Bicycle Accident Lawyer in West Chester, PA
Your Trusted Advocates After a Bicycle Accident
Bicycling is an excellent way to stay fit, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy the beautiful landscape of West Chester, PA. Unfortunately, even the most cautious cyclists can be involved in accidents due to careless drivers, poorly maintained roads, or other hazards. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you might be facing medical bills, lost income, and physical and emotional pain.
Ciccarelli Law Offices understands the challenges victims endure after a bicycle accident. Led by the highly experienced attorney Lee Ciccarelli, our team is committed to helping victims secure justice and fair compensation. Below, we provide a step-by-step guide on what to do after an accident, explain your legal rights, and share how our firm can support you through this challenging time.
What to Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident
The moments following a bicycle accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps is crucial. These actions can preserve evidence, protect your health, and strengthen your legal claim.
1. Ensure Safety and Get Out of Danger
- Move to Safety: If you can, move yourself and your bicycle out of harm’s way, such as out of traffic or away from hazards.
- Call Emergency Services: Dial 911 to request police and medical assistance. Priority number one is ensuring that anyone injured receives prompt medical attention.
2. Document the Scene
Preserving evidence is essential for proving liability and securing compensation. Here’s what to collect at the scene if you’re physically able:
- Take Photos and Videos: Use your phone to record the accident scene, including your bicycle, any vehicles involved, road conditions, traffic signals, and visible injuries you’ve sustained.
- Identify Hazards: Document factors contributing to the accident, like a pothole, debris, or a distracted driver.
- Save Damaged Items: Keep your bicycle and gear in their post-accident condition as potential evidence.
3. Collect Witness Information
Eyewitness statements can strengthen your claim. Politely ask any bystanders for their names and contact information so they can provide details later.
4. Report the Accident
A police report is a valuable piece of documentation. Speak with the responding officers and provide a factual account of what happened. Ask how you can obtain a copy of the report for your records.
5. Seek Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s critical to see a doctor. Conditions like internal injuries or concussions may not show symptoms immediately. A medical professional can evaluate your injuries and create an official record connecting them to the accident.
6. Consult a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
The legal process for bicycle accident claims can be complex. Consulting with a skilled personal injury attorney ensures your rights are protected and positions you for financial recovery. Ciccarelli Law Offices has the expertise to guide you through every step.
Why You Need an Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicycle accidents often result in disputes about liability and the extent of damages. This is where the experience of a personal injury attorney becomes invaluable. Here’s why hiring Ciccarelli Law Offices is critical to your case.
Expertise in Managing Bicycle Accident Claims
Bicycle accident cases often involve a mix of vehicular negligence, dangerous road conditions, and reckless behavior. Ciccarelli Law Offices has extensive experience handling cases that involve:
- Distracted or impaired drivers.
- Drivers failing to yield or observe bike lanes.
- Unsafely opened car doors (dooring accidents).
- Poorly maintained roads or pathways.
Proving Liability
Illinois law requires that you demonstrate negligence led to your injuries. Ciccarelli Law Offices gathers compelling evidence to build a strong case, including:
- Witness testimonies.
- Surveillance or dashcam footage.
- Photographic evidence of the accident scene.
- Accident reconstruction experts’ reports.
Working with Insurance Companies
Without legal representation, insurance companies may offer you a low settlement or try to shift the blame for the accident onto you. We handle all communications, ensuring that your medical bills, lost earnings, and other damages are properly accounted for. Ciccarelli Law Offices fights to maximize your financial recovery.
Comprehensive Damages Recovery
Bicycle accident injuries can be severe and life-altering. Our goal is to obtain compensation that reflects all aspects of your suffering, including:
- Medical expenses (current and future).
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs.
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering for physical and emotional trauma.
- Property damage to your bicycle and gear.
Trial-Prepared Representation
While settlements are common, some cases require going to trial to secure justice. Ciccarelli Law Offices prepares every case as if it will go to court, ensuring you have a strong legal advocate at every stage.
Understanding Bicycle Accident Laws in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s Comparative Negligence Rules
Pennsylvania law follows a modified comparative negligence rule, allowing victims to recover compensation even if they’re partially at fault—as long as they are not more than 50% responsible. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance:
- If you are found 20% at fault and awarded $100,000, your compensation will be reduced to $80,000.
Our attorneys work tirelessly to counter undeserved claims of comparative negligence and protect your interests.
Statute of Limitations
Pennsylvania imposes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including bicycle accidents. This means you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long could jeopardize your chance to recover compensation.
Bicycle Safety and Traffic Laws
Under Pennsylvania law, bicycles are considered vehicles and must obey the same traffic laws as motor vehicles. Similarly, drivers must respect cyclists’ rights to share the road.
How Ciccarelli Law Offices Can Help
Choosing the right legal team after a bicycle accident can make all the difference in your recovery. Here’s what sets Ciccarelli Law Offices apart.
Proven Results
Led by Lee Ciccarelli, our firm has achieved significant settlements and verdicts for injury victims across Pennsylvania. We have the skills and resources to fight against large insurance companies and secure the justice our clients deserve.
Personalized Attention
We understand that every case is unique. That’s why we take a personalized approach, addressing your specific needs and goals. From the moment you contact us, our team will work tirelessly to make you feel supported and valued.
Client-Focused Service
Our contingency-based fee structure ensures there are no upfront costs—you only pay if we secure compensation for you.
Dedicated Advocates
We’re not just lawyers; we’re compassionate advocates who stand by your side through every step of the legal process, from gathering evidence to negotiating settlements or going to trial.
Local Expertise
With deep roots in West Chester, PA, Ciccarelli Law Offices understands the specific challenges and legal landscape of the area, providing you with distinct advantages in your case.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
A bicycle accident can thrust your life into chaos, but you don’t have to face it alone. Fight for the compensation and justice you deserve with Ciccarelli Law Offices. Our experienced attorneys are ready to guide you through this turbulent time with compassion and expertise.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Your path to justice begins here.