Pennsylvania Bicycle Accident Lawsuits: Your Legal Options

Riding a bicycle is a popular form of transportation and exercise in Pennsylvania. However, with the increase in the number of cyclists on the roads, there has also been an increase in the number of bicycle accidents. Bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries, and if you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses.

Types of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can occur in many ways, and some of the most common include:

Intersection Accidents

Intersection accidents occur when a cyclist is hit by a car while crossing an intersection. These accidents are often caused by drivers who fail to yield the right of way to cyclists.

Left-Hand Turn Accidents

Left-hand turn accidents occur when a car turns left in front of a cyclist. These accidents are often caused by drivers who don’t see the cyclist or misjudge the cyclist’s speed.

Dooring Accidents

Dooring accidents occur when a driver or passenger opens a car door in front of a cyclist. These accidents can cause serious injuries to the cyclist.

Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end accidents occur when a car hits a cyclist from behind. These accidents are often caused by drivers who are distracted or not paying attention to the road.

Proving Negligence in a Bicycle Accident

To win a bicycle accident lawsuit, you must prove that the other party was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries. Negligence can be defined as a failure to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances.

To prove negligence, you must show that:

  • The other party had a duty to exercise care
  • The other party breached that duty
  • The breach of duty caused your injuries
  • You suffered damages as a result of your injuries

Legal Options After a Bicycle Accident

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you have several legal options. These options include:

Filing an Insurance Claim

If the other party was insured, you can file a claim with their insurance company. You’ll need to provide evidence of the other party’s negligence, such as photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and medical records.

Filing a Lawsuit

If the other party was not insured or their insurance company denies your claim, you can file a lawsuit. You’ll need to hire an attorney who specializes in bicycle accident cases to help you build your case and represent you in court.

Settlement

Before filing a lawsuit, you may be able to reach a settlement with the other party’s insurance company. A settlement is an agreement in which the insurance company agrees to pay you a certain amount of money in exchange for you dropping your claim.

Compensation in a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit

If you win your bicycle accident lawsuit, you may be entitled to various types of compensation. These types of compensation can include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Loss of earning capacity

Statute of Limitations

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. This means that you must file your lawsuit within two years, or you may lose your right to compensation.

Conclusion

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Pennsylvania, it’s important to know your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses, but you’ll need to prove the other party’s negligence and follow the proper legal procedures. Working with an experienced bicycle accident attorney can help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

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