You're not alone if you're thinking about how to obtain a bicycle accident settlement in Pennsylvania. Bicycle accidents occur more frequently than you might believe, and they typically result in serious injuries that can lead to expensive medical bills, lost wages, and even permanent disability. Injuries can result in a legal claim that may lead to a settlement. However, what exactly can you anticipate? There is no single answer to this question, but the accompanying article discusses the possibilities and steps you should take if you have been involved in a bicycle accident in Pennsylvania.

After a bicycle-related accident, your top priority should be to receive the necessary medical care so you can recover and get back on your feet. Though your health is essential, it can be stressful to consider medical expenses, time away from work, and other losses. An insurance company may offer you a settlement, but how do you know if it is sufficient? Contacting a PA personal injury attorney, such as Brandon J. Broderick, can help answer a number of your initial concerns and questions.

You can obtain the settlement you deserve with a little bit of research and thorough documentation.

How Frequent are Bicycle Accidents, and How Frequently are They Fatal?

Bicyclists should be concerned about bicycle accidents in Pennsylvania, where an average of more than 200 cyclists and pedestrians are killed annually. This is true whether you use a bicycle as your primary mode of transportation or for recreation.

In Pennsylvania traffic accidents in 2022, 15 cyclists and 184 pedestrians were killed, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (DOT). This means that pedestrians and cyclists in the state of Pennsylvania should be extremely cautious.

What are Some of the Common Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries?

We've discussed the statistics and factors that come to mind when you consider Pennsylvania bicycle accidents, but what types of injuries result from these collisions? There are a variety of upper or lower extremity injuries, as well as head and neck injuries. Abrasions, concussions, and lacerations are the most frequent types of superficial injuries. However, a cyclist involved in a severe collision may sustain fractured bones, dislocations, strains, and even death.

Those who are involved in bicycle incidents with motor vehicles are more likely to sustain a brain injury than those who are not. Head trauma can frequently result in long-term impairments.

Here are some of the most frequent types of bicycle accident  injuries:

• Contusions
• Abrasions
• Lacerations
• Fractures
• Strains
• Cranial hemorrhage
• Concussion
• Ruptured spleen
• Pancreatic trauma
• Bowel contusions
• Renal contusions
• Hernia

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident and have been injured, it is very important that you contact a skilled PA personal injury attorney right away.

What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered After I Was In a Bicycle Accident in Pennsylvania?

You are entitled to compensation following a bicycle accident. This includes any damages that resulted from the accident.

These losses may consist of:

• Medical costs associated with the accident
• Recovery costs: rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy
• Lost earnings as a result of not being able to work due to injuries or disabilities
• Pain and suffering as a result of your injuries and the accompanying medical care that you received
• Loss of enjoyment of life as a result of the physical disability or disfigurement
• Property damage: costs of the damage to your bicycle as well as the expense of repairs or replacement

Who is Held Liable in a Bicycle Accident in Pennsylvania?

The total amount of compensation you may receive for a personal injury depends on which of the four fault systems your state uses. For instance, Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule of 51%, which means that if an accident or injury occurs, the at-fault party is responsible for the injured party's damages related to the accident, of course.

Under Pennsylvania's modified comparative fault rule, the injured party may only sue for damages if he or she is responsible for less than 51 percent of the incident. The court assigns each party a percentage of liability, which determines this percentage. For instance, if the injured party is deemed to be 52% at fault, they would be ineligible for compensation. However, if you are deemed to be 30% at fault and you are awarded $100,000, you would receive $70,000 after the 30% reduction.

This can be difficult to determine on your own, which is why you must consult with a Pennsylvania bicycle accident attorney. They can help you determine who is at fault, what damages you can pursue, and your likelihood of success.

Do I Need to Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

Having a personal injury attorney on your side has many benefits, especially when negotiating settlements with insurance companies.

Personal injury claims are significantly impacted by insurance companies. In most cases, another party's negligence causes a victim's injuries. This is when their insurance is utilized to pay for the damages. If you are not represented by an attorney, the insurance company will typically present you with a settlement offer that is significantly lower than what you will likely need, and they will put pressure on you to accept it.

A personal injury attorney has the knowledge and negotiation skills necessary to engage insurance companies and increase the amount of compensation.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is required for all drivers in Pennsylvania, regardless of fault. This insurance covers the driver's medical expenses, regardless of fault. PIP typically covers only the motorist and their passengers. However, in the event of an accident involving a pedestrian or bicycle, the injured party is also covered by this policy.

In addition, Pennsylvania drivers are required to carry at least $15,000 in bodily injury coverage. However, if your accident-related medical expenses exceed the driver's insurance coverage, you will need to explore alternative means of recovering all losses.

If your bicycle accident involved no other vehicles, it may have been caused by a road hazard, such as a pothole or detritus. If the bicycles are permitted to use the property where the accident occurred, they may be able to file a lawsuit against the property owner. Under premises liability law, it is the property owner's duty to maintain the property and ensure the safety of those who are permitted to use it.

The city, county, or municipality may be at fault if the accident was caused by a damaged sidewalk or poor road conditions. In this situation, it would be in your best interest to consult with an attorney at Brandon J. Broderick who has experience suing a city or municipality.

An Attorney at Brandon J. Broderick Can Help You Today if You Have Questions About Your Bicycle Accident Injury

We are aware that any accident's aftermath can be extremely traumatic. It can be overwhelming to be in agony or concerned for a loved one without knowing what to do. Our mission is to help accident victims through this difficult time so that they can recover and receive fair compensation.

The law office of Brandon J. Broderick is committed to representing each client with compassion, understanding, and success. This distinguishes us as the most prominent personal injury law firm in the state of Pennsylvania. You can rely on us to employ the most effective strategy and work diligently to raise your standard of living. This is demonstrated by our extensive history of success. Our lawyers have fought relentlessly for decades on behalf of Pennsylvania bicycle accident victims. We have assisted clients in obtaining compensation for injuries caused by the recklessness or negligence of others.

Contact us for a free case evaluation and consultation.