Bicycle Accidents in Pennsylvania Are More Common Than You Think
Each year in Pennsylvania, hundreds of bicyclists are injured in traffic crashes—many of them through no fault of their own. Whether it’s a distracted driver, an unsafe road condition, or a door opened into a bike lane, the consequences of a bicycle accident injury can be serious and long-lasting.
According to PennDOT’s most recent data, bicycle-related crashes account for a small percentage of overall accidents, but they tend to result in a disproportionately high rate of serious injuries and fatalities. In 2023 alone, over 800 bicycle crashes were reported across the state, with dozens resulting in catastrophic injuries or death.
If you’ve been hit while riding your bike in Pennsylvania, you may be wondering whether you have grounds for a bicycle accident lawsuit—and how to move forward.
What to Know About Bicycle Accident Laws in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law gives bicyclists many of the same rights—and responsibilities—as drivers of motor vehicles. That includes the right to ride on most roads and the expectation that motorists will treat bicycles as legitimate vehicles.
Some key PA bike laws that often come into play after a bicycle crash include:
- Four-foot passing law: Drivers must give bicyclists at least four feet of clearance when passing
- Right of way: Drivers must yield to cyclists in designated bike lanes or at intersections
- Dooring violations: It’s illegal to open a car door into traffic without first checking for bikes
When drivers break these rules and cause a bicycle accident injury, they can be held legally responsible—especially if the cyclist suffered medical harm, financial loss, or emotional trauma as a result.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accident Injuries in PA
Every accident is different, but some scenarios tend to show up more frequently in Pennsylvania bike crash cases:
- Distracted or aggressive driving
- Failure to yield at intersections
- Unsafe lane changes or turns
- Opening a car door into a cyclist’s path (dooring)
- Poor road maintenance or debris in bike lanes
- Negligent commercial drivers, including delivery vehicles or rideshares
If your crash happened under any of these circumstances, you may have a strong foundation for a bicycle accident lawsuit in Pennsylvania.
How Fault Is Determined in a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit
To bring a successful bicycle accident injury claim, you’ll need to show that someone else was at fault—and that their actions directly led to your injuries.
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means:
- You can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault—as long as you were less than 51% responsible
- Your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of fault
For example, if a court finds you were 20% responsible for the crash (e.g., for not using proper lighting at night) and awards $100,000 in damages, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.
Determining fault isn’t always straightforward. Police reports, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and expert reconstruction may all be used to build a case. That’s where an experienced bicycle accident lawyer can make a major difference.
What Can You Recover in a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
If someone else’s negligence caused your bicycle accident injury, you may be eligible for compensation that covers both financial and non-financial losses, including:
- Medical expenses—hospital bills, rehab, follow-up care
- Lost wages—if you missed work or lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering—for physical pain or emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life—if your injury affects daily living or hobbies
- Property damage—bike repair or replacement costs
In rare cases, punitive damages may also be awarded—particularly if the driver’s actions were reckless, such as DUI or road rage.
Do I Need a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Pennsylvania?
You’re not required to hire an attorney to file a claim, but going it alone can be risky. Insurance companies often move quickly to settle for the lowest possible amount—especially if they sense the injured party doesn’t fully understand their rights.
A skilled bicycle accident attorney in Pennsylvania can help:
- Investigate the cause of the accident
- Gather and preserve key evidence
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- File a lawsuit if necessary to pursue fair compensation
The sooner you consult with a bicycle accident lawyer, the more options you’ll have—and the better chance you’ll have at a successful outcome.
How Long Do You Have to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, Pennsylvania gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations.
There are some exceptions—such as claims involving minors or government entities—but missing this deadline could mean giving up your right to seek any compensation at all.
To avoid running out of time, it’s best to speak with a bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible after your crash.
What If the Driver Who Hit You Didn’t Have Insurance?
Uninsured or underinsured drivers are unfortunately common in Pennsylvania. If you were hit by someone who lacks adequate coverage, your own auto insurance policy may provide a safety net—if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
UM/UIM claims can be complex, especially if your insurer tries to deny or delay payment. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help you explore all available coverage options and fight for the compensation you’re owed.
Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Pennsylvania, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we help injured cyclists understand their rights, hold negligent drivers accountable, and recover the compensation they deserve.
Our team has the experience, resources, and dedication to take on tough cases—and we treat every client like a person, not a case number. Whether you’re navigating medical bills, dealing with lost income, or unsure where to start, we’re here to help.
Call Brandon J. Broderick today for a free consultation with a trusted bicycle accident lawyer in Pennsylvania.