Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyers / Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer / Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you were hit by a car or another vehicle while riding your bike in Philadelphia, don’t face the recovery process on your own. Bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles can lead to devastating, lifelong injuries, lost income, and other serious challenges.

The Philadelphia bicycle accident lawyers at Munley Law understand that not all motor vehicle drivers are willing to share the road. We are here to help those injured in bicycle accidents by negligent drivers. Our personal injury lawyers have decades of experience defending and protecting the rights of bicycle collision victims and their families and are proudly recognized for our expertise and achievements.

We never charge a fee unless we win your case. Our initial consultation is free, so fill out our email form or call today.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Philadelphia

The Pennsylvania Drivers Manual details the rights and responsibilities of those who use our roadways. The right of a bicycle rider to use a city street has case law that dates back well over 100 years. Philly ranks number 9 in the US with the highest number of bike commuters. However, bicycle accidents happen all too frequently in our city. One of the biggest causes of a bicycle collision is distracted driving. In 2024, 26.6 million visitors came to the City of Philadelphia. Tourists are inherently distracted, and distracted drivers are a liability to bicycle riders.

In addition to distracted drivers, some of the most common reasons for bicycle crashes involving a motor vehicle are speeding, unsafe lane changes, and weaving in and out of traffic. Some additional causes for a bike vs. auto accident include:

• Violation of traffic ordinances
• Failure to allow sufficient space between the car and the biker
• Failure to yield
• Drivers exiting parking lots or driveways who fail to see a cyclist
• Running a red light
• Impaired drivers
• Road rage and aggressive driving
• Drivers failing to signal
• Big trucks on the roadway

Drivers do not always cause biking accidents—environmental hazards and equipment defects can be just as dangerous. Because bicycles are complex machines, a failure in the handlebars, brakes, pedals, seat, or wheels can easily lead to a crash. Poorly maintained roadways are another common factor. Municipalities have a duty to keep public areas, such as streets and parks, safe for use, yet hazards remain. For example, in the first five months of 2024, the Streets Department filled over 33,700 potholes. If negligence—whether from a manufacturer or a municipality—contributed to your accident, you may be entitled to compensation.

Some of the more dangerous intersections in the city are:

• The corner of Broad and Race
• The corner of Broad and Girard
• The corner of Broad and Olney
• The corner of Broad and Lehigh
• Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard
• Market Street and 40th Street
• Market Street and 11th Street
• Fifth Street and Olney Avenue

The bicycle accident lawyers at Munley Law have spent decades representing victims of serious bicycle crashes. Our board-certified civil trial advocates have been named among the Best Lawyers in America, and have earned the top peer and client ratings from Martindale-Hubbell. Ultimately, our results speak for themselves. We fight for vulnerable victims of biking accidents and their right to fair and just compensation. We won’t settle for less than you deserve.

Call us today to contact a Philadelphia bicycle accident attorney from Munley Law.

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Common Types of Philadelphia Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can happen for several reasons. Often, driver inattention or negligence causes collisions between motor vehicles and bicyclists.

A common type of bike crash is when drivers or vehicle occupants open a car door in the path of a bike rider. As stated in 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3705, “no person shall open any door on a motor vehicle unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement in other traffic…” This is known as the “door law.”

Other common types of cycling accidents are:

• Being rear-ended by a motor vehicle
• Being sideswiped
• A “right hook“ accident, which occurs when a vehicle makes a right turn directly into a cyclist’s path

When a car, truck, or bus collides with a bicycle, cyclists are vulnerable to serious, even life-threatening injury. The Philadelphia accident lawyers at Munley Law handle all types of car collision cases. We will work with investigators and experts to prove the cause of your crash and fight for your right to compensation for the suffering you have endured.

Common Injuries in a Biking Accident in Philly

The childhood joys of riding a bicycle can easily morph into fear when a cyclist rides through dangerous roadways and intersections. A bike rider has no physical bodily protection, and accidents, more often than not, lead to catastrophic injuries. After a bicycle accident, injury victims may need to seek compensation for injury claims that can rack up medical bills.

Some injuries from bicycle accidents we have seen in our practice include:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Neurological damage
• Facial injuries and dental damage
• Spinal cord injuries
• Road rash
• Fractures
• Sprains, strains, and lacerations
• Amputation
• Paralysis
• Wrongful death

Psychological injuries should not be discounted. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and panic attacks are debilitating and can have a profound effect on both the victim and their entire family.

