Pittsburgh
Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Cyclists have every legal right to use Pittsburgh’s roads, but that legal right offers little physical protection when a negligent driver fails to respect it.

Bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles are frequently catastrophic.

Without the structural protection of a car, a rider who is struck by a vehicle absorbs the full force of the impact. The injuries that result are often serious, and the road to recovery can be long and financially draining.

At Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C., our Pittsburgh bicycle accident lawyers have more than 40 years of experience representing injured cyclists throughout Allegheny County. We understand the unique challenges these cases present, including the insurance company bias that riders often face, and we fight to make sure our clients receive the full compensation they are entitled to.

Call (412) 471-8500 today for a free case evaluation

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Pittsburgh

The vast majority of serious bicycle accidents involving a motor vehicle are caused by driver negligence, not rider error.

Common causes our attorneys encounter include:

  • Failure to yield to cyclists at intersections: one of the most common causes of serious bike accidents
  • Distracted driving: texting, phone use, eating, or any other inattention behind the wheel
  • Dooring: a driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist’s path without checking
  • Unsafe passing: not allowing adequate clearance when overtaking a rider
  • Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Failing to check blind spots before turning or changing lanes

Bicycle accidents can also be caused by road hazards, potholes, uneven pavement, debris, or poorly marked lanes, in which case a municipality or property owner may bear liability.

Many bicycle accident victims require extensive medical treatment, extended time away from work, and ongoing rehabilitation.

Our attorneys investigate all potential causes and responsible parties.

Injuries Commonly Suffered in Pittsburgh Bicycle Accidents

Because cyclists have no structural protection, bicycle accidents frequently produce injuries far more severe than those that might result from the same impact inside a vehicle.

Common injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries: even helmeted riders can suffer TBI from the force of an impact
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Broken bones and fractures, particularly to the collarbone, wrist, arm, and leg
  • Road rash and soft tissue injuries ranging from surface abrasions to deep tissue damage
  • Internal injuries and organ damage
  • Facial injuries and dental damage
  • Permanent scarring and disfigurement

Our attorneys account for all of those losses, present and future, before any settlement is considered.

Your Rights as a Cyclist Under Pennsylvania Law

Pennsylvania law treats cyclists as full participants in traffic, granting them the same rights and imposing the same responsibilities as motor vehicle operators.

Importantly, drivers in Pennsylvania are required to give cyclists a minimum of four feet of clearance when passing.

Despite these legal protections, injured cyclists frequently encounter resistance from insurance companies that attempt to shift blame onto the rider.

Our attorneys know these tactics well.

We gather the evidence needed to establish driver negligence, counter arguments about shared fault, and protect our clients’ right to full compensation under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rules.

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Compensation Available in Pittsburgh Bicycle Accident Cases

Following a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver or another party, you may be entitled to recover:

  • Medical expenses: emergency care, surgery, specialist treatment, and rehabilitation
  • Future medical costs for ongoing or long-term treatment
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Lost wages and diminished future earning capacity
  • Bicycle repair or replacement and damaged equipment
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement

Contact Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky Today For a Free Consultation

ABOUT
Why Choose Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky for Your Bicycle Accident Case?

Bicycle accident claims require attorneys who understand both the physical severity of cycling injuries and the legal dynamics that make these cases challenging.

Insurance companies often approach bicycle claims with skepticism, and without experienced legal representation, injured riders frequently accept far less than their claims are actually worth.

At Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C., we manage all communications with the insurance company on your behalf, investigate the cause of the accident fully, and fight for a result that reflects the true value of what you have been through.

Get Your Free Case Evaluation
“

The OPM Team was great to work with on our claim as plaintiffs in our court offering. They kept us informed of the progress of our litigation and provided great insight in helping us to make prudent decisions. I highly recommend their legal expertise and the compassion they demonstrated for our personal situation.

– J. P.
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Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C. law firm is second to none! They go above and beyond for their clients to not only maximize their settlement but to also alleviate a lot of the stress that is associated with this type of litigation. I highly recommend this law firm!

– K. L.
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I highly recommend using this law firm. My family had nothing but great experiences. Answered all of the questions we had and explained everything in very good detail and in a very friendly, but professional manner.

– N. C.
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Best law firm anywhere. Professional, caring, thorough and will do everything they can to help you get you through a harrowing time. I can't recommend them enough. You don’t want any other firm on your side.

– S. F.
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First, I would like to thank the firm of Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky for their great work and their commitment to helping me with my case. Mr. Gobel took his time walking me through the process and the details. I would recommend this firm to anyone who is looking for legal counsel.

– J. M.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pittsburgh Bicycle Accident Claims

View All FAQs

Pennsylvania does not require adult cyclists to wear helmets. If you were not wearing one, the insurance company may argue that your head injuries were worsened as a result, but this does not bar your claim. Our attorneys are experienced in addressing these arguments.

Drivers have a legal duty to watch for cyclists and share the road safely. “I didn’t see the cyclist” describes inattention, not a legal excuse. We gather traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction evidence to establish what actually happened.

Do not accept any settlement before consulting with an attorney. Quick offers from insurers are typically far below the true value of the claim. Once you sign a release, you cannot seek additional compensation, even if your injuries are more serious than initially understood.

If a pothole, uneven pavement, or other road hazard caused your accident, a government entity may share liability. Claims against municipalities are subject to specific rules and shorter deadlines in Pennsylvania, so contact an attorney promptly.

It depends on how the accident occurred. If you were struck by a motor vehicle on a shared path or at a trail crossing, a driver negligence claim may apply. If the trail itself was poorly maintained or defective, a premises liability or government entity claim may be available. Our attorneys will evaluate the specific facts of your accident to identify the right legal avenue.

Yes. Property damage, including bicycle repair or replacement and any damaged gear, is a recoverable category of damages. Document the damage with photographs and get repair or replacement estimates as soon as possible.

Under Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rules, you can still recover compensation as long as your share of fault does not exceed 51 percent. Your award is reduced proportionally. We can evaluate your specific situation during your free consultation.

Pittsburgh Bicycle Accident Attorneys Fighting for Injured Cyclists

Cyclists injured on Pittsburgh’s roads deserve the same full and fair compensation as any other accident victim, and at Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C., we make sure they get it.

Our Pittsburgh bicycle accident lawyers have spent more than 40 years representing injury victims throughout Allegheny County, and we understand the specific challenges that bicycle accident cases present.

From countering insurance company bias to establishing driver negligence under Pennsylvania law, we handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on your recovery.

If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Pittsburgh or the surrounding area, contact our office today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

Call (412) 471-8500 today for a free case evaluation.

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    The results obtained in any particular case depend upon the specific facts and circumstances of that case. Past verdicts and settlements do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in future cases.

    245 Fort Pitt Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222, US