Pottsville Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Lacking the protection of an enclosed vehicle, bicyclists are vulnerable to severe injuries, as well as lost income, exorbitant medical expenses, and pain and suffering. These damages can take a toll on your relationships and emotional well-being, making it difficult for you to move forward following a bicycle accident.
At Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C., we understand the impact that a bicycle accident can have on your life. Our Pottsville bicycle accident attorneys will work tirelessly to reclaim both your financial and emotional losses. We provide aggressive representation to our clients when they need it most.
Pennsylvania Bicycle Laws
Pennsylvania Vehicle Code grants pedal cyclists the same rights as motor vehicle operators. Regarding the roadway:
- A bicyclist may ride on the shoulder of a road in the same direction as motor vehicle drivers
- On a multi-lane road, a bicyclist should ride in the right-most travel lane
- If a roadway has no center line, a bicyclist may ride anywhere on the right side of the roadway
- Bicyclists are prohibited from riding more than two abreast (side-by-side) except on paths or roadways that are exclusive to pedal cyclists
- When riding at night, pedal cyclists should have a headlamp on the front of their bicycle, which is visible at least 500 feet to the front, and a rear red reflector, which is visible 500 feet behind them
Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim in Pennsylvania
To file a bicycle accident claim, you will need to provide documentation of your losses. Any evidence will help you recover compensation.
The following evidence can help in supporting your claim:
Photographs and/or Videos of the Accident Scene
Any visual depiction of the accident scene can help to fill in missing information on what took place. Although it is unlikely that someone took a video of the accident itself, any photographs of vehicle wreckage, your injuries, and identifying landmarks can be key when filing your claim.
Medical Claims
You should save a copy of any claims that your medical provider submitted to your health insurance company. These claims include billing codes that detail the care and treatment you received and the dates you received treatment. Besides procedural codes, the treating physician will also need to include diagnosis codes. Diagnosis codes can indicate the severity of your condition, giving more value to your bicycle accident claim.
Eyewitness Testimony
If a witness saw the accident occur, you will want to get the person’s name and telephone number in the event that you need to call this person later to testify. An impartial third party can describe details of the accident that would otherwise be missed. An eyewitness may give insight into any accident details, such as if the vehicle operator swerved to avoid hitting you, screeching tires, and how busy the street was at the time.
Speak with Our Pottsville Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today
Riding a bicycle should be a pleasant experience. Unfortunately, another person’s lapse in judgment can instantly turn what should be a gratifying experience into a nightmare.
Our Pottsville bicycle accident attorneys hold a reputation as the region’s leading personal injury lawyers and are ready to assist you. Contact Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C. today to schedule your free consultation. If your injuries prevent you from traveling, we will come to you.