Bicyclists often suffer severe harm in the event of a wreck. There is little to no protection offered by the bike itself, and the rider is protected only by the safety gear they choose to wear. Whether the accident was caused by a negligent motorist, a defective part, or a poorly maintained roadway, the resulting damages can be substantial.
An experienced Norristown bicycle accident lawyer could fight for your rights and any compensation to which you may be entitled. A hardworking injury attorney could review your case to determine who is responsible for your bike crash.
Causes of Bicycle Crashes in Norristown
While bicyclists are entitled to the same rights as other motorists, they unfortunately often not treated as such by others on the road. Drivers of cars, trucks, and motorcyclists often care little for the rights of bicyclists, which can lead to serious accidents.
Other common causes of bicycle accidents include, but are not limited to:
- Distracted drivers
- Aggressive and careless motorists
- Intoxicated drivers
- Failure to check blind spots or yield
- Potholes, poor pavement conditions, and other road defects
- Failure to follow stop signs or stop lights
- Defective bicycles or bicycle products
A seasoned local lawyer could provide legal guidance to a cyclist injured in an accident caused by another’s negligence.
What Injuries to Cyclists Suffer in Accidents?
The injuries a bicyclist can suffer in a crash can be catastrophic. The lack of protections afforded by the bicycle itself leaves riders especially vulnerable to severe harm. These injuries may include:
- Road rash
- Spinal cord damage
- Lacerations and perforation of body
- Broken bones
- Paralysis
- Whiplash and traumatic brain injury
- Death
A Norristown lawyer could help an injured cyclist seek full compensation for their financial and personal losses stemming from the accident.
Impact of Comparative Fault on Bike Wreck Claims
42 Pennsylvania Code § 7102 sets forth the comparative fault laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This law requires a court to analyze the conduct of the cyclist to determine if they played a role in their accident.
A bicyclist who was partially at fault for the accident is not necessarily barred from recovery. It depends on how much at fault the plaintiff was for the accident. If the plaintiff was 50 percent or less responsible for their crash, they can still recover. However, if the bike rider is determined to be primarily to blame for their wreck, they will be barred from recovery.
Notably, bicyclists who are found to be partially responsible will have their total damages reduced by their percentage of fault. With this in mind, it is essential that cyclists injured in an accident in Norristown seek legal guidance from an accomplished attorney to avoid losing their right to compensation.
Ask a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Norristown for Help
The potential for serious injuries is high in bike accident cases. As such, it is crucial that a qualified attorney be consulted to ensure you are fairly compensated for the harm you have suffered. Contact an experienced Norristown bicycle accident lawyer for help with your case.
