Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you were a bicyclist hit by a car or other vehicle while riding your bike in Philadelphia, don’t try to recover alone. Getting into a bicycle accident with a large motor vehicle can be catastrophic and cause lifelong injuries, lost wages, and more. The Philadelphia bicycle accident attorneys at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys understand not all drivers of motor vehicles are willing to share the road. We are here to help those injured in bicycle accidents by negligent drivers. Our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers have decades of experience defending and protecting the rights of bicycle accident victims and their families and are proudly recognized for our expertise and achievements. Our lawyers have been selected among the Best Law Firms, made the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers List, and the list of Best Lawyers in America.

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. However, bicycle accidents happen all too frequently in our city. One of the biggest causes of a bicycle accident is distracted driving. In 2023, 43 million visitors came to Philly. 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 accidents 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

Environmental issues and equipment defects can also play a role in biking accidents. A bicycle is a complex piece of machinery. Broken or defective handlebars, brakes, pedals, seats, or wheels are all plausible reasons for a cycling accident. Municipalities are required to ensure the city’s public areas, like parks and roadways, are safe. A recent article reports anywhere from 30,000–70,000 potholes are filled by the Streets Department in Philadelphia every year. Compensation is entirely possible if it can be substantiated that negligence caused a bicycle accident.

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 connect with a Philadelphia bicycle accident attorney from Munley Law.

The 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 Motor Vehicle Code 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 happens when a vehicle turns right, directly into the path of a cyclist

When a car, truck, or bus collides with a bicycle, cyclists are vulnerable to serious, even life-threatening injury. The Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at Munley Law handle all types of 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.

The 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 his or her 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 a Philadelphia Bike Accident Law Firm Helps Determine Liability

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.

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

Some Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Statistics

• Philadelphia is the 4th most walkable large city in the US and has a bike-friendly score of 67
• Philadelphia ranks number 9 in the US with the highest number of bike commuters
• According to thebestbikelock.com, Philadelphia ranks first in the United States in bicycle theft rates
• Use this calendar of regional events to find upcoming cycling activities
• In 2023, the economic loss due to traffic crashes was $2,390 to every man, woman, and child in Pennsylvania

A Munley Law Personal Injury Lawyer Fights For You

The team of board-certified Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys are among the country’s highest-rated and most respected legal advocates. Other lawyers regularly look to us as industry experts in complex areas of the law. Our credentials (including Best Lawyers in America, Best Law Firms, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, and Million Dollar Advocates Forum) reflect that we are an exceptional law firm. We are a family firm. We value and respect each other’s strengths and areas of expertise and are proud of our ability to achieve the best possible outcome for all our clients.

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

Frequently Asked Questions in a Philadelphia Bicycle Accident

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

Bicycle accidents happen frequently at intersections. In most cases, when two vehicles approach an intersection simultaneously, the driver or rider on the right-hand side has the right of way. A vehicle turning left yields to the vehicle going straight. Some of the more dangerous intersections in Philadelphia 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

Traffic lights and stop signs are also indicators of the right of way.

So in Pennsylvania, the answer to who yields to who is:

• All vehicles should yield to pedestrians who are crossing at a light, in a marked crosswalk, or walking with a guide dog or a white cane
• Everyone yields to emergency vehicles and funeral processions

If a driver fails to obey right-of-way laws, causing you to get hurt, call a bike accident attorney from Munley Law.

How Can I Prevent a Bicycle Accident From Happening?

Protected bike lanes seem to have become a point of contention between those who feel separated lanes will slow down traffic on the city streets and those who lobby for safer spaces for bikers. The bottom line is that whether it is a designated lane, a protected lane, or a contraflow lane, they are a measure of safety for both drivers and riders, and no one is disputing the importance of safe streets or that bike safety matters.

No matter where you ride, ride safe:

• Stay visible
• Unless using a contraflow lane, ride in the same direction as the traffic
• Be predictable
• Maintain a safe speed
• Keep a safe distance from other vehicles
• Always signal when 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 occured, 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 Philadelphia 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 bicycle 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 accident 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 contact 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 Philadelphia 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.

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

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. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

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