Bicycle Accident Attorney in York, Pennsylvania

Many Pennsylvania residents use bicycles to exercise, while some ride bikes to commute to and from work. Riding a bicycle means sharing the road with car and truck drivers. Unfortunately, not all of those drivers exercise due care or follow traffic laws when sharing the road with bicyclists. When a driver’s negligence causes a bicycle accident in York, Pennsylvania, the injured bicyclist may be entitled to compensation.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 846 bicyclists lost their lives across the United States in 2019 alone. Bicycles do not provide a high level of protection in the event of crashes, which is why bicyclists are likely to suffer catastrophic and life-threatening injuries.

At Korey Leslie, Attorney-At-Law, LLC, we understand the challenges victims of bicycle accidents in Pennsylvania face. If you have sustained injuries in a bicycle wreck or your family member died in a bicycle collision, we are dedicated to helping you pursue the compensation to which you are entitled. Above all, we apply an attention to detail, commitment to clients, and conscientious approach to every single case we take on.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

While a bicycle accident can be a shocking and overwhelming experience, knowing what steps to take following the collision is crucial for the success of your legal claim. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident in York, Lancaster, Harrisburg, or other parts of Pennsylvania, take the following steps to protect your right to compensation:

1. If you can, move your bicycle to the shoulder of the road to prevent further injuries

2. Do not angrily confront the other driver

3. Stay calm at the scene of your bicycle crash

4. Obtain the other driver’s contact and insurance information

5. Report your accident to law enforcement and request an ambulance if anyone has been injured

6. Seek medical attention even if you do not think that your injuries are serious

7. Get a copy of the police report

8. Identify witnesses and collect their contact information

9. Take photos at the scene of the accident

10. Document all relevant details at the crash scene

11. Hire a personal injury attorney to assist you with recovering compensation

Get a case evaluation with our bicycle accident attorney in York by contacting Korey Leslie, Attorney-At-Law, LLC.

Pennsylvania Laws Affecting Bicycle Riders

Not all Pennsylvania drivers are aware of state laws that apply to bicycle riders. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there are special laws affecting bicyclists in the state:

• Passing a bicycle. A driver overtaking a bicycle in the same direction must pass on the left and allow no less than four feet between their vehicle and the bike. When passing bicyclists, drivers must maintain a careful and prudent speed.

• Bicyclists riding on a public roadway. Bicyclists must ride in the right-hand lane and stay as close to the curb as possible unless they need to make a left turn.

• Bicyclists indicating their intention to stop or turn. Since bicycles do not have stop or turn lights, the bicyclist must indicate stopping and turning with proper hand signals.

• Equipment for bicycles. When riding a bike between sunset and sunrise, the bicycle must have a front lamp in addition to side reflectors that are visible to drivers from no less than 500 feet. Pennsylvania law also requires bicycles to be equipped with a braking system that allows the operator to stop the bike in 15 feet from an initial speed of 15 miles per hour.

• Helmet use by bicyclists. Under Pennsylvania law, riders below the age of 12 are legally required to wear helmets when riding, whether the child is operating the bike or riding as a passenger. The same requirement for helmet use applies to bicycle passengers riding in attached restraint seats and trailers.

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident in Pennsylvania, a skilled attorney can help you understand state laws that might apply to your particular situation.

Filing a Claim After a Bicycle Accident in York, PA

When filing a personal injury claim following a bicycle accident in Pennsylvania, you should be aware of relevant laws that might affect your case:

• Pennsylvania is a choice fault/no-fault state, which means each driver can choose between fault or no-fault insurance.

• Pennsylvania adopted the doctrine of modified comparative negligence, which means injured parties can receive compensation for their losses even if they were partially at fault. However, the degree of fault cannot be greater than 50% to be entitled to compensation.

• The deadline (the statute of limitations) for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania is two years from the date of the injury.

Speak with a knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney to find out how Pennsylvania laws might affect your case.