Western Pennsylvania has many scenic bicycle trails and others prefer to ride in the streets for exercise or when commuting to work. No matter what steps riders take to prevent accidents, they cannot control the actions of others on the road around them.Do you know what to do if you are injured while riding your bike?
When you need a Pittsburgh bicycle accident attorney, call Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman for help. Their knowledgeable and qualified team will work to secure the compensation you deserve for all of your accident-related injuries, lost wages and expenses.
WHAT HAPPENS
There were more than 1,100 bicycle accidents in Pennsylvania in 2017.
Bicycle accidents happen too often, and we know that many of them are preventable. Many bicycle accidents happen at crosswalks or intersections where bicyclists have the right-of-way. Unfortunately, vehicle drivers often do not pay attention to bicycle riders and can cause serious injuries by driving negligently. Drunk drivers often cause accidents that result in devastating injuries for bicyclists.
Distracted drivers also are a major source of concern. They can be just as deadly as drunk drivers because they are busy staring at their mobile phones instead of watching the roadway. Data indicates that the proliferation of smartphones has resulted in a higher rate of distracted driving accidents throughout the country when compared to past years.
Drowsy drivers can put bicyclists at risk of injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, depending upon how long someone has been awake, sleep-deprivation can have the same effects as alcohol intoxication in regard to one’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Unfortunately, even motorists who know not to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs may nevertheless assume it is entirely acceptable for them to get behind the wheel when they are feeling sleepy.
Of course, some drivers are simply careless, regardless of whether they are intoxicated, distracted, or drowsy. They might speed, fail to obey traffic signals, or engage in a number of other reckless behaviors that can cause serious accidents.
THE INJURIES
Most bicycle accidents result in injuries. This is because cyclists are vulnerable. They have no protection from the force of an impact with a vehicle that weighs thousands of pounds. When a cyclist is hit, they can sustain severe injuries:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and brain trauma
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations and amputations
- Broken and dislocated bones
Not only will these injuries require extensive medical treatment (possibly even long-term rehabilitation), but they can result in massive medical bills. Those suffering from spinal cord or brain injuries may incur medical bills exceeding $1 million.
The financial woes of someone involved in a bicycle accident may be even greater if their injuries are severe enough to prevent them from performing their duties at home and at work. If someone cannot work because of their injuries, they cannot earn a paycheck, and they cannot support their families. Depending on the extent of a victim’s injuries, it’s possible they will have difficulty securing gainful employment in their field for the remainder of their life.
WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS
We know that you have so much to deal with in the aftermath of an accident that causes injuries. The last thing you should have to worry about is how to pay for all of your medical expenses and other accident-related expenses. If your injuries keep you from working, your regular household bills will begin to pile up as well.
At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we want to help. We will investigate your case and work to secure coverage for your accident-related expenses. If you need a Pittsburgh bicycle accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-98-TWINS(89467).
Bicyclists are the most vulnerable group on our roadways and streets in Pittsburgh, as approximately two bicycle riders are killed by motor vehicles on U.S. roads every single day.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fatal and non-fatal injuries to bicyclists caused by motor vehicle accidents result in approximately $10 billion in lifetime medical expenses and lost wages each year.
Of more than 60,000 bicyclists injured in road accidents in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere in the U.S. each year, the vast majority of these accidents are caused by the driver of a passenger vehicle. Our Pittsburgh bicycle accident attorney from Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman explains that “many motorists fail to pay adequate attention to their surroundings, fail to check their blind spots and yield to bicyclists, and do not respect the rights of bicycle riders.”
“A large percentage of bicycle accidents in our city occur because a driver of a passenger car or truck does not check blind spots before changing lanes or making a turn, while many others are caused by motorists opening doors when their vehicle is parked, pulling out from driveways or side streets without checking their surroundings, and violating a plethora of other traffic laws that put the lives of bicycle riders in danger,” says our experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Pittsburgh.
WHAT ARE THE BICYCLE LAWS IN PENNSYLVANIA?
A bicycle rider should always travel at speed less than the speed of traffic and must ride in the right-hand lane or as close as reasonable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway unless:The bicyclist is overtaking and passing another motor vehicle.The bicyclist is preparing to perform a left turn at an intersection.The bicyclist cannot follow the “right-hand lane” rule due to dangerous road conditions.The bicyclist cannot follow the “right-hand lane” rule because the width of the roadway is not more than one lane.Pennsylvania law prohibits drivers of motor vehicles from passing to the left of a bicycle within less than four feet when overtaking the bicycle. This kind of maneuver should be performed within at least four feet and at a careful and reasonable speed. 75 Pa.C.S. §3303.Interestingly, Pennsylvania is the only state that has a four-feet passing rule under all circumstances on our roads.
ARE CAR DRIVERS ALWAYS AT FAULT IN BICYCLE ACCIDENTS?
“Not at all,” says our experienced bike accident attorney in Pittsburgh. More often than not, it is assumed by all parties involved and witnesses that a driver of a motor vehicle is the one at fault, which is not necessarily true. There are many bicycle accidents involving a bicyclist and car driver in which the former is to blame for causing the crash.Because of this bias against car drivers in bicycle vs. car accidents, the only way for a motorist to prove his or her innocence is to hire a lawyer who will conduct a thorough investigation to gather sufficient evidence proving the bicyclist’s fault.
DOES AUTO INSURANCE COVER A BICYCLE ACCIDENT IN PENNSYLVANIA?
This is a common question that we often hear from injured bicyclists here at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman. A bicycle rider in Pennsylvania has the right to make third-party claims with the at-fault car driver’s insurance company. However, filing a personal injury claim with the other party’s insurance company may be complicated, which is why it is advised that you seek legal representation from a Pittsburgh bicycle accident attorney.
Complications you may face if you attempt to file a claim on your own include (but are not limited to) the following:
GATHERING EVIDENCE
The process of putting together a claim and filing the necessary paperwork according to a strict timeline can be arduous. This is not a task you should be handling yourself when you need to focus on recovering from your injuries.
Enlist the help of a law firm to assist you with this task instead. We will handle all administrative tasks, allowing you to get the rest you need at this critical time.
NEGOTIATING
You should not expect an insurance company to immediately offer a fair payout when you file a claim. Insurance companies have a history of offering claimants less money than they may deserve based on the extent of their losses.
Negotiating for an appropriate settlement with an insurance company requires a professional’s understanding of the various tactics insurers use to protect themselves financially. This is one of the top reasons to hire a lawyer. You need representation from someone who can negotiate aggressively and effectively.
WILL YOUR BICYCLE ACCIDENT CASE GO TO TRIAL?
Just because you filed a claim in court to recover damages after a bicycle accident does not necessarily mean that you will go to trial. Statistically speaking, about 90 percent of all bicycle accident cases are settled through negotiations out of court before trial. Your chance of settling a claim for a favorable amount and promptly is much greater when you are represented by a skilled bicycle accident lawyer.
Speak to our lawyers from Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman to get a free consultation and determine the value of your case. Call our offices at 888-988-9467 for a free case evaluation.