Although these percentages are small, 15 bicyclists were killed and 801 suffered injury in 2022. Although most injuries occurred during daylight hours, nearly half of the fatalities occurred during non-daylight conditions.
Children are some of the most vulnerable to injury or death while riding a bike. In Pennsylvania, anyone under the age of 12 is required to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. Regardless of your age, wearing a properly fitted helmet and other safety gear like reflective clothing can save your life. If your child was injured while riding their bike and you believe that another party may be liable for damages, our bike accident lawyers are well-versed in handling personal injury cases involving injuries to children.
Causes Of Bicycle Accidents
Even if you take proper safety precautions and stay alert, crashes happen. Motorists who drive carelessly or refuse to share the road are often the cause of serious accidents involving bicyclists. Other causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Driver distraction, such as texting while driving
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding
- Failing to heed traffic signals like traffic lights and stop signs
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Making a right turn in front of a bicyclist
- Swerving into a bicyclist or a bike lane
- Opening a car door into the street or a bike lane
Our bicycle accident attorneys know how to thoroughly investigate these types of cases to find out how a crash occurred and who was at fault. Accident reconstructionists and other experts also provide valuable insights into the circumstances surrounding a bicycle accident and help us build solid cases.
Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicyclists don’t have the protection of tons of steel surrounding them like motorists do. This makes cyclists more vulnerable to catastrophic injuries and death, especially when large vehicles like tractor-trailers are involved.
Common injuries sustained in bike accidents include:
- Fractured and crushed bones
- Dental injuries
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Soft tissue injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Road rash
These types of injuries can require costly medical treatment such as multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and long-term care. Bicyclists may also suffer from mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression due to psychological trauma from a crash. Our bicycle accident lawyers have experience calculating damages in these cases and ensure the compensation you’re asking for is more than enough to cover your medical expenses and other damages.
Recovering Compensation After a Bike Accident in PA
Our personal injury attorneys at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices understand the devastating physical, emotional, and financial impact that bicycle accident injuries and fatalities can have on families. Our skilled legal team is with you every step of the way and offers the compassionate yet tenacious legal representation you need. A bicycle accident attorney may be able to help you recover damages such as:
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future earnings and income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship and consortium
In some cases, you may be able to bring a claim for punitive damages as well. Punitive damages are intended to punish the negligent party and deter them and others from committing similar acts. For example, if you were injured by a drunk driver, they may be liable for punitive damages because of wanton or egregious behavior.
Our bicycle accident lawyers in the Lehigh Valley pursue every possible source of compensation to help you recover maximum compensation for your injuries. If you’ve lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, a bike accident attorney can evaluate your case and advise you on whether a wrongful death claim may be appropriate.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
After sustaining a serious injury or losing a loved one, the uphill battle of seeking compensation from an insurer may be the last thing on your mind. Insurance companies are concerned with their bottom line, not ensuring you get the medical care you need and financial stability you deserve. They may offer what appears to be a generous settlement, but in reality, the amount may not even come close to covering your damages. At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices, our bicycle accident lawyers understand how to accurately value your claim and make sure all your financial bases are covered.
Our personal injury attorneys collect all necessary documentation and evidence, negotiate fervently on your behalf, and won’t back down until you receive the maximum compensation you may be entitled to receive. Our team has a proven track record of success when it comes to recovering fair settlements from insurers and winning challenging bike accident cases in court.
What to Do After a Bike Accident
After a bicycle accident in Pennsylvania, it’s important to take steps to protect your rights. Documenting what happened and preserving evidence helps your bicycle accident lawyer build a strong case for compensation. After a bike accident, call 911 and move to a safe area if possible. Take photos of the scene, damage to your bike, other vehicles, and your injuries. Write down everything you can remember about what happened while it’s fresh in your mind and obtain a copy of the police report at the scene. Make sure to keep your bike, helmet, clothing, accessories, and any other items you were carrying with you.
The most important thing to do is seek medical attention right away. Serious injuries like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injury may not be apparent right away. Going to the ER can ensure you receive the diagnostic tests and medical care you need. Medical records also provide valuable documentation of your injuries and the accident. Your bicycle accident lawyer will need this information to demonstrate the severity of your injuries and how they have impacted your everyday life. Put all injury and accident-related bills and receipts in a safe place to keep track of your expenses.
Do not give a statement to insurance adjusters, sign anything, or accept a settlement without talking to one of our bicycle accident lawyers first. We handle all communications and negotiations with insurers and fight to protect your rights.
Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim in PA
Depending on the circumstances, you may need to file multiple claims to recover compensation after a bicycle accident. A personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case and determine the most effective way to pursue compensation for your medical bills and other damages. If you have auto insurance, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance may cover your medical bills. If an accident was caused by a negligent driver or another potentially liable party, you may be able to recover compensation from their insurer. Each case is different, and the process will depend on the specifics of your situation.
Your bicycle accident attorney handles all aspects of the claims process, negotiates aggressively on your behalf, and keeps you informed throughout the process. If a reasonable settlement can’t be reached, our bike accident lawyers are prepared to litigate your case in court to help you recover the maximum compensation you need and deserve. It’s important to take action as soon as possible, as the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death claim in Pennsylvania is two years.
Why Choose Us?
Our bicycle accident lawyers in the Lehigh Valley are dedicated to making things right for injured victims and their families. We provide competent, compassionate legal support you can trust. Your initial consultation is always free, regardless of whether you decide to proceed with a bike accident claim.
Contact A Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured or have lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, you don’t have to go it alone. Our caring team at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices fights to protect your rights and helps you recover the compensation you deserve. With several convenient locations to choose from, our Lehigh Valley bicycle accident lawyers make it easy to find the top-notch legal representation you need. Call us today at (610) 867-2900 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a bicycle accident attorney in eastern Pennsylvania.