A Philadelphia bicycle accident lawyer at Munley Law can help you recover physically, financially, and legally after a serious crash. For almost 70 years, we’ve represented injured victims across Pennsylvania, building a reputation for winning complex personal injury cases. With over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, our powerhouse attorneys know what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.
Cyclists face serious risks on Philadelphia’s busy streets, and when accidents happen, the consequences can be life-changing. We fight to hold negligent drivers, manufacturers, and municipalities accountable while protecting your rights to full compensation.
Our bicycle accident attorneys include board-certified trial lawyers and nationally recognized leaders in personal injury law, with honors from Best Lawyers, Lawdragon, and Super Lawyers. Members of our team have earned “Lawyer of the Year” distinctions and belong to elite groups like the Million-Dollar Advocates Forum and the Summit Council for high-value verdicts.
From investigating the cause of your crash to negotiating with insurers or taking your case to trial, our Philadelphia bicycle accident lawyers handle every step with precision. We never charge a fee unless we win your case. Our initial consultation is free, so please fill out our email form or call us today.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 Why Choose Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys?
If you’re looking for a bicycle accident attorney in Philadelphia, it makes sense to choose a firm that has extensive experience and verifiable success in personal injury litigation.
When you choose Munley Law for your bicycle accident case, you’re also choosing a firm that includes:
- Marion Munley, who has been recognized by Best Lawyers for Product Liability and Personal Injury Litigation, is also listed as a Top 10 Super Lawyer in Pennsylvania.
- National Board of Trial Advocates (NBTA) Certified Specialists. Five of our attorneys have passed the rigorous testing required for NBTA certification, a credential held by less than 4% of attorneys nationwide.
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum members with a proven history of securing seven-figure recoveries.
- Our partners have secured verdicts exceeding $10 million, earning membership in the invitation-only Summit Council.
What Strategies Maximize Compensation After a Bicycle Accident in Philadelphia?
To secure the compensation you deserve after a cycling collision, your attorney must do more than file paperwork. From our office at 1617 JFK Blvd, just blocks from the Compulsory Arbitration Center, we execute a targeted strategy to protect injured cyclists.
We challenge driver liability defenses by countering common arguments that blame cyclists, establishing your right of way under Pennsylvania’s vehicle code, and holding negligent motorists accountable. We document the full scope of your injuries by working directly with medical experts to establish traumatic brain injuries, orthopedic damage, road rash complications, and other cycling-specific injuries that require long-term care. And we execute local procedural strategy—whether your case requires a hearing at the Arbitration Center on JFK Blvd or a jury trial at City Hall, we understand the specific rules of the Philadelphia venue.
We Handle the Insurance Companies. You Focus on Healing.
Cyclists often face lowball offers from insurers who undervalue their claims or try to displace fault, so this is where it helps to call in a bicycle accident lawyer to handle negotiations and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Don’t accept an initial settlement without reviewing your rights. Instead, contact Munley Law today for a free consultation. You pay no fee unless we win your case.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Philadelphia?
Philly ranks ninth in the U.S. with its high volume of bike commuters, and 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 is supported by case law that dates back well over 100 years.
However, bicycle accidents happen all too frequently in our city. One of the primary causes of bicycle collisions is distracted driving. Distracted driving is on the rise as tourists, rideshare drivers, and locals use their phones and other devices for navigation, communication, and entertainment, rather than focusing on safe driving.
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
Philadelphia’s Vision Zero program is dedicated to eliminating traffic deaths that occur on the city’s streets. According to their statistics, 80% of traffic deaths and serious injuries in Philadelphia occur on 12% of the city’s streets and intersections, such as those listed above. While bicycle accidents account for only 1% of vehicle accidents in Philadelphia, they account for 4% of vehicle accident fatalities due to the cyclists’ physical vulnerability.
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 a driver or vehicle occupant opens 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.
How Do Our Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Lawyers Handle Bike Crash Claims?
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.
How Do Bike Lane Laws Affect Bicycle Accident Claims in Philadelphia?
Bike lanes are designed to give cyclists a safer space on the road, but crashes still occur with alarming frequency. Philadelphia has invested significantly in cycling infrastructure over the past decade, adding 35 miles of protected lanes, buffered lanes, and shared-use paths throughout the city. Yet collisions in or near these designated spaces continue to happen, often raising complex legal questions about traffic rights and driver responsibilities.
