If you were injured in a bicycle accident, an experienced Erie bicycle accident lawyer at Munley Law can help you to claim compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering. Munley Law’s board-certified personal injury attorneys bring over 250 years of combined experience to every case, fighting tirelessly for cyclists who negligent drivers have injured.
Our bicycle accident lawyers understand the challenges cyclists face on Erie’s roads, from distracted drivers on Bayfront Parkway to dangerous infrastructure downtown. We offer a free consultation to new clients and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case.
Contact us for a free case evaluation and discover why injured cyclists across Erie County trust Munley Law to deliver results.
$32 Million Wrongful Death
$26 Million Truck Accident
$20 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident
$19.8 Million Truck Accident
$17.5 Million Car Accident
$12 Million Work Injury
$11 Million Truck Accident
$9 Million Truck Accident
$8 Million Truck Accident
$8 Million Truck Accident
$7.5 Million Auto Accident
$6.9 Million Garbage Truck Accident
Why Choose Munley Law for Your Erie Bicycle Accident Case?
At Munley Law, our Pennsylvania bicycle accident attorneys know that you and your family are facing a very critical moment in your lives. You need someone you can trust. Our firm has been serving Erie residents since 1959 and has recovered millions for our clients throughout the years.
Our Erie personal injury attorneys have consistently earned recognition in Pennsylvania and across the United States as accomplished trial lawyers. Our lawyers’ accolades include:
- Board-certified in Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
- Super Lawyers selection for exceptional legal achievement.
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating, the highest peer-review recognition for legal ability and ethical standards.
- Pennsylvania Bar Association members in good standing.
- Multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in bicycle accident cases statewide.
Local, Trial-Tested Counsel
Munley Law represents Erie clients who have been injured in bicycle accidents throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania, with extensive trial experience in Erie County courts. Our attorneys have successfully litigated cases involving dangerous conditions on Bayfront Parkway, high-traffic collisions on State Street, and tourist-related accidents along Peninsula Drive.
We possess a deep understanding of Erie’s unique cycling landscape, encompassing weather challenges and seasonal traffic patterns, which we leverage to craft compelling cases.
Whether your accident occurred on downtown streets or along the Presque Isle corridor, our firm brings proven courtroom skill and deep familiarity with Pennsylvania personal injury law to every Erie bicycle accident case.
Immediate Help and Evidence Preservation
We understand that the last thing on your mind after being injured in a bicycle accident is a lawsuit. However, time is of the essence following your accident, and a lawsuit may be the only thing standing between you and a heavy financial burden.
Munley Law offers free consultations with same-day callback availability to begin protecting your claim immediately. Our evidence preservation efforts include securing Erie Police Department crash reports, conducting witness outreach. At the same time, memories remain fresh, as we obtain traffic camera and PennDOT footage, issue spoliation letters to preserve vehicle data and surveillance recordings, and conduct a comprehensive review of digital evidence and accident scene conditions.
Our Erie County bicycle injury lawyers take prompt action to prevent crucial evidence from being lost or destroyed.
Contingency Fee and Clear Terms
Munley Law operates on a contingency fee basis, which means our clients don’t pay any legal fees up front. In fact, we collect a fee only if we win your case. It’s as simple as that.
We provide transparent fee agreements with no hidden costs. Our firm advances all upfront litigation expenses, including expert witness fees, court costs, and investigative resources. We firmly believe there shouldn’t be any risk to the pursuit of justice.
Injured in an Erie bicycle accident? Call or click here for your free case review.
“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
Call us at (844) 686-5397 Where Do Most Bicycle Accidents Occur in Erie?
Our attorneys regularly handle right-hook collisions (where drivers turn right across a cyclist’s path), left-cross accidents at intersections, and unsafe passing incidents that force cyclists into parked cars or off the roadway.
Bayfront Parkway and Presque Isle Cycling Accidents
Bayfront Parkway and the surrounding routes near Presque Isle State Park present serious hazards for cyclists. Heavy tourist traffic combined with high speeds creates dangerous conditions where distracted drivers fail to yield properly. Inadequate signage and poor visibility contribute to severe collisions.
When roadway defects or design flaws cause accidents, PennDOT and other government entities may be held liable. However, claims against government agencies require strict adherence to procedural rules, including the six-month notice requirement under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5522. Failure to meet this deadline forfeits all rights to compensation.
Accidents in these high-traffic areas frequently cause catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries that permanently alter cognitive function, memory, personality, and independence, leaving victims unable to work, maintain relationships, or perform daily activities. If you suffered a brain injury in a Presque Isle-area bicycle accident, Munley Law navigates government liability claims to secure fair compensation.
