Pittsburgh Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Injured in a Bike Accident Caused by Negligence in Pittsburgh, PA?

Bicycling is a great way to commute in the city, save money, and help the environment. However, some roadways are not bike-friendly, and many drivers do not take basic safety precautions when driving around a cyclist. In fact, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recorded over 800 bicycle accidents in 2020, 22 of which resulted in fatalities.

If you were riding your bike in and around Pittsburgh and were hit by a negligent motorist, you deserve to be compensated for your losses. At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., we are committed to providing you with dedicated legal representation to help you navigate the complexities of your situation and fight for a fair outcome.

Call our Pittsburgh bicycle accident attorney today at (844) 383-0565 to learn more about your rights.

Pennsylvania Bicycle Laws

Understanding Pennsylvania's bicycle laws is essential for protecting your rights as a cyclist. Both cyclists and motorists must adhere to these laws to ensure safety on the road. Here are some key bicycle laws in Pennsylvania:

• Ride to the Right: Cyclists must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when passing another vehicle, preparing to make a left turn, or avoiding hazardous conditions.
• Helmet Law: Pennsylvania requires all cyclists under the age of 12 to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle.
• Lights and Reflectors: Bicycles operated between sunset and sunrise must have a front white light visible from at least 500 feet and a red reflector or light on the rear visible from at least 500 feet.
• Yielding to Pedestrians: Cyclists must yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks and on sidewalks.
• Dooring Law: It is illegal for motorists to open their vehicle doors into the path of an oncoming cyclist.

Failure to comply with these laws can impact liability in the event of an accident. If you were injured in a bicycle accident and are unsure whether a violation of the law contributed to your injuries, our Pittsburgh bicycle accident attorneys can provide clarity and guidance.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can occur due to various factors, many of which involve driver negligence. Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Motorists texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other distractions may fail to see cyclists on the road, leading to collisions.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers who fail to yield at intersections or while making left turns often cause serious bicycle accidents.
• Dooring Accidents: A cyclist can suffer severe injuries if a driver or passenger opens a car door without checking for approaching bicycles.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time, increasing the likelihood of hitting a cyclist.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Motorists who change lanes without checking their blind spots may sideswipe cyclists.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris can cause a cyclist to lose control and crash.

No matter the cause of the accident, Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C. is prepared to investigate your case, gather evidence, and hold the negligent party accountable.

Who is Liable for a Bicycle Accident?

Determining liability in a bicycle accident is critical for obtaining compensation. Liability often falls on one or more of the following parties:

• Negligent Drivers: Motorists who fail to follow traffic laws or drive recklessly may be held liable for a collision with a cyclist.
• Municipal Entities: If unsafe road conditions or poorly maintained infrastructure contributed to the accident, the government agency responsible for maintaining the roadway may be held accountable.
• Bicycle Manufacturers: In some cases, defective bicycle components or safety equipment may cause a crash. The manufacturer or distributor of the defective product may be liable for damages.
• Property Owners: If a cyclist is injured due to a hazardous condition on private property, the property owner may be responsible for the resulting harm.

Our Pittsburgh bicycle accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident to determine who is at fault and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

FAQs About Bicycle Accident Claims in Pittsburgh, PA

What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident?

After a bicycle accident, your priority should be to seek medical attention. If possible, document the accident scene by taking photos and collecting contact information from witnesses. Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the accident report. 

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including bicycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe may prevent you from recovering compensation.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that you can recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?

If the driver responsible for your accident is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to seek compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if available.

How much is my bicycle accident claim worth?

The value of your claim depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, lost income, and the impact on your quality of life. An experienced Pittsburgh bicycle accident lawyer can evaluate your case and provide an estimate of potential compensation.

Decades of Experience Representing Victims & Their Families

For nearly 40 years, our family-owned practice has been helping the injured fight for justice and get the compensation they deserve. Our bicycle accident attorneys in Pittsburgh are determined to approach each case with personal and customized attention, and that starts with offering every client a free case evaluation. We're so dedicated to our clients and their satisfaction that we don't charge any fees until we achieve a favorable outcome. We've enjoyed great success in our representation of various personal injury cases, and we remain steadfast in our goal of helping the residents of Pittsburgh in matters of the law.

Our compassionate team has the skill and knowledge you are looking for. Contact us today at (844) 383-0565 to get the journey started!