Pennsylvania law is clear that motorists must respect bike lanes. Under Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, drivers cannot drive, park, or stop in designated bicycle lanes except when making turns, entering or exiting driveways, or in emergencies. Despite these protections, cyclists are regularly struck by drivers who fail to check for oncoming bicycle traffic before turning across a bike lane, illegally park or double-park in bike lanes forcing cyclists into traffic, open car doors into the path of cyclists, drift into bike lanes while distracted by phones or other devices, or aggressively pass too closely in areas where bike lanes are narrow or unprotected.
In some cases, road rage plays a direct role in these collisions. Cyclists report being intentionally squeezed, brake-checked, or run off the road by drivers who view them as obstacles. When aggressive driving or intentional conduct causes a crash, the legal stakes change significantly. These cases may support claims for punitive damages in addition to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Building a strong bicycle accident claim requires establishing exactly what happened and who violated traffic laws. Evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, police reports, and physical evidence from the scene can help prove that a driver failed to yield, entered a bike lane illegally, or acted recklessly. Understanding how Philadelphia’s bike lane regulations apply to your specific crash is essential when pursuing full compensation for your injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions in a Philly Bicycle Accident
Who Has the Right of Way in a Philadelphia Bicycle Crash?
In Pennsylvania, when two vehicles approach an intersection at the same time, the driver or rider on the right has the right of way. Vehicles turning left must yield to oncoming traffic going straight, and traffic signals and stop signs dictate who proceeds first. Both cars and bicycles must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, emergency vehicles, and funeral processions.
What Pennsylvania Laws Apply in a Bike Accident?
Under the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers.
Key laws include:
- Helmet requirements for children under 12
- Adults are encouraged but not required to wear helmets, and not wearing one does not prevent you from recovering damages
- Roadway rules allow bicyclists to ride on highway shoulders or in the right lane of multi-lane roads, but not on freeways or divided highways
- Right-of-way obligations requiring cyclists to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and on sidewalks
- Hand signal requirements for turns and speed changes
- Passenger limitations that restrict riders to using properly equipped child carriers or towed trailers only.
I Lost a Loved One in a Bike Accident. Can I Sue?
Yes. If you lost a family member due to a negligent driver, you may file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation. You shouldn’t have to worry about financial recovery while mourning. Our bicycle accident lawyers and wrongful death attorneys can help your family through this difficult process.
Are Drivers Always at Fault in Bicycle Accidents?
No. While drivers are often responsible for bicycle accidents, liability can also involve municipalities, manufacturers, or even other cyclists. Road hazards, defective bike parts, or poor infrastructure may contribute to a crash.
What If a Hit-and-Run Driver Caused My Bicycle Accident?
You may still have options for compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or other insurance policies. However, your attorney can investigate the accident and determine if there is any surveillance footage that can identify the hit-and-run driver. Your lawyer will identify and explore all available sources of recovery.
Can I File a Claim if Poor Road Conditions Caused My Accident?
Yes. If a government entity failed to maintain safe road conditions, you may have a claim. However, claims involving municipal entities involve strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines, so acting quickly is essential.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Bicycle Accident?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future care costs, and pain and suffering. In severe cases, damages may also include loss of earning capacity pr wrongful death compensation.
How Much Is My Bike Accident Case Worth?
Every case is different. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries and medical expenses, lost wages and missed time from work, how clearly liability can be established, and whether multiple parties share fault. Philadelphia juries are often sympathetic to injured cyclists, but building a strong case requires thorough documentation. A skilled Philadelphia bicycle accident attorney can review your case and help you understand what compensation may be available.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for bicycle accident claims is two years, but you should not wait. Evidence like witness statements and accident scene details becomes harder to gather over time, and cases involving cyclists can be complex. Contact our bike accident lawyers at Munley Law as soon as possible after your accident 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.
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.
Daniel W. Munley
Daniel W. Munley is an award-winning personal-injury attorney and champion of plaintiffs’ rights. For decades he’s won multi-million verdicts and settlements and is recognized as a national leader in truck and rideshare litigation, including a record $26 million truck settlement in Northeastern Pennsylvania and a $20 million recovery in 2024 for life-altering commercial-vehicle injuries.
