As Steel City embraces cycling fervently, encouraging locals and numerous students to take to the beautiful yet sometimes challenging terrain on their bikes, a pressing question looms: Does car insurance cover bicycle accidents in Pittsburgh?
Understanding the intricacies of bike accident insurance in Pittsburgh’s unique landscape — from the busy streets of Downtown to the tranquil pathways of Schenley Park — is vitally important. Whether you are a daily commuter using the extensive bike lanes the city has to offer or a weekend warrior exploring the Great Allegheny Passage, having a clear understanding of what insurance covers bike accidents can be your shield in distressing times when you may need a Pittsburgh bicycle accident attorney.
The rise in cycling enthusiasts also requires clarity on the policies that govern bike accident insurance, which is an assurance that you have a safety net to fall back on should the unexpected happen. This is precisely where Munley Law steps in, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise as your dependable bicycle accident lawyer, guiding you through the complexities of insurance policies to ensure you are rightfully covered and represented. Contact us for a free consultation today.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 Are Bicycle Accidents in Pittsburgh On the Rise?
In recent years, Pittsburgh has embraced a more bike-friendly approach, enhancing its infrastructure with the addition of bike lanes in neighborhoods such as Lawrenceville, Downtown, and the historic Strip District. This initiative aligns with the city’s commitment to sustainability and promoting healthier lifestyles among its residents. However, this favorable shift has brought with it an increased number of bicycle accidents. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the number of bicycle accidents in the Keystone State increased between 2020 and 2024:
- 819 crashes occurred in 2020
- 766 accidents happened in 2021
- 810 crashes were reported in 2022
- 1,100 accidents occurred in 2023
- 1,271 bicycle crashes happened in 2024
With these crashes, victims suffered injuries from minor cuts and bruises to traumatic brain injuries, and in some cases, even death. 19 bicyclists were killed in accidents in 2024.
As streets see a greater number of cyclists sharing the road with motorists, the dynamics of traffic accidents change. Despite efforts to cultivate a safe environment for both drivers and cyclists through initiatives such as the “Safe Streets” program, the number of cyclist accidents is on the rise. From minor collisions to more serious accidents with grave consequences, the safety of bicyclists is becoming a pressing issue in the Steel City.
With these changes, understanding the nuances of bike accident insurance becomes not just beneficial but essential. Our Pittsburgh personal injury lawyers have more than 250 years of combined experience handling cases involving serious accidents and insurance. We’ve guided other injured clients on their legal options and protected their rights, and we can help you, too.
What Do You Need to Know About Bike Accident Insurance?
At its core, bike accident insurance is coverage that protects cyclists from financial losses resulting from accidents while riding. This insurance can come from different sources, including your auto insurance or a dedicated bicycle insurance policy.
The Distinction from Car Insurance
Many Pittsburgh residents might assume that car insurance covers only motor vehicles, overlooking the protections it can offer cyclists. It is critical to underline the distinctions and overlaps between car and bike insurance policies. While car insurance primarily focuses on motor vehicles, certain provisions can indeed cover bicycle accidents, often providing a safety net for cyclists on Pittsburgh’s bustling roads.
Role of Car Insurance in Covering Bicycle Accidents
It might surprise many to learn that your car insurance policy could potentially step in to cover bicycle accidents under specific circumstances. For instance, if you are hit by a car while cycling, the driver’s car insurance policy might cover your medical bills and other damages. Understanding these nuances can be crucial in safeguarding yourself from hefty financial burdens in the wake of a bicycle accident.
What Insurance Covers Bike Accidents?
Bicyclists in Pittsburgh, PA, must get to grips with a complex web of insurance policies to understand what coverage they have in the event of an accident. These policies fall under three distinct categories, including:
Auto Insurance Policies
In many instances, your auto insurance can be a recourse in the event of a bike accident. It is not uncommon for auto insurance policies to cover bicycle accidents, especially when a collision with a motor vehicle occurs. Policies might cover your medical bills, physical therapy, and even property damage in such scenarios. However, the specifics can vary greatly, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly reviewing your policy’s details.
