Not knowing what happens when you have a Philadelphia bike accident adds to the stress you experience after such a frightening and painful incident. In the aftermath of such an event, knowing what steps to take is important for protecting your health, ensuring your rights are upheld by filing a personal injury claim with a Philadelphia bicycle accident lawyer, and seeking fair compensation for any injuries or damages.
Understanding the process, from assessing injuries to seeking legal assistance to determining who is ultimately responsible for your bicycle crash, can help you navigate the situation effectively and make important decisions about your next steps.
If you want to pursue compensation after your bike accident in the Cradle of Liberty, contact a Philadelphia bicycle accident lawyer at Munley Law for a free consultation.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 What Are the Bicycle Accident Laws in Philadelphia, PA?
Bicyclists must follow the same traffic laws as motorists, including stopping at red lights and stop signs, yielding to pedestrians, and riding in the same direction as traffic. Pennsylvania also has several laws specifically for bicycles, which all bicyclists are required to obey.
As a cyclist, you should be aware of these laws and of factors such as:
- Helmet Laws: While no statewide law requires adults to wear helmets while riding bicycles, Philadelphia does require anyone under 12 years old to wear one.
- Duty of Care: Drivers must exercise reasonable care to avoid colliding with bicyclists. This means they must watch out for cyclists and give them enough space when passing.
- Negligence: Under 42 Pa C.S.A. § 7102, Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence system rather than a pure contributory negligence rule. In plainer English, even if a bicyclist is found partially at fault for an accident, they may still be able to recover damages from the at-fault party’s insurance company, provided they are less than 51% responsible for the accident. However, their compensation may be reduced in proportion to their degree of fault. For example, suppose a bicyclist was not following traffic laws, such as running a red light or stop sign, riding against traffic, or failing to signal properly. In that case, the bicyclist’s actions may be considered negligent and could affect their ability to recover total compensation for their injuries.
“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
What are Your Rights as a Cyclist in Philadelphia?
As a cyclist in Philadelphia, you have several rights that are protected under the law to ensure your safety and fair treatment on the road. These rights include:
Use of the Road: Cyclists have the right to use the road like any other vehicle. This means you are not required to use the bike lane just because it’s there. You can ride in traffic lanes and take the full lane when necessary for safety.
Bike Lanes: Philadelphia has improved cycling infrastructure by implementing designated bike lanes throughout the city. Cyclists have the choice, but are not required, to use these bike lanes for safer travel.
Proper Passing Distance: Drivers must give cyclists a minimum of four feet of clearance when passing them on the road.
Follow Traffic Laws: Cyclists must obey the same traffic laws as motorists. This includes stopping at red lights and stop signs, yielding to pedestrians, and using proper hand signals for turning.
If car or truck drivers disregard these rights, they risk causing an accident involving bicyclists. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), 1,278 bicycles were involved in accidents in 2024. 19 bicyclists lost their lives in these accidents. 30 of these accidents involved a light truck, van, or SUV striking a bicycle, while 19 involved a passenger car striking a bicycle, and one involved a heavy truck striking a bicycle.
If this happens to you, Munley Law is here to help you pursue justice and fair compensation for your injuries. Our lawyers’ expertise is renowned throughout the county, wider Pennsylvania, and further afield. Four of our attorneys have board certifications in civil trial law and civil trial advocacy from the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and all our lawyers are members of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. In addition, all our partners have AV Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell. We’ve also received awards and accolades from organizations such as the National Trial Lawyers, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Best Law Firms, and the American Association for Justice, of which Marion Munley is the current Vice President.
What Are Common Bike Accident Injuries in Philadelphia?
Common bike accident injuries in Philadelphia, as in many other urban areas, can vary in severity. Those that our Philadelphia bicycle accident lawyers see most often include:
- Head Injuries: Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are among the most serious and potentially life-threatening injuries sustained in bike accidents. Wearing a helmet can greatly reduce the risk of head injuries.
- Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries: Broken bones, such as fractures of the arms, legs, wrists, and collarbones, are common in bike accidents. These injuries can result from impact with the ground, vehicles, or other objects.
- Road Rash and Abrasions: Cyclists may suffer from road rash, which occurs when the skin contacts the road surface during a fall or collision. Road rash can range from minor scrapes to more severe abrasions requiring medical attention.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and contusions, are common in bike accidents. These injuries can affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Facial Injuries: Facial injuries, including lacerations, contusions, and dental injuries, can occur when cyclists make contact with the ground, vehicles, or other objects during an accident.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: In severe bike accidents, spinal cord injuries can occur, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries can have long-term consequences and may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, such as internal bleeding, organ damage, and chest injuries, can occur due to the force of impact in a bike accident. These injuries may not always be immediately apparent and require prompt medical evaluation.
- Emotional Trauma: In addition to physical injuries, bike accidents can also cause emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, especially if the accident is severe or involves a fatality.
Whether your Philadelphia bicycle accident injuries require a few days of treatment or surgery and months of rehabilitation, you deserve compensation. A Munley Law bicycle accident lawyer in Philadelphia will take all your injuries into account, work with medical and financial experts to determine the full amount of compensation you deserve, and negotiate with insurance companies or fight for your rights in court. Rest assured, we get results. Since Munley Law was founded in 1959, our lawyers have recovered more than $1 billion in damages for clients.
What Happens if You’ve Been Injured in a Bicycle Accident in Philadelphia?
Dealing with a bicycle accident in Philadelphia can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to act swiftly to ensure your rights are protected. Follow these steps if you’re injured in a Philly bicycle accident:
- Seek Medical Attention: First, ensure you’re okay by getting medical attention immediately—even if you don’t need it.
- Document the Scene: If you can, snap some pictures of the scene and jot down any witness details.
- Inform Law Enforcement and Your Insurance Provider: Be sure to report the accident to the police and let your insurance company know what’s happened. Just be careful not to accept any blame when talking to them.
- Contact a Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Lawyer: Speaking with an experienced attorney familiar with bicycle accidents can help you determine what to do next and how to seek compensation for your injuries.
Remember, gathering evidence and following your doctor’s advice is vital for recovery and potential legal proceedings.
How Can a Cyclist Be Found At Fault in a Bike Crash?
Several factors can contribute to a cyclist being found at fault in a bike crash in Philadelphia. Violating traffic laws, such as running red lights, stop signs, or failing to yield the right of way, are common reasons. Unsafe maneuvers, like sudden swerving or failing to signal turns, can also play a role. Additionally, distractions such as using a phone or impaired riding due to alcohol or drugs can lead to fault. Negligent behavior, like riding recklessly in crowded areas or ignoring weather conditions, may also be considered.
PennDOT reported that, of the accidents in 2024, 23 bicycles struck light trucks, vans, or SUVs, 16 bicycles struck passenger cars, and one bicycle struck a heavy truck. Adhering to traffic laws, staying vigilant, and prioritizing safety can help cyclists minimize the risk of being found at fault in a bike crash.
Contact Our Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Lawyer Now
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys specializes in representing victims of serious bicycle accidents. With decades of experience and top accolades, our Philadelphia bicycle accident lawyers fight tirelessly for fair compensation for our clients. We prioritize the rights of vulnerable victims and won’t settle for less than they deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, our team offers free initial consultations and is ready to assist you. Contact us today for expert guidance on your claim.
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.
