BICYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

Have you been injured while riding your bike? It’s an unfortunate fact - most bicycle accidents involving cars and other motorized vehicles aren’t the bike riders' fault. So, why does it seem like cyclists are the only ones who suffer?

Our bicycle lawyers have experience representing people injured in all kinds of accidents, including crashes between bicycles and other vehicles.

If you are hurt, you want a bike accident lawyer who understands the type of injuries that happen when a car or truck hits a bicycle rider. You also want an attorney that knows how bad roads and other dangers can lead to injuries from a bicycle accident. Our legal staff will focus on your case, and we know how insurance companies operate: In litigation insurance companes try to settle cases cheaply, without concern for your best interest. When you hire us, we put our legal bike accident know-how to work, fighting for your legal rights to fair compensation.

From the moment you hire our accident law firm, an entire legal team goes to work for you on your Pennsylvania bicycle accident case.

• In the office, bicycle attorneys and legal staff will talk to the insurance company, handle your medical bills, and take the worries off your hands - so you can focus on healing.
• Our investigators can take pictures at the scene of the bike accident, interview witnesses and find other evidence for your case.

BICYCLE ACCIDENT STATISTICS

• 85 million American adults ride a bike at least occasionally.
• Head injuries account for 60% of cycling fatalities.
• Properly fitted helmets reduce the risk of head injuries by 74%-85%.
• Children ages 5 to 14 years old tend to be most risk for death and injury from a bike accident or bike crash.
• More than 500,000 bicyclists visit emergency rooms with injuries every year. At least 10% of those injured have head injuries.
• Bicycle crashes and injuries are under-reported because the majority of bike accident injuries are not serious enough for emergency room visits. Do not deny yourself the right to compensation if you are the victim in an accident.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE IN A BICYCLE ACCIDENT

1. Call emergency personnel and wait for them to arrive;

2. Obtain the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses;

3. Consult an attorney such as Michael J. Asta as soon as possible following an accident.

BICYCLE SAFETY TIPS

• Verify that your bike is in good working condition, including proper tire pressure, brakes and chains. It is a good idea to have a light on the front and the back. Some jurisdictions also require you to have a bell or horn.
• Know all the traffic laws and safety hand signals. To make a left turn, extend your left arm straight out to your side. For a right turn, bend your elbow and hold your arm up in an "L" shape, or extend your arm straight out to your side. To make a sudden stop, hold your arm in an upside-down "L" shape.
• Try to take less-traveled routes so that you won't have to compete with dangerous traffic.
• Ride in a straight line on the right side of the road.
• Drive near the curb, but stay a car door's width away from parked cars, as someone may suddenly exit the car in front of you.
• Always ride in the direction of traffic. This puts you where motorists are sure to see you.
• Ride defensively with the assumption that drivers can't see you.
• Obey the two-second rule. When the car in front of you passes a fixed object, begin counting. If you get to that object before you count to two, you're following too closely.
• Always keep both hands on the brake and keep an eye out for potholes, rocks, and other obstacles.
• Wear fluorescent or reflective gear, especially when riding at night. Equip your bike with a white headlight and a red taillight, as well as with front and rear reflectors.
• Be careful when riding in wet weather, as snow or rain can impair your brakes.
• Don't wear loose clothing, as they can get caught in the bike's chain, gears, or brakes. Clip pants to avoid getting them caught in the bike's parts.
• Always wear a helmet. Studies have found that wearing a helmet can help reduce bicycle injuries by 85 percent. Get one that fits properly and meets one of the following safety standards: