Pennsylvania Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Harrisburg Bicycle Injury Lawyers in Carlisle, Hanover, Lancaster, Schuylkill County & York Since 1922

Riding a bicycle is a popular form of exercise, recreation, and inexpensive transportation for people across Pennsylvania. In the presence of distracted drivers, poorly maintained roads, or other hazards, however, cycling can prove dangerous. If you or someone you love has been harmed in a bike accident, Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC is here to help. We have fought for the injured for more than 100 years, and our Pennsylvania bicycle accident lawyers are standing by to see how we can help you.

Call (888) 498-3023 now for a free consultation. Our Pennsylvania bike accident attorneys serve York, Harrisburg, Hanover, Carlisle, Lancaster, Schuylkill County, and beyond.

Pennsylvania Bicycle Accidents: Facts & Figures

According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of bicyclists killed in traffic collisions has steadily risen since 2010. From 2010 to 2021, the average number of bicycle rider fatalities was 800 each year. From 2017 to 2021, that average was 883. During that same 5-year period, the average number of bicyclist injuries was 45,400 each year.

In Pennsylvania, bicycle collisions accounted for just 0.7% of reported traffic accidents in 2022, but 1.4% of all traffic fatalities, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). There were 810 bicyclist injuries and 15 bicyclist fatalities in Pennsylvania in 2022. Even when cyclists are cautious, obey traffic laws, and wear helmets and other safety gear, they face significantly higher risk of injury.

Bicycle accidents in Pennsylvania may be caused by:

• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Driving while distracted
• Dangerous roadways
• Defective bike or auto parts

Even with the best safety measures, a bicycle accident can still occur due to a driver’s negligence. Our Pennsylvania bicycle accident attorneys are committed to helping injured cyclists and families find the answers they deserve and the compensation they need to move forward with their lives.

The Role of Auto Insurance in Harrisburg Bicycle Accidents

Whenever possible, our Harrisburg bicycle accident lawyers have filed claims for cyclists under at-fault drivers’ car insurance policies to recover medical expenses and the costs of long-term injuries. Personal Injury Protection and Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) are examples of policy features that might help cover the costs associated with a bicycle collision.

Additionally, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can protect cyclists if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. This type of coverage can be indispensable in ensuring that injured cyclists receive the compensation they need. Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC navigates plaintiffs through insurance claims related to bicycle accidents, helping to maximize recovery and get cyclists back on their feet.

What to Do After a Pennsylvania Bike Accident

When a bicycle accident occurs, it is important to know what to do in the immediate aftermath. Every situation is different, but here are some basic steps you can follow to help protect your interests:

#1: Seek Medical Attention

After a bicycle accident, you should seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine, there’s a scientific explanation: your body may be in survival mode, furiously pumping adrenaline. That means you might not feel the soft-tissue injuries or other physical trauma caused by the accident—but you’ll definitely feel it later. Go see a doctor as soon as possible. This creates a record of your medical needs and treatment, which further protects your claim. For instance, if you wait a week to see a doctor, the insurance company may try to claim that any injuries found at the doctor’s appointment were potentially caused by other events, or that your accident wasn’t that severe. Get the medical care you need.

#2: Contact the Police

It is important to contact the authorities after any type of traffic accident to create a police report. You should remain at the scene until an officer arrives, if possible. You should also make sure that the officer hears facts from both parties and any eyewitnesses so that the report is as complete as possible. Do not try to speculate as to why the driver hit you. Instead, just state the facts of the incident.

#3: Gather Contact Information

Protect your case by gathering information from eyewitnesses. Make sure you get the names and contact information of the driver and any witnesses of the accident. Having this information will help your Pennsylvania bicycle accident lawyer manage an investigation into the cause of your collision.

If possible, try to get the following information from the driver and witnesses:

• First and last name
• Phone number
• Email address
• Insurance information (of the driver)
• License number (of the driver)
• License plate number (of the driver)

#4: Take Photographs

If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, including pictures of the vehicle and license plate. If you are unable to take photographs, ask someone to do so for you. These can prove crucial to your case.

If you can, try to take photos of the following:

• Your injuries
• Your bicycle
• The site of the crash
• The vehicle that struck you
• The part of the car that hit you
• Any road features around the crash

#5: Preserve Evidence

Preserving evidence is more of a habit you practice than a specific task. For example, gather eyewitness evidence as early as possible—memories fade or warp over time. The fresher the memory, the more objective and trustworthy it’s bound to be. As soon as you can, write down everything you remember about the accident. The more you write down, the more accurate your recall will be.

While on the scene of a bicycle accident, take note of the following:

• The weather conditions
• Obstructions in the road
• Visual obstructions on the road
• Damaged/unclear road signs
• The time that the accident occurred

Keep your bicycle, any safety gear you were wearing, your clothing, and any other evidence from the scene. Keep copies of all documents, including medical records and receipts, related to the bicycle accident. One reason you might want to call a Harrisburg bicycle accident lawyer is so we can handle all or most of these for you.

What Damages Are Available in a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit?

In Pennsylvania, you may be able to seek a range of economic and non-economic damages after a serious bicycle accident. The specific type and amount of compensation will vary widely depending on the circumstances surrounding the collision and the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life.

A bicycle accident settlement or award in Harrisburg could include compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including ongoing treatment and care
• Lost earnings, as well as loss of potential/future wages
• Emotional trauma, such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage, including damage to your bike, helmet, and other gear

In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish and make an example of the defendant(s) in order to discourage similar behavior. This may apply in cases involving gross negligence or wrongdoing.

When plaintiffs work with Pennsylvania bike accident attorneys at Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC, we invest in their future. We carefully analyze the true extent of each client’s injuries and work with medical professionals, expert witnesses, and investigators to determine the full value of the claim. We then pursue that tirelessly, whether through negotiations or in court. We don’t back down.

Contact a Pennsylvania Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

Handler, Henning & Rosenberg has been helping plaintiffs recover from serious injuries in Pennsylvania since 1922. Over a century later, we are proud to have grown into the largest firm investigating bicycle accidents in Central Pennsylvania. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a bicycle accident in Harrisburg or beyond, it is vital to protect your rights by contacting an attorney.

Our Pennsylvania bicycle accident attorneys can help complete a thorough investigation of what happened to you and collect the evidence needed to help your case. We have recovered tens of millions of dollars on our clients' behalf, and we can also help you pursue the maximum compensation in your case.

Call our Pennsylvania bicycle accident attorneys for a free consultation at (888) 498-3023.