Though increased usage of bicycles for commuting and chores as well as for recreation has numerous benefits for cyclists and for the environment, it inevitably results in more bicycle accidents. And, sadly, this means more bicycle accident injuries.
If you have been seriously injured in a bicycle accident in the Philadelphia area due to another party’s negligence, contact the accomplished personal injury attorneys of Cooper Schall & Levy. Our decades of experience will give you an edge when it comes to obtaining the compensation you need to recover in comfort and restabilize your life. Not only are we aggressive negotiators, both in and out of the courtroom; we are also compassionate people, committed to getting you every dollar you deserve. receive.
Reasons for More Bicycles on the Road in Philadelphia and Surrounding Counties
Once relegated to garages except for pleasurable outings, bicycles have moved into mainstream usage for several reasons:
- They provide cyclists with healthy exercise
- They decrease pollution
- They are low-cost vehicles that do not pollute
- They are easy to maneuver in heavy traffic
- Rideshare services make them available and convenient
More Bicycles, More Bicycle Accidents
Some of these reasons contribute to the high number of bicycle accidents since individuals with few bicycle skills, who have never ridden in traffic, are now able to become instant cyclists. Add to this the fact that motorists are unused to sharing the road with bicycles and that cyclists confront much heavier, faster vehicles with almost no physical protection, and you have a recipe for accidents in which cyclists suffer severe (often catastrophic or fatal) injuries.
Reasons for Bicycle Collisions
As mentioned, most Philadelphia motorists are not comfortable with the increasing number of bicyclists on the road; many feel they are an intrusion. Regardless, cyclists have every right to travel as they wish, without being endangered by drivers who:
- Ignore their presence on the road
- Speed or otherwise drive recklessly
- Disobey traffic signs and signals
- Fail to yield the right of way
- Drive too closely to bicyclists
- Open car doors into traffic without checking for bikes
There are, of course, bicycle accidents in which the cyclist bears a portion of blame for the accident, e.g. when the cyclist violates the law by riding against, not with, traffic, goes through a red light, has no lights on the bicycle during a nighttime collision, or is distracted by an electronic device.
Pennsylvania works under the principle of modified comparative fault, meaning that you can still receive damages if you were partially to blame for your bicycle accident, but not if you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault. In any case, the percentage of blame assigned to you by the court will be deducted from your awarded settlement. If you are awarded $100,000, for example, but found to be 20 percent at fault, you will actually receive $80,000.
How Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys Will Fight for You
No matter what type of negligence caused your bicycle accident injury in Philadelphia, even if you are partially at fault, our highly skilled attorneys will provide you with legal advocacy designed to bring your case to a positive conclusion. We will pay close attention to the details of your accident and strategize accordingly.
The services we provide include:
- Investigating the site of your accident and all surveillance videos
- Examining police records and medical reports
- Interviewing witnesses
- Negotiating forcefully with opposing attorneys and insurance adjusters
- Consulting with experts in related fields whose testimony may strengthen your case
Why You Need Our Legal Services After a Bicycle Accident
Insurance companies, like all businesses, are primarily focused on protecting their bottom line, not on providing you with fair compensation for your injuries. That’s why it is so important for you to have our savvy bicycle accident attorneys at your side. We have the proven tools to keep you from being taken advantage of by uncaring or greedy insurance adjusters.
Also, because the ins and outs of Pennsylvania law in regard to bicycle accidents are complex and confusing, it is crucial that you have one of our knowledgeable bicycle accident attorneys looking out for you. You can rest assured that we have a history of successful litigation. Also, because we know that during your recovery from the physical and emotional trauma of your bicycle accident you are likely experiencing financial distress as well, we will not charge you any attorneys’ fees until we win your case.
When You Have a Viable Bicycle Accident Case, a Lawsuit Is in Order
Because Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, drivers and cyclists are expected to tap into their PIP auto insurance coverage (minimum $5,000) for medical costs. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Philadelphia, however, you will soon realize how quickly that money dissipates. You will also become aware of the fact that your health insurance will cover only medical expenses and not lost income and other losses.
Fortunately, if the driver who hit you was negligent, our bicycle accident attorneys will be able to sue for damages if you have a “threshold injury,” such as:
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Blindness/loss of hearing
- Fractures/burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Serious impairment of a bodily function
If you have suffered an injury of this magnitude due to the negligence of another, we will do everything in our power to make certain that the other party is held accountable by suing for the damages you deserve, including:
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Property damage
- Lost income (present and future)
- Long-term care
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability/disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If your family has tragically lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, our attorneys will fight tooth and nail to obtain funds to cover final medical costs, end-of-life suffering, funeral expenses, and loss of economic and emotional support.
Contact Our Skilled Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today
Though your bicycle accident may have knocked you for a loop, no matter what your medical status, you don’t have to take this situation lying down. Our dedicated legal professionals have the clout, capabilities, and compassion to fight your battle with determination. As soon as you contact us, we will begin making the well-being and security of your family our priority.
Cooper Schall & Levy’s lawyers serve victims of bicycle accidents throughout Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as well as neighboring counties such as Montgomery County and Delaware County and cover neighborhoods such as Norristown and Drexel Hill.
