Indiana, PA, Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Indiana, Pennsylvania, is a cyclist’s dream with plenty of scenic roads and popular cycling routes such as Philadelphia Street, South 7th Street, and Old Route 119. Whether cruising through downtown or exploring the countryside, bicycling is a cherished activity many residents and visitors enjoy. But anytime a bicyclist shares the road with motor vehicles, accidents can happen, and the injuries that result can be devastating.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other losses. Contact an Indiana, PA, bicycle accident lawyer at Marcus & Mack for a free case consultation and to hear your options for financial recovery.

Why Choose Marcus & Mack for Your Indiana Bicycle Accident Case?

With over a century’s worth of collective legal experience, the team of personal injury attorneys at Marcus & Mack brings a profound depth of knowledge and experience to every case.

We’re well-versed in the nuances of personal injury law and have a demonstrated history of effectively advocating for our clients’ rights. Our dedication to delivering excellence is steadfast, and we put forth relentless effort in every instance to ensure our clients secure the justice and compensation they rightfully deserve.

When you entrust Marcus & Mack with your bicycle accident claim, you can count on receiving exceptional representation and an unwavering pursuit of justice on your behalf. Reach out to us today for a complimentary consultation where we can explore your legal options together, with no obligation on your part.

Pennsylvania Bicycle Laws

Both bicyclists and motor vehicle operators have responsibilities to ensure safe and respectful sharing of the road in Pennsylvania. Here’s a breakdown of key rules for each group:

Bicyclists

• Obey traffic laws: Treat stop signs, red lights, and other traffic signals like any motor vehicle.
• Ride with the flow of traffic: Never ride against traffic.
• Ride predictably: Maintain a straight line, signal turns, and avoid erratic movements.
• Share the lane: You have the right to be in the lane, but ride near the right side if feasible.
• Use hand signals: Indicate turns and stops clearly.
• Yield to pedestrians: Always give way to pedestrians on sidewalks and crosswalks.
• Stay visible: Use lights at night and wear reflective clothing in low-light conditions.
• One hand on handlebars: Maintain control of your bike by keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.
• Ride two abreast maximum: Except on designated paths or parts of the road set aside for bicycles.
• No headphones: Avoid using headphones that impede your ability to hear traffic sounds.

Motor Vehicle Operators

• Treat cyclists as vehicles: Share the road and give them ample space.
• Pass safely: Change lanes cautiously when passing a cyclist and maintain a 4-foot minimum distance.
• Yield to cyclists: Yield the right of way to cyclists at stop signs, intersections, and when turning.
• Look out for turning cyclists: Be aware of cyclists’ signals and watch for them turning across your lane.
• Avoid dooring: Check for cyclists before opening your car door.
• Be patient and courteous: Share the road respectfully and avoid aggressive behavior.

Do I Have a Bicycle Accident Case?

Negligence plays a key role in the success of personal injury cases, including bicycle accident claims. Negligence, in the context of personal injury law, refers to the failure of an individual or entity to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm or injury to another person. When someone is negligent, they have breached a duty of care owed to the injured party, and as a result, they may be held legally responsible for the damages caused.

In a personal injury claim, negligence applies when the injured party alleges that the defendant’s negligent actions or omissions directly caused their injuries. This can encompass various scenarios, such as car accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, or bicycle accidents.

To establish a successful bicycle accident case based on negligence, you need a lawyer who can establish:

1. Duty of Care: The plaintiff (injured party) must show that the defendant (the party being sued) owed them a duty of care. In the case of a bicycle accident, this often involves demonstrating that the defendant had a duty to operate their vehicle safely and responsibly, considering factors such as traffic laws, road conditions, and the presence of cyclists.
2. Breach of Duty: The plaintiff must then prove that the defendant breached this duty of care by failing to act in a reasonably prudent manner. This could involve actions such as speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield, or any other behavior that deviates from what a reasonably careful person would do in similar circumstances.
3. Causation: The plaintiff must establish that the defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the injuries and damages suffered. In other words, there must be a clear link between the defendant’s negligent actions and the harm suffered by the plaintiff. This can sometimes be complex in bicycle accident cases, as there may be multiple contributing factors to consider.
4. Damages: Finally, the plaintiff must demonstrate that they suffered actual damages as a result of the accident. This can include physical injuries, medical expenses, lost wages,  pain and suffering, and other related losses. Without provable damages, there is no basis for a personal injury claim.

What Damages Are Available in an Indiana, PA Bicycle Accident Claim?

In a bicycle accident claim, various types of damages may be available to compensate the injured party for their losses and suffering.

Some damages that bicycle accident victims may recover include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes costs associated with emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, surgery, doctor’s visits, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and any other necessary medical care related to the accident.
• Lost Income: If the injured person is unable to work due to their injuries, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, including past and future income that would have been earned had the accident not occurred.
• Property Damage: This covers the cost of repairing or replacing the bicycle and any other damaged property, such as equipment or personal belongings.
• Other Financial Losses: Additional economic damages may include expenses for transportation to medical appointments, home modifications or assistance with daily tasks if the injuries result in long-term disability, and any other out-of-pocket costs directly attributable to the accident.

• Pain and Suffering: This compensates the injured person for physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by the accident and their injuries. It encompasses both the immediate impact of the accident and any ongoing pain and suffering.
• Emotional Distress: This covers psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, fear, or PTSD, resulting from the accident and its aftermath.
• Loss of Consortium: In some cases, the spouse or family members of the injured person may be able to recover damages for the loss of companionship, care, and support resulting from the injuries.

The specific types and amount of damages available in a bicycle accident claim depend on factors such as the severity of the injuries, the impact on the injured person’s life, and the evidence presented to support the claim. Consulting an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue fair compensation for your losses.

How Can a Lawyer With Marcus & Mack Help With My Bicycle Accident Case?

A lawyer with Marcus & Mack can provide invaluable assistance with your bicycle accident claim in several ways:

Legal Knowledge

Marcus & Mack lawyers possess a deep understanding of personal injury law, including the specific regulations and statutes relevant to bicycle accidents. This experience allows them to navigate the complexities of your case effectively.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

They can conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your accident, gathering evidence such as witness statements, police reports, and medical records to support your claim.

Negotiation with Insurance Companies

They can handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf, working to secure a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your injuries and losses.

Representation in Court

If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, Marcus & Mack lawyers are prepared to advocate for your rights in court, presenting a compelling case to a judge and jury to seek the maximum compensation available to you.

Guidance and Support

Throughout the entire legal process, they will provide you with personalized guidance, support, and regular updates, ensuring that you are informed and empowered every step of the way.

Contact the Indiana, PA Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Marcus & Mack Today

Robert S. Marcus Personal Injury Attorney in Indiana

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bicycle accident in Indiana, remember you don’t have to face the legal process alone. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Marcus & Mack are here to help you every step of the way.

Contact us today at (724) 349-5602 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us explain how we can help you get the compensation you need and deserve.

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation Today!