Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Philadelphia has long been a city of cyclists. From the scenic routes along the Schuylkill River Trail to the busy city streets of Center City and the charming neighborhoods like Chestnut Hill, bikes offer a practical, eco-friendly way to get around. But as cycling grows in popularity, so too does the risk of accidents. For cyclists, a moment of distraction by a driver or a hazardous road condition can result in life-altering injuries.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bicycle accident, contact Benedum Law to how an experienced Chestnut Hill personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation.

The Reality of Bicycle Accidents in Philadelphia

Urban areas like Philadelphia are especially dangerous for cyclists due to the high volume of vehicle traffic, limited bike infrastructure in some areas, and the increasing number of distracted drivers on the road. While the city has made strides to improve bike lanes and cycling safety, accidents are still all too common.

According to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, hundreds of bicycle crashes are reported in the state each year, with almost all encounters resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. In dense neighborhoods like Chestnut Hill, where narrow streets and shared lanes are the norm, cyclists are particularly vulnerable.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can happen in a variety of ways, but some causes are more common than others. Often, negligence on the part of a driver or the city is to blame. Here are some of the leading causes:

• Driver inattention: Texting, talking on the phone, or simply not looking for cyclists when turning or changing lanes are frequent causes of collisions.
• Dooring accidents: These occur when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, giving the rider no time to avoid a crash.
• Failure to yield: Drivers may fail to yield the right-of-way at intersections, crosswalks, or when making turns, especially in situations where bike lanes cross vehicle traffic.
• Speeding or reckless driving: Drivers going too fast for conditions may not be able to stop in time or may pass too closely, causing a cyclist to lose control.
• Poor road conditions: Potholes, broken pavement, debris, and lack of proper signage can all contribute to accidents, especially in older areas like Chestnut Hill.
• Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug use impairs a driver’s reaction time and judgment, often with catastrophic results for cyclists.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Because bicycles offer little protection compared to motor vehicles, even a low-speed crash can lead to significant injuries. Cyclists are often thrown from their bikes or crushed in collisions, and helmet use, while essential, cannot prevent all types of injuries.

Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Road rash and lacerations
• Internal injuries and organ damage
• Dental and facial trauma
• Psychological trauma, including PTSD and anxiety

These injuries can require weeks, months, or even years of recovery. Some cyclists may never fully regain their previous physical abilities, especially in cases involving brain or spinal trauma.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Philadelphia

The aftermath of a bicycle accident can be confusing and overwhelming. Your first priority should always be your health and safety. If you’re involved in a crash, consider these steps:

1. Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not show symptoms right away.
2. File a police report. This creates an official record of the accident and may identify the at-fault driver.
3. Document everything. If you’re able, take photos of your injuries, your bike, the vehicle, and the accident scene. Get contact information for any witnesses.
4. Avoid discussing fault. Don’t apologize or speculate about what caused the accident, especially when speaking to the driver or insurance companies.
5. Contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney. A lawyer can help you protect your rights, deal with insurance companies, and pursue fair compensation.

Who Is Liable in a Bicycle Accident?

Determining fault is critical in a personal injury case. In Pennsylvania, liability in a bicycle accident could fall on a variety of parties, including, for example, the driver of a motor vehicle who acted negligently, a government entity responsible for unsafe road conditions or poor signage, a manufacturer of a defective bicycle or bike part, or a construction company or business that created a road hazard without warning.

The legal concept of shared fault is an important aspect of bicycle accidents to understand. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation if you were partially at fault—so long as you were not more than 50% responsible. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of the blame. This makes it essential to work with a skilled attorney who can build a strong case proving the other party’s fault while fighting back against attempts to place the blame on the victim.

Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims

Victims of bicycle accidents may be entitled to compensation for a range of damages, both economic and non-economic. These can include, for instance, medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disability or disfigurement, and property damage to your bicycle and gear. In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may also be available.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Philadelphia Bicycle Accident

Dealing with the legal aftermath of a bicycle accident is a complicated and challenging matter. Insurance companies are not on your side—they may try to downplay your injuries or place blame on you to reduce what they owe. A personal injury attorney can help level the playing field.

At Benedum Law, we understand the unique challenges faced by injured cyclists. We work closely with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and other professionals to build strong cases and fight for the maximum compensation our clients deserve. Whether the accident happened in Chestnut Hill, Center City, or anywhere else in Philadelphia, we are committed to providing personalized, compassionate representation every step of the way.

Protecting Cyclists and Promoting Safer Streets

Beyond helping individuals recover from injuries, holding negligent parties accountable can also promote safer streets. Legal action can help shine a light on dangerous intersections, poorly maintained roads, or reckless drivers, prompting change that may prevent future injuries.

Philadelphia’s cycling community continues to grow, and with it comes the responsibility—on the part of drivers, the city, and all road users—to make safety a priority. By asserting your rights after a crash, you help reinforce the message that cyclists deserve protection and respect on the road.

Contact Benedum Law for Help After a Bicycle Accident

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Chestnut Hill or elsewhere in Philadelphia, you don’t have to face the legal and financial challenges alone. At Benedum Law, we’re here to listen to your story, explain your options, and advocate fiercely on your behalf.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you get back on the road to recovery.

Share This Page: