Bicycle Accident Attorney in Palmerton, PA

Bicyclists have the same rights to the road as drivers, but too often, they are left vulnerable to severe injuries when collisions occur. When a motorist's negligence leads to a crash, the injured bicyclist faces a long road to recovery. 

The impact of a bicycle accident extends far beyond the initial injuries. Victims often experience significant medical expenses, time away from work, and long-term physical limitations. Holding the responsible party accountable is critical for securing compensation for medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

Our Palmerton bicycle accident attorney can help victims pursue fair compensation while focusing on their recovery. At the Law Office of Shabbick & Stehle, we're here to help you through the process, whether you’re in Bethlehem or Palmerton, Pennsylvania, or a nearby area. Call us today to set up a free case evaluation.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Many bicycle accidents are preventable, but driver negligence remains a leading factor. When a motorist fails to follow traffic laws or ignores the presence of cyclists, the consequences can be severe. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• Drivers failing to yield to bicyclists at intersections: Many crashes occur when drivers turn left or right without checking for cyclists. This often happens at intersections, crosswalks, and driveways.

• Distracted driving, including texting while driving: The rise in smartphone usage has led to more drivers taking their eyes off the road, making it more likely that they miss cyclists in their path.

• Opening car doors into a cyclist’s path (dooring): When a driver or passenger opens their car door without checking for approaching cyclists, serious collisions can occur.

• Speeding or reckless driving: A vehicle traveling at high speed has less time to react to cyclists and increases the severity of an accident.

• Drunk or impaired driving: Alcohol and drug impairment reduces reaction time and decision-making, putting bicyclists in significant danger.

• Failure to check blind spots before merging or turning: Many motorists fail to see cyclists before changing lanes or making a turn, leading to collisions that could have been avoided.

• Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, and poorly maintained roadways can create hazardous conditions for cyclists, sometimes leading to accidents that involve municipal liability claims.

• Aggressive driving and road rage: Some drivers fail to share the road, engaging in reckless behaviors such as tailgating, honking aggressively, or cutting off cyclists.

Understanding the cause of the accident is essential in building a strong case. The Law Office of Shabbick & Stehle conducts thorough investigations to determine liability and hold negligent parties accountable. With years of experience, we know what injuries can arise from a bike accident.

Injuries Resulting from Bicycle Accidents

Because bicyclists have little protection against motor vehicles, injuries are often severe. A bicycle accident attorney in Pennsylvania assists victims suffering from a wide range of injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, a forceful impact can lead to concussions or severe brain injuries, which may require long-term rehabilitation.

• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine can lead to partial or total paralysis, changing the course of a victim’s life permanently.

• Broken bones and fractures: The force of impact can cause severe fractures, sometimes requiring surgeries and extensive recovery time.

• Internal injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding are serious concerns after a bicycle accident, often requiring emergency medical care.

• Road rash and lacerations: When a cyclist is thrown from their bike and skids across pavement, it can lead to painful abrasions that may require skin grafts.

• Soft tissue injuries: Muscle strains, ligament tears, and nerve damage can result from direct impact or unnatural body movements during a collision.

• Psychological trauma:  Many bicycle accident victims experience emotional distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

The recovery process can be lengthy and expensive, requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and in some cases, long-term care. Legal representation helps injured cyclists secure compensation to cover these costs and establish liability in the case.

Establishing Liability in Bicycle Accidents

Proving fault in a bicycle accident requires strong evidence and legal knowledge. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that a victim can recover damages if found to be less than 51% at fault. A bicycle accident attorney in Pennsylvania gathers crucial evidence, such as:

• Police reports and traffic citations: These documents provide an official record of the accident and any violations that occurred.

• Eyewitness statements: Testimonies from bystanders or other drivers can help confirm what happened.

• Surveillance or dashcam footage: Video evidence can provide clear insight into how the crash unfolded.

• Accident reconstruction analysis: Experts can assess skid marks, vehicle damage, and other factors to determine how the accident occurred.

• Medical records documenting the extent of injuries: Detailed documentation of injuries helps support claims for compensation.

• Driver history and background checks: In cases of repeat offenders, a history of reckless driving can support claims of negligence.

By establishing liability, the Law Office of Shabbick & Stehle helps clients pursue the compensation they deserve.

Compensation Available for Bicycle Accident Victims

Financial recovery after a bicycle accident depends on the severity of injuries and the circumstances surrounding the crash. Victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care

• Lost wages from time off work and loss of future earning capacity due to permanent injuries

• Pain and suffering, which accounts for both physical pain and emotional distress

• Property damage, covering bicycle repairs or replacement

• Punitive damages in cases where reckless behavior contributed to the crash

Insurance companies often try to minimize settlements, making it crucial for victims to have legal representation that protects their rights. The Law Office of Shabbick & Stehle negotiates aggressively to seek fair compensation for its clients. While compensation is important, the moments following the accident are some of the most critical.

