cyclist, junction, city

Bicycle Accidents

There are millions of adults and children in the United States who use their bicycles as a mode of transportation, a source of enjoyment or a means of exercise on a regular basis. The use of bicycles has been on a steady increase in the last several years. With the increase in cyclists, however, comes the increased risk of bicycle accidents and the potential for catastrophic life-altering injuries due to the limited protection that cyclists have when up against larger vehicles or structures. Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates understand the severity of these types of motor vehicle accidents and have dedicated a key area of their practice to helping injured bicycle victims and their families.

Bicycling Crash Statistics

The most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows there were 677 bicycle deaths in this country in 2011 with another 48,000 bicyclists injured. Data specific to Pennsylvania for the same year shows there were 11 bicyclist fatalities and 1,312 bicyclist injuries. Most of these bicycle accidents occurred during daylight hours at intersections. The most vulnerable age group to experience death and injury while riding a bicycle is children ages 5 to 14 followed persons 15 to 19 years of age.

By law, bicyclists on the road have the same rights and responsibilities as those operating other modes of transportation such as cars, trucks and motorcycles and the drivers of these motorized vehicles are required to share the road with cyclists. Bike riders need to obey the traffic laws and be vigilant for all possible dangers including distracted drivers and road hazards. Nevertheless, many bicyclists are injured or killed by negligent motorists.

Causes of Accidents and Injuries to Bicyclists

Bicyclists are at risk for injury when motorists open doors in their riding path, pull out from driveways or streets without looking, sideswipe them, veer into the bike lane, change lanes without looking, drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs as well as any other reckless or distracted driving behavior including texting or talking on a cell phone. Some bicycle accidents can be attributed to other reasons. A cyclist may suffer injuries due to defective parts on the bicycle or improper maintenance. In addition, hazardous road conditions can also be a causative factor in a bicycle accident. Some of these roadway issues include debris, potholes, sewers grates and overgrown trees.

Bike Accident Victims Can Suffer Catastrophic Injuries

Bicycle accidents that involve a collision with motor vehicle can lead to the gravest of injuries or even death. Bicyclists have very little protection other than a helmet if worn. Bicycle accidents can result in a wide variety of injuries ranging from mild to severe. Some of the more common injuries that occur after a bicycle accident include lacerations, road rash, burns, broken bones, spinal cord injuries and head trauma. These injuries can be devastating and may require extensive medical treatment, lengthy hospitalizations and rehabilitation. In addition, these types of injuries may compromise an individual’s ability to earn a living, and the ability to care for him or herself. The need for ongoing care and medical treatment or caregivers may continue throughout the injured victim’s life.

Philadelphia Car Accident Attorneys of Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates Help Injured Bicyclists in Pennsylvania & New Jersey

If you or someone you love has suffered personal injuries in a bicycle accident, or you are a survivor of a bicyclist who has been fatally injured in a bicycle accident as a result of another person’s negligence, we encourage you to contact Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates. We have handled many serious injury claims involving bicycle accidents of all kinds. We are well versed in Pennsylvania accident laws, and we know how to properly investigate, prepare and litigate a bicycle crash claim. We will aggressively fight for the compensation to which you and your family are entitled. We want our clients to be able to focus on their recoveries while our legal team acts on their behalf to secure the most just and favorable outcome.

The offices of Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates are conveniently located in Philadelphia, PA and Voorhees, NJ and represent clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania including Philadelphia County, Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lehigh County, Montgomery County, and Northampton County. Call today at 215-567-6600 or 856-663-2566 to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled Philadelphia car accident lawyers or contact us online.

Practice Areas

Some of the types of claims we handle on behalf of injured victims include:

blue and red cars in parking lots

CAR ACCIDENTS

blue and white bus on road during daytime

BUS ACCIDENTS

man on black cruiser motorcycle in highway

MOTOCYCLE ACCIDENTS

white truck on gray road during daytime

TRUCK ACCIDENTS

cyclist, junction, city

BICYCLE ACCIDENTS

people walking near traffic light during daytime

PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS

Yellow Slippery Road Signage

SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS

WRONGFUL DEATH ACCIDENTS

Personal injury accidents can have long-term physical consequences and can involve high medical costs. Seeking justice for our clients is our top priority. We believe a satisfied client will recommend our firm to others.

Testimonials