Downtown Erie Dooring and Parking Accidents
Dooring occurs when a driver opens a motor vehicle door in the path of a cyclist, and it is one of the most common causes of serious injuries. With the rise of riders sharing the road, Pennsylvania enacted Vehicle Code § 3705, which prohibits opening vehicle doors into traffic if they pose hazards to other moving vehicles (including bicycles).
However, even with laws in place, dooring accidents are still common on State Street, French Street, and Peach Street. On these busy roadways, parallel parking also poses a constant danger to cyclists navigating the bike lane.
Beyond dooring incidents, cyclists face obstructions from delivery trucks that force them into traffic lanes, double-parked vehicles blocking safe passage, and rideshare drivers making sudden stops. These hazards cause serious injuries when cyclists are struck by opened doors or forced into the path of other moving vehicles.
Munley Law leverages multiple evidence sources to build compelling dooring cases, including surveillance footage from surrounding businesses and municipal cameras, Erie Police Department crash reports, and witness statements.
Why Should You Hire a Bicycle Accident Attorney?
Defense attorneys are quick to use Pennsylvania’s contributory negligence rule (42 Pa.C.S. § 7102) to get their clients off the hook. However, a Munley bicycle accident lawyer will minimize your liability and maximize your compensation.
These bicycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries requiring emergency treatment. Victims face mounting medical bills, extended time away from work, and costs of replacing damaged bicycles and safety equipment.
Munley Law aggressively pursues compensation for all economic losses, ensuring negligent drivers and their insurance carriers are held fully accountable for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Contact an Erie Bicycle Lawyer Attorney
Common Causes of Bicycle Crashes in Erie, PA
Munley Law handles the full spectrum of bicycle accident cases affecting Erie County cyclists. They include:
- Distracted driving: Our attorneys represent clients injured by distracted drivers who fail to notice cyclists while texting, eating, or using in-vehicle technology.
- Failure to Yield: We pursue claims involving motorists who violate right-of-way laws at intersections, driveways, and crosswalks, resulting in devastating collisions.
- Unsafe infrastructure: We hold municipalities and government entities accountable for unsafe infrastructure, including poorly maintained bike lanes, missing signage, and defective roadway design.
- Hazardous road conditions: Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, and inadequate lighting create the perfect conditions for a catastrophic bicycle accident.
Whether you’re a daily commuter in Erie County or an avid cyclist traversing Northwest Pennsylvania, we will fight for your rights.
Our Erie, PA, bike accident attorneys bring aggressive advocacy and compassionate guidance to every case. If you’ve been injured in any type of Erie personal injury accident involving a bicycle, our experienced trial lawyers are ready to help you pursue maximum compensation.
Pennsylvania Bicycle Laws for Erie Cyclists
During the claims process, there may be additional Pennsylvania bicycle laws that you need to be aware of:
- Title 75 § 3301 grants cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators, establishing that bicycles are legitimate road users entitled to full legal protection.
- Title 75 § 3303 mandates that motorists pass cyclists with at least four feet of clearance, a critical safety requirement frequently violated on Erie’s congested streets.
- Title 75 § 3505 addresses roadway positioning, allowing cyclists to ride as far right as practicable but permitting lane use when necessary for safety, such as avoiding parked cars or preparing for turns.
- Title 75 § 3705 specifically prohibits opening vehicle doors into the path of moving traffic, including bicycles—a common cause of downtown Erie accidents.
Injured cyclists need to understand Pennsylvania’s laws as well.
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524 establishes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. That means you must file your lawsuit within two years of the accident date. If you don’t file within this timeframe, you will lose your right to recover any compensation.
- Comparative negligence (42 Pa.C.S. § 7102) allows you to recover damages even if you share partial fault for the accident.
Erie’s unique conditions, like seasonal tourism traffic, lake-effect weather, and downtown congestion, make these legal protections particularly important. Motorists must exercise heightened caution, and when they fail to do so, injured cyclists have clear legal recourse. Munley Law ensures Erie cyclists receive the complete protection Pennsylvania law provides.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Erie
Knowing what to do after a bicycle accident in Erie, PA, can keep you safe and protect your rights. Here are 10 things you should do immediately after a bicycle accident: 
- Call 911 immediately. Report the accident and request police and medical response, even if your injuries seem minor.
- Obtain an official crash report. Ensure that the Erie Police Department or the Pennsylvania State Police documents the scene and generates a police report that includes the officer’s name and report number.
- Photograph the scene thoroughly. Capture vehicle damage, your bicycle, visible injuries, skid marks, traffic signs, and the overall accident location from multiple angles.
- Document roadway conditions. Note potholes, debris, poor lighting, missing signage, weather conditions, and any visibility issues that contributed to the crash.