Munley Law has been helping injury victims in bicycle accident cases for decades. Our initial consultations are free, and we are here to answer any questions you may have about your bicycle accident claim. Contact us today to meet with a dedicated bike accident lawyer.

How Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Lawyers Handle Bike Crash Claims and Accident Injuries

Insurance will undoubtedly come into play in a bicycle accident. We urge you to protect your rights. Insurance companies will never be on your side, even the company you may have been paying hefty premiums to for years. It is in their nature to limit the payout in any claim.

PA is a no-fault state, which means medical expenses are, first and foremost, covered by your automobile policy, regardless of who was at fault. Personal health insurance is probably next if the costs exceed the coverage. This can likely become a complicated issue in itself. Do not attempt to resolve it without legal representation. A bicycle accident attorney can help with your insurance claim.

A bicycle is considered a vehicle; therefore, almost all the regulations that apply to drivers also apply to riders. Motorists often deny liability, and insurance adjusters will be quick to place blame on the cyclist. Recklessness is negligence, and when a driver’s negligent behavior results in a biker’s injury, the cyclist can pursue a compensation claim against the at-fault party for the bicycle accident.

The plaintiff‘s legal representative must show:

• The driver of a car (the defendant) owed a duty of care to the cyclist
• The driver failed in that duty
• As a result, the plaintiff was injured

Having a Philadelphia cycling accident lawyer on your side can ensure that you receive the compensation you are owed and that your choice of legal representation matters. Don’t hesitate. The investigation of your case is crucial, and it becomes increasingly difficult to obtain vital information as time goes on.

A bike accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate a personal injury claim, including:

• Reviewing police reports
• Speaking with any witnesses
• Analyzing photographs and videos from the scene
• Using reconstruction experts to aid in determining liability
• Investigating the responsible party’s driving record

Under product liability laws, bike riders injured by defective equipment may be able to recover financially from the cycle manufacturer.

Call Munley Law today if you were involved in a bike collision and need representation from a personal injury law firm.

Understanding Bike Lanes and Insurance Company Involvement in Cycling Accident Cases

Bike lanes are designed to give cyclists a safer space on the road, but crashes can still occur. Collisions in or near bike lanes often raise complex legal questions about traffic rights and driver responsibilities. In some cases, aggressive driving or road rage may play a role, making it even more important to establish fault clearly. Understanding how bike lane regulations apply is essential when building a strong accident claim.

Insurance companies play a major role in bicycle accident claims, but their goal is often to minimize payouts. Even riders who have paid premiums for years may find themselves facing denied or reduced benefits. Navigating this process alone can be overwhelming, especially when medical bills and lost wages are involved. An experienced Philadelphia bicycle accident lawyer can handle communications with insurers, gather the necessary documentation, and ensure victims’ rights are protected.

Some cycling accidents result in life-altering injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, that complicate both recovery and the claims process. These cases require careful investigation and strong advocacy to secure full compensation for medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term needs. A lawyer familiar with bicycle accident litigation can build the case, work with medical and reconstruction experts, and fight for fair outcomes in court or settlement negotiations.

A Munley Law Personal Injury Lawyer Fights For You

At Munley Law, our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping accident victims pursue justice and fair compensation. Our attorneys have been recognized by organizations such as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, reflecting our experience and success in handling serious injury cases. Other lawyers often look to us as trusted leaders in complex areas of the law. As a family firm, we work collaboratively, valuing each attorney’s strengths and always putting our clients first.

To meet with a dedicated bike accident attorney, call Munley Law for a no-obligation, free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions in a Philly Bicycle Accident

Who Has the Right of Way in a Philadelphia Bicycle Crashes?

Cycling accidents often occur at intersections, where right-of-way rules come into play. In Pennsylvania, the general rule is that when two vehicles approach an intersection at the same time, the driver or rider on the right has the right of way, while a vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming traffic going straight. Traffic signals and stop signs also dictate who proceeds first. Importantly, all vehicles, cars and bicycles alike, must yield to pedestrians crossing at a light, in a marked crosswalk, or those assisted by a guide dog or white cane. In addition, every driver and cyclist must yield to emergency vehicles and funeral processions.

If a driver fails to obey right-of-way laws, causing you to get hurt, call a bicycle collision lawyer at Munley Law.

How Can I Prevent a Bicycle Crash From Happening?