Steps to Take If You Are Injured in a Bicycle Accident

Taking immediate action after a bicycle accident can help protect your legal rights and strengthen your claim. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, consider the following steps:

• Seek medical attention immediately: Even if injuries seem minor, they may worsen over time. Some conditions, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.

• Call the police and file a report: A formal accident report will document details and establish liability. This can be a crucial piece of evidence when filing a claim.

• Gather evidence at the scene: Take photos of the accident, vehicle damage, traffic signals, and any visible injuries to create a detailed record of the incident.

• Obtain witness information: Collect names and contact details of those who saw the accident occur. Witness statements can help corroborate your version of events.

• Avoid discussing the accident with insurance companies: Speak with an attorney before providing statements to insurers to prevent misunderstandings or undervalued claims.

In addition to taking all of the steps here, it’s important to understand just how medical documentation can help you strengthen your case.

The Role of Medical Documentation in Bicycle Accident Claims

Medical records play a crucial role in proving the extent of injuries and justifying compensation. Proper documentation can strengthen a case by:

• Confirming the severity of injuries: Detailed medical records illustrate how the accident impacted the victim’s health, including immediate and long-term effects.

• Establishing a direct link between the accident and injuries: Medical reports support claims that injuries resulted from the crash rather than pre-existing conditions.

• Demonstrating the need for ongoing treatment: Records from doctors and specialists highlight the necessity of continued care, rehabilitation, or even surgical interventions.

• Calculating financial losses: Documentation of medical bills, therapy costs, and future care expenses helps determine fair compensation for both past and anticipated treatment.

Once you’re familiar with how to move forward after an accident, learning about factors such as disability and insurance companies is vital to getting the right outcome in your case.

Seeking Compensation for Long-Term Disability

Severe bicycle accidents can result in long-term or permanent disabilities, drastically affecting a victim's quality of life. When injuries prevent an individual from returning to work or performing daily tasks, legal action may be necessary to secure compensation for future medical needs and loss of income.

A bicycle accident attorney in Pennsylvania works with medical professionals to document the extent of a disability and demonstrate the ongoing financial impact. Victims may also require assistive devices, home modifications, and specialized care, all of which should be factored into the compensation claim.

How Insurance Companies Handle Bicycle Accident Claims

Insurance companies often attempt to reduce payouts for bicycle accident claims. Adjusters may downplay injuries, dispute liability, or offer settlements that fail to cover all expenses. Having a lawyer negotiate on behalf of the victim can significantly improve the chances of obtaining full compensation. 

The Law Office of Shabbick & Stehle is familiar with the tactics insurers use and works to counter unfair settlement offers. Legal counsel can help document medical expenses, lost wages, and future care needs, ensuring that victims receive fair compensation rather than accepting an undervalued settlement.

Bicycle Safety Laws in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has laws designed to protect bicyclists, but not all drivers adhere to these regulations. The state requires motorists to provide at least four feet of clearance when passing a cyclist and prohibits aggressive actions that could endanger those on bikes. 

Understanding these laws can strengthen a legal claim by proving a driver violated specific safety requirements. A bicycle accident attorney in Pennsylvania evaluates whether the at-fault driver failed to follow state regulations, contributing to the crash. 

Cyclists also have legal responsibilities, such as obeying traffic signals and using proper lighting at night, which can impact liability assessments in a legal case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accident Claims

1. What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident? Seek medical attention, report the accident to the police, document the scene, gather witness information, and contact a lawyer.

2. Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault? Yes, Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule allows recovery if you are less than 51% at fault.

3. How long do I have to file a claim for a bicycle accident in Pennsylvania? The statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident.

4. What damages can I recover after a bicycle accident? Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

5. Do I need a lawyer for a bicycle accident claim? Having legal representation can help maximize compensation and protect your rights when dealing with insurance companies.

6. Will my case go to trial? Many cases settle out of court, but if a fair settlement cannot be reached, litigation may be necessary.

7. What if the driver who hit me was uninsured? You may still recover damages through your own insurance policy if you have uninsured motorist coverage.

8. Can I sue a government entity if poor road conditions caused my accident? Yes, but claims against government entities have special requirements and shorter deadlines.

9. How much does it cost to hire a bicycle accident attorney in Pennsylvania? Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win.

10. How long does it take to resolve a bicycle accident claim? The timeline varies depending on the severity of injuries, complexity of the case, and willingness of the insurance company to settle.

Recovering from a bicycle accident is never easy, but legal representation can help ease the burden. The Law Office of Shabbick & Stehle represents victims in Bethlehem, Palmerton, Lehigh County, Northampton County, and Carbon County, providing legal support throughout the claims process.