- Preserve your damaged bicycle and gear. Do not repair or discard your bike, helmet, clothing, or other equipment. These will serve as evidence.
- Seek immediate medical care and complete a full evaluation, even if you feel uninjured. Adrenaline masks pain, and delayed symptoms are common.
- Notify your insurance company. Report the accident, but provide only basic facts without detailed statements.
- Decline all recorded statements. Politely refuse to give recorded statements to any insurance adjuster until you’ve consulted an attorney.
- Contact an attorney within 24–48 hours. Early legal representation protects evidence and prevents mistakes in the claims process.
- Track all expenses. Document medical bills, lost wages, transportation costs, and out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries.
Compensation in Erie Bicycle Accident Cases
There are two primary forms of damages a bicycle accident victim may recover in a personal injury claim:
Economic Damages
Economic losses are objective monetary losses. Medical expenses, lost wages, future care costs, loss of earning capacity, and property damage fall under economic damages. These costs have tangible receipts and are the most straightforward type of compensation in a bicycle accident claim.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate the victim for intangible losses that profoundly impact the quality of life. This can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, post-traumatic stress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Additional Recovery Avenues
In cases involving egregious misconduct, such as drunk driving or intentional acts, punitive damages may be available to punish the defendant and prevent similar behavior. When at-fault drivers lack adequate insurance, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may provide additional compensation.
Tragically, when bicycle accidents result in death, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death actions under 42 Pa.C.S. § 8301 to recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
Munley Law’s Erie wrongful death lawyers compassionately guide families through these devastating claims while fighting for maximum accountability.
Areas We Serve in Erie County
Munley Law represents bicycle accident victims throughout Erie County and Northwestern Pennsylvania, serving clients in Erie, Millcreek Township, Summit Township, Harborcreek, Lawrence Park, Fairview Township, Girard, North East, Wesleyville, and surrounding communities.
We handle cases on all major roadways, including Interstate 90, Bayfront Parkway, State Street, West 6th Street, Peninsula Drive, and Presque Isle State Park routes. Whether your accident occurred on a rural road, suburban intersection, or downtown bike lane, Munley Law brings dedicated advocacy and proven trial experience to every case.
No matter where in Erie County your accident happened, our personal injury attorneys travel to meet you, investigate the crash scene, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Talk To a Bicycle Accident Attorney Now
Erie Bicycle Accident FAQs
Does Pennsylvania Require Bicycle Helmets in Erie?
Pennsylvania law does not require adults to wear bicycle helmets, and Erie has no local helmet ordinance. However, riders under age 12 must wear helmets. Importantly, failing to wear a helmet does not prevent you from recovering compensation. Insurance companies often use helmet non-use against injury victims, but Pennsylvania law prohibits using helmet evidence to prove contributory negligence in most circumstances. Your failure to wear a helmet should not diminish your legal rights when a negligent driver causes your injuries.
Can I Recover Compensation if I Was Partially At Fault For My Bicycle Accident?
Yes, you can recover compensation if you were partially at fault for a bicycle accident. Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rule allows you to recover damages as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you’ll receive $80,000.
What if the Driver Who Hit Me Has No Insurance or Insufficient Coverage?
Uninsured and underinsured drivers make the claims process more challenging, but recovery options exist. Check your auto insurance for uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which protects you even when cycling. Household family members’ policies may also provide coverage.
We can identify other liable parties—vehicle owners, employers, bars that overserved drunk drivers, or government entities responsible for dangerous roads. Munley Law investigates all available insurance sources and liability theories to maximize your recovery regardless of the at-fault driver’s financial resources.
How Long Does a Bicycle Accident Case Take in Erie?
Case timelines vary based on injury severity, liability disputes, and insurance cooperation. Simple cases with clear liability may settle within 3-6 months. More complicated cases involving catastrophic injuries, disputed fault, or government defendants often require 12-24 months or longer, especially if trial becomes necessary.
How Much is My Erie Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
Case value depends on injury severity, medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and the defendant’s fault. Minor injury cases may settle for tens of thousands, while catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain damage or spinal cord injuries can justify multi-million dollar recoveries. During your free consultation, Munley Law evaluates your circumstances, reviews medical records, and provides an honest assessment of potential compensation.
Protect Your Rights After an Erie Bicycle Accident
Pennsylvania’s two-year deadline means you must act quickly. Contact Munley Law today to schedule a free consultation.
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Munley Law’s board-certified trial attorneys have recovered millions for injured cyclists across Pennsylvania. Don’t face insurance companies alone. Let our experienced legal team fight for the compensation you deserve.
Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on December 22, 2025.
