Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Attorney
Suffering from a severe injury sustained in a bicycle crash? Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. are bike accident lawyers who understand the law and fight for their clients’ rights. As an experienced personal injury attorney, our team of legal professionals steps up when you need it most.
Dangers Are Ever-Present to Philadelphia Area Cyclists
According to the federal government, there were 857 bicyclists killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2018. As you might expect, when a crash occurs between a vehicle and a bike, it’s the cyclist who is most likely to be injured.
According to statistics from the Philadelphia Police, 96 people were killed in traffic crashes in 2017 in Philadelphia, 40 of whom were pedestrians, and three of whom were bicyclists.
The following bicycle accident facts were provided by the federal government,
- Regardless of the season, bicyclist deaths occurred most often between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
- Bicyclist deaths occur most often in urban areas (75%) compared to rural areas (25%) in 2017.
- Bicyclist deaths were 8 times higher for males than females in 2017.
- Alcohol was involved in 37% of all fatal bicyclist crashes in 2017.
What Should You Do After a Bike Crash?
An experienced Philadelphia bicycle accident attorney, Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. provides clients with a game plan for handling adversity after a bike crash. You can reach out to our office today for a free of charge consultation. That phone call can go a long way to help create peace of mind after being injured.
It is important to clear your bike and yourself out of the roadway, if possible. Finding a safe spot near the accident site helps you maintain your strength and minimize the risk of further injury.
Many cyclists carry their cell phones on rides. If you are one of those cyclists then be sure to take photos at the crash site. This includes the vehicle that injured you and the layout of the street or intersection where the bike crash occurred.
Finally, think of a bike crash as you would a car crash. After being involved in a car crash you would talk to the other driver and request certain documents. This includes a driver’s license, proof of registration and insurance card.
Asking Law Enforcement to Document the Events of the Bike Crash
Speaking to police after a bike crash is the first step towards preparing yourself for the road ahead. Once law enforcement is present at the scene of the crash, talk with them about the events. Details about your injuries need to be made available to the police, as well. Leave no detail out- even if it seems insignificant to you.
When a bike crash occurs which results in an injury or property damage, the police are notified.
The damage caused by a bicycle accident can be catastrophic. When a vehicle hits a cyclist, there is little protection from the impact and the cyclist may suffer life-threatening injuries and sometimes death. Recovery from a bicycle accident can take months or years. Bicycle accident victims may also suffer financial damages such as out of pocket medical bills and lost wages while being disabled from work.
If you or a loved one were a victim of a bicycle accident involving a motor-vehicle, you will need an experienced bicycle attorney to fight for your rights. Bicycle accident usually cause injuries such as:
- Broken bones (fractures)
- Head injuries resulting in concussion
- Severe lacerations and road rash
- Permanent scarring
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Loss of limbs
- Spinal damage
- Death
Medical Attention is Necessary for Severe Bike Crash Injuries
The type of injuries you sustain in the bike crash determine the extent of the medical treatment required. For example, a broken bone almost certainly requires immediate medical attention. Compound or comminuted fractures need to be set or operated upon to allow for proper healing. Placing the fractured body part in a splint to minimize further injury is critical to your long term recovery.
Many bike crashes involve the rider’s body being propelled over the handlebars. Unfortunately, with no ability to stop their momentum a head injury can result. Take no chances when you believe that you have suffered a head injury in your bike accident. Utilizing the services of ambulance to initiate care at the scene of the bike crash is prudent.
Preserving Evidence Now for When You May Need It Later
It is understandable to want to fix your bicycle immediately after a bike crash. An experienced personal injury attorney, Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. guides clients who are injured in bicycle crashes everyday. Bike accident lawyers know how critical it is to preserve all evidence available.
This includes not attempting to fix your bicycle despite the damage it may have sustained. At least by taking photos of the damage done to your bicycle preserves evidence which goes to show how severe the accident was.
Contacting a Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Attorney
The insurance company for the at-fault driver may reach out to you shortly after the bike crash. Do not speak to anyone representing the at-fault driver until you have spoken with Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C.Bicycle accident lawyers develop plans of action with clients to recover damages for their injuries.
Safe Travels for Cyclists Means Honoring the Rules of the Road
The small details matter when it comes to avoiding cycling injuries. Bike crashes directly lead to cycling injuries. While not every bicycle crash is preventable, many are. Understanding how to honor yourself and those travelling around you on the streets of Philadelphia means maximizing your chances at avoiding a bike crash.
Out for an evening or night-time ride? Be sure to check that your bicycle has proper reflectors. Multi-colored reflectors on pedals, underneath the seat and in front of the handlebars are standard on many bicycles sold.
Did you know that bicycle brakes must be able to stop your bike within fifteen feet while travelling fifteen miles per hour? Inspect your bike prior to riding to ensure that your brakes appear ready to stop you from suffering a major bicycle crash.
Going against traffic on area roads is not advisable. Instead, determine the direction traffic is flowing and then ride with the traffic. Careful when attempting to ride your bicycle on Philadelphia sidewalks. Typically, highway and sidewalk travel by bicycle is prohibited in and around Philadelphia.
Recent Bike Accident Case Result – Six Figure Settlement
Mr. Gagliano recently recovered a large six-figure settlement for a cyclist who was struck by a car that made an improper lane change into the bike lane of the roadway. As a result of the car striking the bicycle, the cyclist suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures requiring multiple surgeries. Following the crash, the insurance company for the negligent motorist blamed the cyclist and denied the claim. Mr. Gagliano was able to investigate and find surveillance footage that captured the crash. The case settled for 6 figures shortly thereafter.
Decide to Protect Your Rights After a Bicycle Crash
Bike accident lawyers help injured cyclists protect their rights after suffering an injury while cycling. The statute of limitations on filing a lawsuit after suffering a bicycle crash injury is two years. This means that you need to act swiftly to preserve an opportunity to collect damages.
A personal injury attorney helps clients at all stages of a bicycle accident case. For instance, initiating a claim and then providing your information to a claims adjuster can adversely impact your case. Instead, consider working with an experienced Philadelphia bicycle accident attorney.
Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. advocates for clients injured in bicycle crashes. Our team of legal professionals understands that at-fault drivers and their insurance companies do not always agree to accept responsibility for their mistakes. Imagine suffering a significant injury in a bike crash. With medical bills, pain, lost wages and family life consequences, a bicycle crash can turn your life upside down.
Fortunately, help is just a phone call away. Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. knows the law and can apply it favorably after you are injured in a bicycle crash.
Our Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Attorney Team Pursues Justice
Were you recently in a catastrophic accident? It is advantageous to speak to a lawyer about your injuries and financial losses. The Philadelphia bicycle accident attorney team at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. fight on the behalf of injured plaintiffs, and we can protect your rights. Complete our online form or call us at 267-861-7100 for a free consultation today. Based in Philadelphia, we proudly serve clients throughout Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Norristown.