When a quiet bike ride turns into a crash with a careless driver, choosing the right bicycle accident lawyer becomes vital to protecting your future. Munley Law is widely recognized as the top law firm for serious injury cases, trusted by cyclists who need strong legal protection after a devastating collision. Our award-winning personal injury attorneys have more than 250 years of combined experience, and our firm has recovered over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts.
Our team includes board-certified trial lawyers who understand how to build a case that shows exactly how your accident happened and how your injuries affect your future. We work with top experts to analyze the mechanics of the crash, document the medical impact, and clearly establish liability. This approach allows us to present a detailed, evidence-driven claim on your behalf while you focus on your recovery.
We also front all case costs from the start, so you never have to worry about the financial side of the legal process. If you are ready to learn how we can help, contact Munley Law today for a free consultation. There’s no obligation, and no fee unless we win your case.
$20 Million
Settlement for a pedestrian who was hit by a car and suffered catastrophic injuries.
$2.8 Million
Settlement for a pedestrian accident case.
$2 Million
Settlement for the family of a woman killed in a pedestrian accident.
$1.9 Million
Settlement for our client, a pedestrian, was hit by a driver during a charity event.
$1.45 Million
Settlement for our client, a postal carrier, was hit by a work vehicle while crossing at the crosswalk.
$1.35 Million
Our client was critically injured when his car was hit by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel.
Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
A Munley Law bike accident attorney will help an injured bicyclist receive fair compensation for injuries and damages. We understand the nuance of traffic laws, can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court if needed. The expertise of our bicycle injury lawyers helps you focus on recovery while we handle the legal aspects, ensuring the rights of bike accident victims are protected and that you get the support you need.
“At Munley Law, our mission is simple: to provide all injury victims equal access to justice, even against the most powerful entities. For more than 65 years, we have been the voice for the injured, the forgotten, and those who need someone to stand beside them in their darkest hour.”
Marion Munley
Why Choose Munley Law For Your Bicycle Accident Case?
For almost seven decades, our firm has represented injured cyclists and their families with a level of experience and results that few firms can match. During that time, we have achieved dozens of multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts for personal injury clients, and we have been consistently named to Best Lawyers’ annual list of the Best Law Firms in America.
The attorneys who guide your case bring respected professional credentials to their work. All our partners hold AV Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell and have been named among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania by the National Trial Lawyers Association. Marion Munley and Daniel Munley are listed among the Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers, while Caroline Munley is named to the Top 25 Women Trial Lawyers, and J. Christopher Munley appears on the Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers list. Marion Munley has also been recognized among the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania since 2022 and the Top 50 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers since 2015.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney at Munley Law
What Are The Most Common Causes of Bicycle Crashes?
Common scenarios involving bicycle crashes often result from a combination of the following factors:
Distracted Driving
Distracted drivers are a significant cause of bicycle accidents due to negligent actions. When drivers are not fully focused on the road due to activities like texting, eating, or using in-car technologies, they’re more likely to overlook cyclists. This lack of attention can lead to collisions, often resulting in serious injuries for the bike rider, who has much less protection compared to a motor vehicle.
Speeding
Speeding is another common cause of bicycle accidents. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to unexpected situations, such as a cyclist entering the road. High speeds also increase the severity of collisions, making accidents more dangerous and potentially fatal for cyclists.
Dooring
Dooring occurs when a parked car’s door is opened into the path of an oncoming cyclist. This is often caused by drivers or passengers who don’t properly check for approaching bicycles before opening their doors. Dooring can cause cyclists to crash into the door or swerve into traffic to avoid it, both of which can lead to catastrophic injury.
The most recent data from the National Safety Council (NSC) highlights how serious these incidents can be. In 2023, there were 1,377 preventable deaths from bicycle transportation incidents, which reflects a 53% increase over the last ten years. Bicyclists also accounted for 2.6% of all motor-vehicle traffic fatalities during the same period. These trends show how quickly a single moment on the road can turn dangerous for cyclists.
What Are the Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries?
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be quite serious. Common bicycle injuries include:
- Fractures, particularly to the arms, legs, and collarbone, are common among bicycle riders who often try to break their fall.
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries, are also prevalent, even with helmet use.
- Road rash, which is abrasions caused by the skin scraping against the pavement.
- Back and spinal cord injuries, which are bike accident injuries that can have long-term effects.
According to the NSC, there were an estimated 341,774 preventable nonfatal injuries and 405,688 emergency department–treated injuries linked to bicycle incidents across the United States in 2023. The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) also reports that bicycling leads to the highest number of sport and recreation-related emergency department visits for traumatic brain injuries in the country, highlighting how common head injuries can be for cyclists.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Bicycle Accident Case?
