Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Philadelphia has the fifth highest number of bicycle commuters in the entire U.S., according to the 2011 U.S. Census. The large number of bicyclists, however, makes accidents with pedestrians and motor vehicles more common than most people realize. As a result, cyclists who have suffered a serious injury or died due to an accident with a motor vehicle may have grounds for a lawsuit if the driver was negligent.
At Alfred M. Abel, Law Offices we are Pennsylvania bicycle accident lawyers, personal injury and wrongful death attorneys with the medical and legal knowledge to represent a victim of a serious Philadelphia bicycle accident. For a free consultation with our Philadelphia personal injury attorneys, please call (215) 517-8300 or contact us online.
Do You Have Grounds For A Lawsuit?
An injured bicyclist must be able to prove that the person causing the injury was negligent, that they suffered damages and that the negligence of the other party was the direct cause of the damages.
It is not necessary that the person causing the accident was driving a car. The negligence can be another bicyclist, a motorcyclist, a pedestrian or even a road repair crew or municipal streets department.
Bicyclists may have grounds for a lawsuit, and should contact a bicycle accident lawyer in Philadelphia if their injury occurred due to any of the following:
- A driver was speeding, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failed to signal, was driving recklessly, violated the rules of the road, or failed to yield.
- Defects in the road, Potholes, trap doors or hidden openings, Manhole Covers and Utility Vaults, or Construction Plates, Grates and Sewers.
- Failure to warn of a hazard.
- Double parking across the bicycle lane.
- Road Cuts, Trenches, and other Temporary Paving.
- Construction Debris and Negligently Placed Equipment.
- Negligently Placed Dumpsters or Other Demolition Equipment.
- Hummocks
- Ponding
Call a Personal Injury Lawyer in Philadelphia Who Understands Bicycle Accidents Today
Individuals who have suffered a serious injury in a bicycle accident may face considerable financial strain. Depending on the severity of the injury, individuals may miss considerable time at work, causing them to lose essential wages. Injured cyclists may also face expensive medical bills that can cause significant harm if they lack insurance or the cost exceeds their coverage. When the cyclist’s injuries prove fatal, their surviving family members may face serious financial hardships due to a permanently lost income. As a result, it is in their best interests to seek an experienced personal injury or accident lawyer.
If you or someone you love has suffered a serious or fatal injury in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. For a free review of your legal options call (215) 517-8300 or contact us online. The Philadelphia bicycle accident and injury lawyers at Alfred M. Abel Law Offices take all cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there is no charge unless we win your case.
Door Zone Cases
The “door zone” is the space of 2-4 feet adjacent to parallel parked or stopped cars. While cycling in the “door zone” a cyclist can suffer a severe injury or even death if a door is suddenly opened into their path of travel. These bicycle accidents are common in Philadelphia and surrounding areas and make up a large percentage of our cycling crash practice.
When choosing a lawyer for personal injuries to handle a bicycle crash case it helps if your lawyer is not only a cyclist, but is also familiar with the law and the methods used in litigating this type of crash. Not all lawyers for personal injuries are familiar with the law and defenses applied to bike crash cases in Pennsylvania, but we are.
Visiting Or on Holiday in Pennsylvania and Involved In A Bike Crash?
If you are visiting Philadelphia or anywhere in Pennsylvania and involved in a serious crash, bicycle accident or injury, we can help. A residence outside Pennsylvania does not limit your ability to bring a claim if you are involved in a crash here. Many of our clients reside outside the Pennsylvania or the U.S. Some are tourists visiting Pennsylvania while others had lived in Pennsylvania at the time of the crash and then moved. Whatever the circumstance, contact us today and let us help you get the settlement you deserve.