Pennsylvania Bicycle Accident Lawyer

BICYCLE CRASHES AND INJURIES FROM THE USE OF BICYCLES HAPPEN WITH FRIGHTENING FREQUENCY.

Because bicycles are relatively light, the injuries can be severe or fatal. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, more than 1,200 bicycle crashes occurred in our state in 2015 alone. The number of bicycle crashes increased in 2016, and they make up about 1.1 percent of the total Pennsylvania traffic crashes and 1.6 percent of all traffic deaths.

Unlike motor vehicles that offer some protection in the form of construction, airbags, and seat-belts, the only protection bicyclists have are helmets. Even so, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that the most prevalent and serious injuries in bicycle accidents are to the head — and other parts of the body, including arms, legs, neck, and back, are completely vulnerable to serious physical harm.

If you or a loved one has been injured or if someone has died in a bicycle accident, you may have a claim for compensation for your losses. This includes medical and hospital bills, lost wages and other economic expenses, and possibly claims for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering as well. In many cases, the noneconomic damages are most significant constituting disfigurement, pain and suffering, loss of life’s pleasures, emotional distress, and the like.

Pennsylvania laws are complex, and your case must be handled correctly and competently or you may never collect the compensation you are entitled to. Insurance companies will try tactics such as trying to shift responsibility or getting you to accept the lowest settlement. It makes sense to get legal representation before you talk to an insurance company in order to protect your rights and maximize the compensation you receive.

Pennsylvania bicycle accident lawyer Clifford A. Rieders of Rieders, Travis, Humphrey, Waters & Dohrmann knows the courts, the insurance companies, the system, and what you need to do to increase your chances of obtaining a good settlement. Our attorneys have successfully represented people who have been harmed in bicycle crashes throughout Pennsylvania. Contact Rieders, Travis, Humphrey, Waters & Dohrmann today by calling 1-(570) 323-8711 for a free consultation, or use our online contact form.

Cycling Injuries and Fatalities in Pennsylvania

Bicycles are hard to see as they are small and often are not equipped with bright lights. The following factors increase risk of injury and death for cyclists:

• According to Penn Dot statistics, children have a higher risk of injury and fatality, with one-fifth of all injuries and two fatalities occurring to children ages 5 to 14 in 2015. Young people ages 15 to 19 suffered one fatality and 14.6% of the total injuries. Older people were also vulnerable, with three fatalities in the 55-64 age group and one in the 65-74 age group.
• Intersections are particularly dangerous for cyclists, but PennDot statistics show that fatalities were more likely to occur at non-intersection locations.
• Time of day. The highest number of crashes occurred during the daytime, probably because there are more vehicles on the road during daylight hours, and the second-highest number of injuries occurred at night in lit conditions.
• Type of road. Most bicycle injuries took place on local streets and roads, but 10 out of 16 cycling fatalities took place on Pennsylvania state highways. Cycling is prohibited on interstate highways.

What are Pennsylvania’s Bicycle Laws?

Pennsylvania considers bicycles to have some of the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles. There are specific criteria that apply to bicycles and certain rules that are not applicable. The League of American Bicyclists has compiled the following rules involving bicycles and motorists:

• Safe Passing:Vehicles must pass to the left of the bicycle and provide at least four feet of space at a careful speed.
• Helmets:Any person under age 12 riding a bicycle must wear a bicycle helmet, but failure to do so cannot be used as contributory negligence in a civil action.
• Bike Traveling:Bicyclists traveling slower than traffic must ride in the right-hand lane or as close as possible to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except:

• When passing another vehicle,
• When preparing for a left turn,
• When avoiding unsafe conditions, or
• When using a road with less than one lane of traffic in each direction.

• Sidewalks: Bicyclists may ride on sidewalks if they yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and signal before passing. They may not ride on sidewalks in business districts if a bicycle-only lane is available, unless permitted by official traffic-control devices.
• DUI: Cycling under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substances is prohibited by law.
• Opening Doors:No person may open a door of a motor vehicle until it is reasonably safe to do so, nor should they leave a vehicle door open.

Achieving Results When it Counts

Many of Pennsylvania bike accidents are caused by other vehicles, and when a heavy vehicle collides with a bicycle, severe physical harm or death may result. Motorists must exercise caution and act diligently to protect bicyclists; when they do not do so or fail to follow state law, they could be liable for damages. If you or a loved one was injured or someone has died in a bicycle crash in Pennsylvania, we can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Cliff Rieders was in a race where a vehicle was being stopped by a policeman. The vehicle nevertheless went around the policeman and pulled right in front of Cliff as he was making a left-hand turn on the racecourse. In another incident, Attorney Rieders was bicycling down a hill when a vehicle pulled in front of him and deliberately slammed on the brakes. Fortunately, in that situation Rieders was able to get the license plate number of the vehicle and give it to the police. Cliff Rieders understands the risks and dangers associated with bicycle riding and the incredibly dangerous and bad conduct that many motorists show. Rieders represented a well-known physician who was killed by a motorist while he was biking.

The skilled and experienced Pennsylvania bicycle accident attorney Clifford A. Rieders of Rieders, Travis, Humphrey, Waters & Dohrmann has spent decades honing his skills and successfully representing Pennsylvania families who have suffered an injury or loss due to someone else’s negligence. We offer personal attention and loyalty to every client, aggressively fighting for their right to compensation. Whether in settlement negotiations or pursuing a favorable trial verdict, we are thoroughly prepared and committed to achieving a just outcome. With our capable staff, we offer strength in numbers while providing top-notch personal service. We have years of experience dealing with the harm that results from bicycle crashes. As a result, we have been successful in securing substantial recoveries for legitimate claims.

Contact An Experienced Pennsylvania Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you or your loved one has suffered harm from someone else’s negligence in a bicycle crash, your next step should be to consult an experienced bicycle accident attorney  at Rieders, Travis, Humphrey, Waters & Dohrmann by calling (570) 323-8711, or by using our online contact form. Based in Williamsport, we serve clients throughout the state of Pennsylvania, offering a free consultation on all personal injury matters. More than that, we offer you experience, knowledge, compassion, and a long history of results.