Of all the traffic fatalities every year, bicycle accidents make up almost 2 percent of them. Nearly 900 bicycle riders lose their lives to bicycle accidents each year, and those fortunate enough to make it out alive have to bear the heavy burden of medical bills, lost wages, and whatnot. If you’ve suffered bicycle injuries in a Pittsburgh bicycle accident, you can recover compensation from the negligent party by filing a personal injury claim.
Before you file a legal claim, it’s best to hire a Pittsburgh bicycle accident lawyer. A Pittsburgh bicycle accident attorney would be able to help you navigate through the complicated legal procedure of a bicycle accident claim and a lawsuit to help you get maximum compensation for your catastrophic injuries. Schedule a free consultation with us to seek compensation and recover damages for your broken bones and other serious injuries. Schedule a consultation with the Pittsburgh bicycle accident lawyers at Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky.
What do you do after a minor bicycle accident?
Bicycle collisions shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you feel no pain after the crash, you should get medical attention nevertheless. Delayed symptoms are very common after an accident, usually because of the sudden surge of adrenaline and endorphins that the clients injured suffer. Here is what you should do if you have been in a minor bike accident.
Visit the emergency room.
Even if you see no visible injuries, or suffered minor injuries in your bicycle accident, visit the ER and have your serious injury tended to. While you’re at the hospital, document your injuries. This would prove to be helpful when you negotiate with the insurance company for financial compensation.
Call a lawyer
Contact personal injury lawyers for legal guidance if you want to recover damages for your injuries but don’t know where to begin. An experienced Pittsburgh bicycle accident lawyer would look at the facts of the case, investigate the accident and determine whether you have a case or not. If you have a solid bicycle accident case, you would be able to file a personal injury claim. Schedule a consultation with Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky if you don’t already have a lawyer.
Can a cyclist be at fault?
In motor vehicle accidents where a bicycle is also involved, it’s natural to assume that the motor vehicle must be at fault. Usually, bicycle accidents occur when motor vehicle drivers fail to detect bicyclists. However, in many bicycle accident cases, it is the bicycle rider that is at fault.
Bicyclists are expected to follow the same rules as anyone else. This means they should avoid making abrupt lane changes, drive in their own lane, be mindful of their surroundings and the pedestrians, and follow all the traffic signals and signs. They are not exempted from any traffic regulation, and if they fail to follow the rules, they must be held liable for their actions. Usually, when the defendant can prove that the bicycle accident case is that of shared negligence and fault, then the cyclist could be held partially responsible for the accident.
To know whether you’re responsible for the accident or not and what it means for your case, consult a Pittsburgh bicycle accident attorney. Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky personal injury law firm can help you determine your case’s worth based on the percentage of fault shared by all the parties involved, including the injured bicyclists. Schedule a free consultation with us now.
What causes Pittsburgh bicycle accidents?
Bicycle accidents can be caused by the negligence of either the bicycle rider or other driver on the road. Here are some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents that you need to stay wary of –
- Speeding
- Reckless drivers
- Drunk driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Dooring
- Unsafe turns
- Not following the traffic rules
- Unsound road conditions
- Unfavorable weather conditions
Any of the reasons mentioned above could cause bike accidents. If you’ve been involved in a crash, you can recover damages from the other party’s insurance company, but you’d need an experienced lawyer to prove your case. Contact the Pittsburgh bicycle accident lawyers of Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky to hire solid legal representation. We would take care of your case’s specifics, including the investigation, collection of evidence, and negotiations with the insurance company. Schedule a free consultation with us now.
Who is Responsible for a Bicycle Accident in Pennsylvania?
The state of Pennsylvania follows the rules of modified comparative fault. Under this doctrine, the injured party’s claim gets reduced by the percentage of fault. This only applies until the victim’s fault is below 50%. The moment it reaches beyond 50%, they would lose the right to recover damages.
If you want to know the worth of your case and how your share of fault would impact your compensation amount, hire a knowledgeable lawyer. They would be able to calculate your total damages and quantify your share of fault to provide you with a starting negotiating figure.
Common Injuries Suffered in Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can cause some of the most severe injuries, especially if a motor vehicle is involved. You should never take any injury lightly and seek medical attention if you get into an accident. Here are some of the common injuries suffered by bicycle accident victims.
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Neck and Back injuries
- Musculoskeletal trauma
- soft-tissue injuries
- Broken bones
- Wrongful death
If a loved one of yours lost their life in a bicycle crash, you could recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of a breadwinner, compensation for future lost wages, loss of consortium, and loss of parental guidance, if the victim had children. To file for a wrongful death claim, schedule a free consultation with Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky. Our lawyers would aggressively fight for your interests, both with the insurance company and the courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I considered a pedestrian in an accident with a motor vehicle?
Bicyclists are often considered motor vehicle riders on the road. This means that as a bicyclist, you are expected to follow the same rules and regulations as a car driver. The only exception is the traffic signals and signs designed for bicycle riders, specifically if there is a designated sidewalk or pavement for the bike riders. Be mindful of this while riding your bike. If you get into an accident because you failed to follow the rules, your compensation could get reduced.
What does dooring a cyclist mean?
Dooring accidents occur when a car driver opens their car door in the direct path of a moving cyclist. Dooring incidents happen because of the negligence of the driver and their failure to inspect their surroundings for the safe opening of the door. If the rider was approaching with speed, they could suffer serious injuries because of this kind of action. You can sue the person who causes your injuries from a dooring incident. Contact a lawyer if you’ve been struck by a car door.
Do I have to wear a helmet while riding a bike?
In Pennsylvania, all the occupants of a bicycle under the age of 12, be it the rider or a passenger, are legally required to wear a helmet.
How long do I have to file a bike accident claim?
In Pennsylvania, you would have about two years to file your bicycle accident case. After the expiry of this period, your case could be declined. Though, there are certain exceptions to these rules. You should contact a lawyer to know if your case still stands valid or not.
Why You Need A Bicycle Accident Attorney
Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky is a law firm in Pittsburgh that can help you recover damages from the negligent party. Our clients trust us because we take care of everything related to your personal injury case. Here is all we can do for you in the pursuit of a fair compensation –
- Investigate the bicycle accident scene
- Gather evidence to prove the negligence on the part of the guilty car drivers, including capturing photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries.
- Documenting your medical treatment
- Calculating the total damages you suffered, including medical expenses and bills, lost wages, future lost earnings, property damage, and more, and ascertain the tentative compensation amount to start negotiations with the insurance company
- Draft the demand letter for the auto insurance company
- Filing a personal injury claim
- Negotiate with the insurance company and persuade them to a give you the compensation that you deserve
- File a personal injury lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to pay the proposed amount
- Fight your case in the court of law and get a favorable verdict.
We deal in several kinds of personal injuries, including bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, car accidents, product liability, dog bites, slip and fall, truck accidents, and wrongful death. We have recovered more than $250 million through personal injury cases. Our track record speaks volumes about the quality of our legal representation. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C’s main office is located at 245 Fort Pitt Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, only about 8 minutes from Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, just over a mile away from The Andy Warhol Museum, and about 2 minutes away from the Point State Park. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is only 12 minutes away. Gary Ogg, Mike Murphy, John Perkosky, David Houk, and Ben Gobel, the principal attorneys at Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C, are your trusted source for addressing personal injury, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. With a proven history of expertise and success, Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky ensures your legal representation instills confidence in every aspect of your case. Call our Pittsburgh law firm today at (412) 471-8500 with further questions.