Protected bike lanes seem to have become a point of contention between those who feel separated lanes will slow Protected bike lanes have become a debated issue in Philadelphia, with some arguing they slow down traffic and others advocating for safer spaces for cyclists. Regardless of the type of lane—designated, protected, or contraflow—these measures improve safety for both drivers and riders, and there is broad agreement that bike safety is essential for safer streets. Cyclists can also reduce their risk of accidents by following basic safety practices: staying visible, riding in the same direction as traffic (except in a contraflow lane), being predictable, maintaining a safe speed, keeping a safe distance from vehicles, and always signaling before turning or maneuvering around cars.

If you or someone you love has suffered a serious bicycle accident injury, your choice of legal representation matters. At Munley Law, you can ensure your case is in the best possible hands. We have achieved record-breaking results in personal injury cases of all kinds. Contact us; we are here to help.

What Pennsylvania Laws Apply in a Bike Accident?

Whether you’re a bicyclist or driving a vehicle, you should know the law. According to Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, a cyclist has the same rights and responsibilities as a motor vehicle driver. While many accidents are due to driver negligence, it’s important as a cyclist to ensure you follow all traffic laws and safety regulations to prevent life-changing injuries.

• Use a Helmet: While children under the age of 12 are required to wear helmets, bicyclists over the age of 12 are encouraged to wear helmets but are not required. However, wearing one could save you from fatal injuries.
• Highways and Roads: Bicyclists can ride on the shoulder of a highway or in the right lane of a multi-lane roadway, but cannot ride on freeways or divided highways.
• Follow Right of Way: Like motorists, bicyclists must follow the same right-of-way rules, such as yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks, sidewalks, and bike paths.
• Use Hand and Arm Signals: In lieu of having lights, it’s imperative bike riders use hand and arm signals when making a turn or decreasing their speed to avoid serious accidents.
• Limit Passengers: Do not ride with any passengers on your handlebars. You should only have passengers on your bicycle if it is equipped for them, unless you have an appropriate child carrier or trailer being towed.

If you are unsure if you had followed all bike laws when your accident occurred, speak with a bike accident attorney from Munley Law. We’ll review the facts of your case to determine if you were at all at fault for causing the collision.

I Lost a Loved One in a Bike Accident. Can I Sue?

There are no words for how catastrophic losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence can be. Recovering compensation so you and your family can get back on your feet can be complicated. Also, you should not have to worry about financial recovery while mourning a family member.

If you lost a loved one in a bike accident, the family can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation from the negligent driver. Our bicycle accident lawyers and wrongful death attorneys can help.

How Much is My Bike Accident Case Worth?

There’s no one way to answer this. The case value depends on the specific details of the bike accident. If you want to understand how much your personal injury case may be worth, a Philadelphia cycling accident attorney can help. Several factors go into how much a bike accident settlement could be worth, such as:

• The extent and impact of your injuries and subsequent medical bills;
• Lost wages and time missed from work;
• The liability of the parties involved; and
• How many parties may be negligent for the accident

To determine the value of your claim, you will need a skilled Philadelphia bicycle collision attorney to review your case.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim for My Bike Accident?

Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations to file a bicycle accident claim is two years. But you do not want to wait that long. Instead, you will want to speak a Philadelphia bike accident lawyer immediately or as soon as possible after the accident. Cases of motor vehicle accidents involving bicyclists can be complicated and take a long time to process. To prove your case, you’ll need evidence. This could include witness statements, details from the accident scene, and other materials that are easier to uncover the closer it is to the accident.

So, if you’ve been in a bike crash, contact our bike accident lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys as soon as possible. Experienced bike accident attorneys can walk you through your case, listen to the details of your bicycle crash, and explain your options. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Injured? Call a Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Attorney From Munley Law Today.

Bike accidents are complicated. From questions of liability to the strain of long-term injuries, victims may be overwhelmed following a collision. This is where a Philadelphia bike accident lawyer comes in.

At Munley Law, our personal injury attorneys have handled some of the most complex bike accidents in the City of Brotherly Love. With a track record of multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts, you can rest assured knowing your Philly bike accident claim is handled with the precision and care it requires.

So, if you’ve been in a bike crash, contact our Philadelphia bike accident lawyers at Munley Law as soon as possible. Experienced bike accident attorneys can walk you through your case, listen to the details of your bicycle crash, and explain your options.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

1617 John F Kennedy Blvd
Suite 1690,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 515-7747