Damages in a biking accident case cover a range of losses you might face. You could be looking at medical expenses for treatments, surgeries, and rehab, as well as property damage.
Economic damages include tangible costs like medical bills and lost wages, while non-economic damages cover more subjective losses, such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
If an injury leads to long-term issues or a permanent disability, you can also include future medical costs and lost earning potential.
The goal is to help injury victims recover and move on without being stuck with a financial burden.
Who Is Liable in a Bike Accident?
Figuring out who’s at fault in a bike accident can be a bit tricky. Determining who is liable can involve multiple parties depending on the circumstances. Here are some potential liable parties accountable for cycling accidents:
- The Driver: If a motorist’s negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield, caused the accident, they can be held responsible.
- The Cyclist: If the cyclist was not following traffic laws or was riding recklessly, they might share some of the blame.
- Manufacturers: If defective bicycles or cars contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of the faulty equipment could be liable.
- Government Entities: If poor road conditions, such as potholes or inadequate signage, caused the accident, the government body responsible for maintaining the road might be a responsible party.
Personal injury lawyers specializing in bike accidents will dig deep to determine the negligent party and to make sure bicycle accident victims get fair financial compensation.
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Accident Client Testimonials
Bicycle Accident FAQs
Who pays for my medical expenses after a bicycle accident?
After a bicycle accident, the responsibility for paying medical expenses depends on several factors.
If the accident was caused by a negligent driver, their insurance may cover your medical bills through their liability coverage. Additionally, your own health insurance policy can help cover medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospital bills, and rehabilitation.
In some cases, you may also be able to pursue compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company through a personal injury claim.
How do helmet laws affect my bicycle accident case?
Helmet laws can play a role in your bike accident case, depending on where the accident happened and whether you had a helmet on.
In places with strict helmet rules, not having one could affect your chances of getting compensation for your injuries. Even in states without helmet laws, not wearing a helmet might be used against you by insurance companies or the at-fault party’s legal team to argue that you were partially at fault for your injuries.
Studies referenced by the BIAA show that helmet use reduces head injury by 48%, serious head injury by 60%, traumatic brain injury by 53%, face injury by 23%, and the number of cyclists killed or seriously injured by 34%. Wearing a helmet is always a good idea for safety, and it could even help your case if you end up in a crash.
What are my rights as a cyclist on the road?
As a cyclist on the road, you have rights to ensure your safety and fair treatment:
- Right to Use the Road: A cyclist has the same rights to the road as a motor vehicle driver. This means you are entitled to ride in traffic lanes, make turns, and navigate streets just like any other vehicle on the road.
- Right to Safe Passing: Motorists are required to give you enough space when passing. They should maintain a safe distance and not crowd you off the road.
- Right of Way: You have the right of way at intersections and should be yielded to by motorists when appropriate. Remember to signal your intentions clearly and make eye contact with drivers when possible.
- Right to Legal Support: If you encounter any issues or feel unsafe while cycling, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney or reach out to local authorities for assistance.
What if I were partially at fault for the crash?
If you were partially at fault for a crash while cycling, here’s what you need to know:
- Contributory Negligence: In some cases, if you contributed to the accident, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. This means you may still be eligible for compensation, but the amount could be lessened.
- Comparative Negligence: Some states follow a comparative negligence system, where each party’s degree of fault is considered. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be able to recover damages, but they could be reduced based on your level of responsibility for the accident.
- Legal Representation: It’s important to talk to a lawyer if you think you played a part in the crash. A skilled attorney can look into what happened and figure out how much responsibility you might have, as well as what you can do to get compensated.
- Insurance Coverage: Your insurance coverage, as well as the insurance policies of other involved parties, will also play a role in determining how liability is apportioned and how compensation is calculated.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Munley Law for a Free Case Review
When you contact a bicycle accident lawyer at Munley Law for a free case review, you’re taking the first step towards seeking justice and compensation for your injuries.
Our dedicated team understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a bicycle accident can take on the life of an injured party. We’re here to provide compassionate support and expert legal assistance every step of the way.
During your free consultation, we’ll listen to your story, evaluate the details of your case, and offer personalized advice on the best course of action to pursue.
With our extensive experience and proven track record of success in handling bicycle accident claims, you can trust our law firm to fight tirelessly on your behalf to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
Marion Munley
Marion Munley has been practicing personal injury law for nearly 40 years. She is triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy for Truck Accident Law, Civil Trial Law, and Civil Practice Advocacy. She currently serves as Vice President of the American Association for Justice, an organization dedicated to safeguarding victims’ rights. Marion has won many multimillion-dollar recoveries for her clients, including one of the largest trucking accident settlements in history. She has been named a Top 10 Super Lawyer in Pennsylvania since 2023, a Best Lawyer in America, and was recently inducted to the Lawdragon Hall of Fame.
