Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Lawyers
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimated that over 600,000 people were 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 fatal 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.
Causes of Bike Crashes
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 in Philadelphia may also be the result of poor surface conditions, road debris, and uneven pavement. Bicycle collisions can lead to not only death, but also to other catastrophic or life altering injuries, such as, internal bleeding, spinal cord injury, amputation, burns, and dislocations. Traumatic injuries such as these can be devastating to not only the cyclist, but for their family and loved ones.
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 Injury Accident Lawyers
When traumatic bicycle injuries arise, you need someone with the legal knowledge and experience to help you understand the uninsured and underinsured motorist laws as well as navigate the different roads to recovery to assist you through your difficult time. Since 1958, the skilled Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at Reiff & Bily have been awarded millions 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.
