Philadelphia Bicycle Accidents
The U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission has estimated over 600,000 people have been involved in bicycle accidents requiring emergency room care in 2005. In the greater Philadelphia area, there are nearly 11,000 bicycle commuter trips per day, and the number of Philadelphia bike-commuters has risen 76% between 1990 and 2006. In 2009, there were an estimated 630 fatalities resulting from bicycle accidents. The percentage of fatalities arising from bicycle accidents is even greater for children under the age of 16, according to the Children’s Safety Network. With the increase in bicycle traffic, bicycle accidents resulting in death have increased since 2003. Ninety-two percent of all bicycle-related deaths were the result of crashes with other motor vehicles.
The majority of bicycle accidents occur with other motor vehicles near intersections in urban areas. While motorists likely blame cyclists for the accidents, a NY group called the Right of Way, found that an estimated 80% of bicycle fatalities were due to driver error such as aggressive driving and negligence. Bicycle accidents may also be the result of poor surface conditions, road debris, and uneven pavement. Bicycle accidents can lead to not only death, but to other catastrophic or life altering injuries requiring costly medical care, like internal bleeding, spinal cord injury, amputation, burns, and dislocations. Traumatic injuries such as these can be devastating to not only the cyclist, but for his family and loved ones.
When traumatic bicycle injuries arise, you need someone with the knowledge and experience to help you understand the uninsured and underinsured motorist laws, and can navigate the different roads to recovery to help you through your difficult time. Since 1958, our skilled Philadelphia personal injury attorneys have been awarded billions of dollars for personal injury, including bicycle accidents. Our team consists of not only top-rated injury lawyers, but also nurse practitioners who truly understand the nature and severity of your injuries.
Bicycle Accidents Bone Fracture
Bicycle accidents frequently cause bone fractures from falls or collisions. Everyday cyclists are injured by hit-and-run accidents, leaving them with devastating and costly injuries like bone fractures. While bone fractures commonly heal with few problems, broken bones could lead to missed work days and costly medical bills. Some bone fractures may leave you with lifelong pain and ongoing treatment. If you have suffered a broken bone due to a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your costs and injuries. You need a team who has the expertise and experience to help you recover from your bicycle accident. Our team has successfully handled thousands of cases dealing with bicycle accidents resulting from uninsured and underinsured motorists.
Bicycle Accident Child Victim
Your child is enjoying his first few carefree summer days after a long school year and is out riding his bicycle. The next thing you know, your life and your child’s life is changed forever. Bicycle accidents affect children more than any other group of people. In 2005, children under fifteen accounted for 53% of injuries from bicycle accidents that required emergency care. Most bicycle accidents involving children are caused by motor vehicle collisions resulting in often fatal head injuries. Almost half of the children hospitalized for bicycle-related injuries are diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries. What’s worse is that children are more likely than adults to die of bicycle injuries due to collisions with motor vehicles. Catastrophic injuries to children can require extensive medical care and devastating loss. Hospital data indicates that bicycle accidents cost an average of $218,000 per injured child. You may be entitled to recover for medical expenses and injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. Injury attorneys may be able to help you navigate the complex legal world to get you the largest award that will fully compensate you for your injuries.
Bicycle Accidents Head Injury
The most life-threatening injury resulting from a bicycle accident is a head injury. Common head injuries are skull fractures, and concussions. Even cyclists who wear helmets may receive serious head injuries from bicycle accidents. These head injuries can lead to brain injuries, comas, or even death in some cases. Traumatic brain injuries can be life-altering and overwhelming in terms of both emotional and financial costs. Loved ones are left to cope with the consequences of a serious head injury. You may be entitled to compensation for you or your loved one’s injuries resulting from a bicycle accident. Our experienced Philadelphia bike accident attorneys have technical expertise and work with nurse practitioners and doctors, in-house, to fight for those who may not be able to fight for themselves.
Bike & Bike Part Recalls
The bicycle industry is a $6 billion industry, annually. The U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission has released recall notices for numerous bicycles and bicycle parts for malfunctioning or faulty components. Many of the recall notices alert consumers that the recalled parts could cause serious injury and death. Manufacturers may be liable for injuries caused by defective products and parts including defective handle bars, brakes, seats, and wheels. In April 2011, Kiddieland recalled its Disney Princess Plastic Trikes after receiving reports of children suffering facial lacerations. In 2007, Cannondale announced a recall of its Model Road Bike for faulty brakes, which could cause a rider to lose control of the bike. In 2010 Huffy recalled its 20-inch, 24-inch, and 26-inch bicycles after finding a defect caused brake leavers to break when used. You may be at risk of serious injury from manufacturers’ negligence. If you or a loved one suffered an injury due to a faulty or deficient bicycle or bicycle part, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries.
Bike Accident FAQs
- Bicycle accidents can be the cause of both cyclist error and other human error. The most serious and devastating bike-related injuries are caused by motor vehicle collisions. Many motor vehicle-related bike accidents are the result of aggressive drivers, driver inattention, drivers swerving into bike lanes, and drivers opening car doors in bike paths. Road conditions such as potholes, trolley and railroad tracks, sewer grates, and other debris may also cause serious bike accidents with no fault on the part of the cyclist.
- Bruises and lacerations
- Road rash
- Burn
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Head and brain injuries
- Seek medical attention if your injuries are severe or you believe they might be severe. Contact an experienced Philadelphia bicycle accident injury lawyer to see if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and medical expenses.
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Reiff & Bily
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Philadelphia, PA 19107
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