Many people use bicycles for a variety of reasons. This may be as a method of transportation or even as a form of exercise. In doing so, it is important for bicyclists to ride cautiously and be aware of their surroundings. This is because it is possible for an accident to occur between a bike and another vehicle on the road. Unlike cars, bicycles do not offer riders protection from outside forces. It is because of this that they should always wear protective gear such as padding, helmets, and reflective wear at night. While this can help them in the event of an accident, it is still possible to sustain serious injuries. When this happens, it is important to retain the services of an experienced legal team.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents
While protective gear is beneficial in the event of an accident, it cannot always prevent injuries from happening. If a biker falls off or is hit by another vehicle, they can still sustain major injuries that have the potential to impact them for the rest of their life. There are several different ways that bicycle accidents can happen in the state of Pennsylvania. This can include the following:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Reckless driving
- Using electronic devices without hands-free technology
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
Seeking Compensation
If you were injured in an accident with another automobile, it is important to understand what Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is. PIP is a type of coverage that car insurance policies in Pennsylvania are required to have. This exists for those who are injured in accidents with automobiles so that they are provided with compensation for their damages. This compensation can cover things like medical bills, lost wages, lost future wages, and funeral expenses in the event of a death in the accident. With this, the injured party is able to recover from their injuries without worrying about additional costs due to the accident.
It is important to know that Pennsylvania is a “no-fault” state. This means that an injured person can have access to PIP regardless of who is at fault for the accident. However, if this compensation does not cover all of the additional costs, the injured party may be able to receive further compensation. This can be done through a personal injury lawsuit that works to prove the other party was negligent. If the injured party is successful in proving negligence, they may be able to receive additional compensation to cover the costs that are remaining after PIP.
Contact our Firm
Friedman Schuman is an experienced and dedicated legal resource for clients throughout Pennsylvania. We proudly serve clients facing a wide range of legal matters. If you require the services of an effective attorney, please contact Friedman Schuman today to schedule a consultation.
