Bicycle accident lawyers in Broomall know firsthand the staggering consequences of accidents between cyclists and motor vehicles. Here in Pennsylvania, no matter how hard we try to make our roads safer for cyclists, these accidents keep trending higher, according to PennDOT’s most recent data. Not only do these often result in catastrophic injuries, but also complicated legal battles. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a weekend warrior cycling enthusiast, avoiding accidents should be a primary goal. Here are five essential tips to help you stay safe on our roads.

 

1. Wear a Helmet

We know. If you’re over 12, you don’t have to legally wear one in Pennsylvania. But a helmet protects you more than any other piece of equipment you’ll ever use. Protecting your brain is tantamount to protecting your life in a serious accident, regardless of whether the law says you have to or not. 

 

2. Understand Your Laws and Responsibilities as a Cyclist

A bicycle is considered a vehicle and subject to the same laws and rules as other vehicles on the road. We also have specific laws designed to protect you as a cyclist. For example, other vehicles sharing the road must maintain at least four feet of distance when passing a bicycle. As a cyclist, you have the right to use a full lane when necessary to maintain your safety. Know and abide by these laws, and you will be safer for them. 

 

3. Make Yourself Visible

When you’re sharing the road with 4,000-pound vehicles, you want to be as visible as possible to avoid a bicycle accident. In Pennsylvania, you’re legally required to have your bike outfitted with a light on the front and a reflector in the rear. A rear flashing red light is also suggested. But you can add to those safety features by wearing reflective apparel and using reflective tape on different areas of your bike. There’s a reason professional riding gear is primarily neon bright, and it’s not just about fashion. Avoid riding at night. Most bicycle accidents are followed by the ill-fated words, “I didn’t even see them.”

 

4. Make Your Intentions Known

Cars are outfitted with turn signals and brake lights. Your bike? These are on you. Let others know your intentions the same way you would as a driver. Use universally recognized hand signals to indicate turns and stops to other road users. The clearer your communication, the fewer misunderstandings that could potentially lead to a bicycle accident.

 

5. Ride Defensively

A defensive rider understands the hazards of sharing the road with other vehicles that are a lot larger and heavier than theirs. And reality being what it is, many drivers on the road simply aren’t paying attention. They’re distracted. They’re in a hurry. They may be under the influence or just plain reckless. You must always be aware of your surroundings when you’re out there trying to navigate your place amongst these drivers. Your life could depend on it. 

 

What Should You Do if You’re Involved in a Bicycle Accident in Broomall?

If you are involved in a bicycle accident, you will want to follow these steps to protect your health, safety, and legal rights.

• Get medical attention immediately and follow all the provider’s care instructions. Your health is your number one priority. Even if you feel fine, some injuries, like concussions, aren’t always immediately apparent. 
• Document the scene of the accident. If you can, take photos of the surroundings, your bicycle, and any injuries you’ve sustained. 
• Gather contact information from the vehicle driver and anyone who saw the accident. Don’t negotiate with the driver or say anything that might be construed as accepting blame for the accident. 
• Call the police and file a report.
• Consult a bicycle accident law firm to understand your legal rights and options. A lawyer specializing in bicycle injury law can help you navigate the insurance claim process, establish liability, negotiate a fair insurance settlement, or represent you in court, if necessary. 
• Don’t accept a quick insurance settlement until you speak with a bicycle accident lawyer. A comprehensive review and investigation should be done to understand the full scope of your injuries and damages. Quick settlements are usually in the insurance company’s best interests, not yours. 
• Be aware of your time limits to file a personal injury lawsuit. In Pennsylvania, you have two years from the date of your accident to file. This may seem like a long time, but personal injury claims can be time-consuming. It can sometimes take months to a year or more to learn the true extent of your injuries. Don’t take any chances. Seek help as soon as possible.

 

How Our Experienced Broomall Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Help Protect Your Rights

Navigating insurance claims, investigations, proving negligence, filing a lawsuit – most injured cyclists have little to no experience with these until they’ve been involved in an accident. And then, their focus is on healing and getting better, not worrying about how they will pay for their damages. That is our job.

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, getting the assistance of an experienced Broomall bicycle accident lawyer can help protect your legal rights and your right to pursue compensation for your injuries. At Silver & Silver, we have dedicated our practice to protecting injured victims’ rights. Let us protect yours. 

• We will investigate your accident to establish who was at fault fairly and if negligence was involved. 
• We will help collect all evidence and medical records required for an insurance claim. 
• We will act on your behalf to negotiate a fair settlement, ensuring you get the compensation you’re entitled to. 
• If a fair settlement isn’t possible through negotiation with the insurance company, we will pursue legal action.

The experienced Broomall bicycle accident lawyers at Silver & Silver are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation at (610) 638-7255 or fill out our contact form. 

 

Disclosure:

This website is designed to provide only general information. The information presented on this website is not formal legal advice. You should not rely on any general information from any source for making legal decisions. Each legal matter is unique and requires specific attention from a qualified and experienced attorney. Unless a representation agreement has been signed with the Law Offices of Silver and Silver, we are not your legal representatives.