Personal injury

Bicycle Accidents

At Lerner Steinberg & Associates, we understand that bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries that can have a lasting impact on victims’ lives. Unlike motorists protected by their vehicles, cyclists are directly exposed to impact forces, often leading to severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. For over 34 years, our dedicated attorneys have been helping bicycle accident victims throughout Pennsylvania recover the compensation they deserve.

Our experienced legal team combines aggressive representation with personalized attention to handle the complex issues that arise in bicycle accident cases. We thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident, counter anti-cyclist bias, and fight diligently to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries, damaged property, ongoing medical needs, and diminished quality of life.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

Contact Lerner Steinberg & Associates today by filling out our free consultation form or calling 215-714-1500 to discuss your case and learn how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

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How We Can Help After a Bicycle Accident

When you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, insurance companies often try to minimize your claim or unfairly blame you, even when the motorist was clearly at fault. Our attorneys level the playing field by:

Conducting detailed investigations of the accident scene
Gathering and preserving critical evidence including traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports
Working with accident reconstruction experts to demonstrate how the crash occurred
Documenting the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your life
Identifying all potentially liable parties (drivers, vehicle owners, municipalities for road design issues, etc.)
Handling all communication with insurance companies
Calculating the full extent of your damages, including your specialized bicycle equipment
Negotiating aggressively for a fair settlement
Taking your case to trial when necessary to secure just compensation

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents often occur due to motorist negligence:

Failure to yield right of way to cyclists
Turning in front of an oncoming bicycle
“Dooring” (opening a car door into a cyclist’s path)
Distracted driving (texting, phone use, etc.)
Failure to check blind spots before changing lanes
Aggressive driving or road rage toward cyclists
Impaired driving
Unsafe passing of bicycles
Poor road conditions and hazards
Inadequate bicycle lanes or infrastructure
Defective bicycle parts or components

Compensation Available for Bicycle Accident Victims

Pennsylvania bicycle accident victims may be entitled to significant compensation for:

Medical expenses (current and future)
Rehabilitation and therapy costs
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional trauma
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Damaged or destroyed bicycle and equipment
Loss of enjoyment of life
In fatal accidents, wrongful death damages

Insurance Coverage in Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accident cases often involve complex insurance issues:

Auto Insurance Coverage

If you were struck by a motor vehicle, the driver’s auto insurance is primarily responsible for your damages. In hit-and-run cases, your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply even though you were on a bicycle.

Health Insurance and Medical Liens

Your health insurance may cover medical expenses, but they may place a lien on your settlement. We work to negotiate these liens to maximize your recovery.

Homeowner's Insurance

In some cases, your own homeowner’s insurance policy may provide coverage for bicycle accidents, especially if the accident did not involve a motor vehicle.

Pennsylvania Bicycle Laws and Regulations

Understanding Pennsylvania’s bicycle laws is crucial to establishing liability in your case:

Cyclists’ Rights and Responsibilities

Bicyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers
Cyclists may ride on the roadway, and are not restricted to bicycle lanes
Motorists must maintain a 4-foot passing distance when overtaking bicycles
Cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic
Bicycles must be equipped with appropriate lighting when used at night

“Share the Road” and the Vehicle Code

Pennsylvania’s “Share the Road” policy recognizes bicycles as legitimate vehicles with equal rights to the roadway. Despite this, many motorists fail to respect cyclists’ rights, leading to dangerous situations and accidents.

Our attorneys understand how to effectively use these laws to establish driver liability and counter claims that you were somehow at fault for the accident.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicycle accidents often result in severe injuries:

Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Multiple fractures and broken bones
Road rash and severe skin abrasions
Facial injuries and dental damage
Internal organ damage
Dislocated joints
Neck and back injuries
Psychological trauma
Wrongful death

OUR DIFFERENCE

Why Choose Lerner Steinberg & Associates?

Experience That Gets Results

With over three decades of experience handling bicycle accident cases, we understand the unique challenges these claims present. Our attorneys have recovered substantial settlements and verdicts for bicycle accident victims throughout Pennsylvania.

We Understand Cycling Culture

We appreciate the benefits of cycling for transportation, fitness, and recreation, and we respect cyclists’ rights on the road. Our attorneys fight against the unfair bias that cyclists often face in the legal system.

Resources to Build Strong Cases

We have the resources to thoroughly investigate your accident, including working with accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and bicycle experts to strengthen your claim and document the full extent of your damages.

Personalized Attention

Unlike large firms where you’re just a case number, we provide personalized attention to every client. You’ll work directly with our attorneys, not just paralegals or case managers. We take the time to understand your unique situation and develop a strategy tailored to your specific needs.

What to Do After Bicycle Accidents

Seek immediate medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor

Report the accident to law enforcement

Document the scene by taking photos if possible (vehicle position, road conditions, etc.)

Preserve evidence including your damaged bicycle, helmet, clothing, and gear

Gather witness information from anyone who saw the accident

Avoid discussing fault or making statements to insurance representatives

Keep detailed records of all medical treatment and expenses

Do not repair or dispose of your bicycle until it has been properly documented

Contact our experienced bicycle accident attorneys as soon as possible

Get the Representation You Deserve

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you need skilled legal representation to protect your rights. Insurance companies often try to minimize bicycle accident claims by unfairly blaming the cyclist, even when evidence clearly shows the motorist was at fault.

Let our experienced bicycle accident attorneys at Lerner Steinberg & Associates fight for the maximum compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery. We understand what you’re going through and have the knowledge, resources, and determination to help you rebuild your life after a serious bicycle accident.