Homeowner’s Insurance
Homeowner’s insurance is another avenue you might explore for coverage. Sometimes, these policies include liability coverage for accidents that occur away from home, which can include bike accidents. However, the applicability of homeowner’s insurance in such contexts can be limited, and it’s crucial to check individual policy terms to confirm coverage.
Special Bicycle Insurance Policies
Beyond auto and homeowners insurance, special bicycle insurance policies are becoming increasingly popular. These are designed to focus exclusively on the needs of cyclists, offering comprehensive coverage for a wide array of scenarios, including theft, damage, and bikeshare equipment -related accidents.
Even though drivers are legally required to have insurance in Pennsylvania, some do not meet this requirement, so you may be struck by an uninsured driver while bicycling. Even if you and the driver who hit you are insured, the relevant insurance companies are likely to offer a payout that’s much smaller than what you actually deserve. We will work with experts to determine the full value of your claim and will negotiate with insurance companies or go to court to ensure that you receive full, fair compensation – and we get results. Over almost seven decades, we’ve obtained verdicts and settlements worth more than $1 billion for clients.
How Does Munley Law Protect Your Rights?
Getting through the aftermath of a bicycle accident in Pittsburgh can be a daunting task. Securing your rights and interests becomes paramount. Our Pittsburgh bicycle accident lawyers bring decades of experience and understanding to those who have suffered physical and financial distress following a bike accident.
Munley Law Brings Comprehensive Legal Services to Pitt Bike Accident Victims
Munley Law has years of expertise in handling bicycle accident cases effectively. With a deep understanding of the local Pittsburgh laws and a finger on the pulse of national legislation, they ensure that you are represented by a team of top accident lawyers with knowledge and expertise that leverage every possible legal avenue for your benefit. 
Four of our lawyers are board certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and all our attorneys are members of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the American Association for Justice. We’re proud to have been honored by Irish Legal 100, Lawdragon, Super Lawyers, and Best Law Firms. Best Lawyers named Marion Munley Lawyer of the Year for Personal Injury Litigation, while the National Trial Lawyers named all our partners among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania. In addition, Martindale-Hubbell honored all our partners by giving them its highest rating, AV Preeminent. Robert Munley III, Marion, and Caroline Munley are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million-Dollar Advocates Forum.
From gathering evidence to articulating a compelling case in court, we walk you through every step of the legal process. It’s not just about fighting your case; it’s about building a strong foundation that encompasses every legal facet necessary to safeguard your rights.
Further, we recognize the distress and turmoil that a bike accident can cause, which is why our firm stands with you, offering legal aid, emotional support, and guidance, fostering a relationship based on trust, empathy, and mutual respect.
How Much Does Hiring a Pittsburgh Bicycle Accident Lawyer Cost?
Understanding your rights shouldn’t come at a high price. This is why Munley Law offers free consultation services, extending a hand to help you understand the intricacies of bike accident insurance and what steps to undertake to secure your rights, even before you decide to proceed with any legal actions.
What’s more, we work on a contingency fee basis, so if we accept your case, we will not charge any legal fees unless we win and recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs involved in hiring our Pittsburgh bicycle accident lawyers.
Injured in a Pittsburgh Bike Accident? Call Munley Law.
If you find yourself grappling with the repercussions of a bike accident, remember that you are not alone. Munley Law stands ready to advocate for your rights, providing expert advice and personalized service tailored to your case.
Contact Munley Law for a free consultation today, and take the first step towards securing justice and peace of mind.
Caroline Munley
Caroline Munley is an experienced and award-winning personal injury lawyer and is a board-certified workers’ compensation specialist. Since 2018, she’s been listed in Best Lawyers in America (Personal Injury Plaintiffs; Workers’ Compensation Claimants, Northeastern PA), Lawdragon, and has been a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer since 2022. A member of the International Society of Barristers, Caroline has won millions of dollars for car accident, commercial truck crash, and workplace injury victims.
