Bicycle Accidents in Philadelphia: By the Numbers

After a serious string of major bicycle accidents across Philadelphia just a few weeks ago, it’s worth understanding how a bicycle accident can impact a victim’s life. A hit and run driver recently struck a Philly cyclist and a deadly crash between a cyclist and a bus are an unfortunate reminder of just how severe these accidents can be. 

It’s important to remember that the number of individuals killed on bikes is extremely high. For example, in the year 2014, there were 551 bike crashes in Philadelphia alone.

For individuals killed as a result of bike crashes in Philadelphia between 1997 and 2014, approximately 45 individuals have paid the ultimate price after an accident. Thousands of nonfatal crashes were also a major problem throughout every year.

Good weather brings more individuals riding their bikes on the streets of Philadelphia and it is important for drivers and cyclists to be aware of the challenges involved with riding your bike. It’s expected that some red light cameras and new intersection designs could help to eliminate some of the challenges associated with cyclist crashes.

When Negligence is an Issue with Bicycle Accidents

If someone else is at fault for the injuries you sustained in a Philadelphia bike accident, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim. Reckless or distracted driving behavior, for example, may lead to severe injuries that impact your ability to earn a living or enjoy your life. If this has happened to you, one of the most important things you can do post-accident is to reach out to a Philadelphia accident attorney.

One of the most common times for a bicycle accident to happen is when a bicycle rider is turning one way or the other and the vehicle does not see him or her. Some cyclists are arguing for more protected lanes throughout the city, stating that vehicles regularly swerve into these lanes with very little care. Individuals thrown from a bicycle after being involved in a serious accident are likely to sustain major injuries that can impact them for many years to come.

Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents

Some of the most common injuries associated with a bicycle accident include:

• Broken bones
• Fractures
• Lacerations
• Burns and scars
• Organ damage
• Head, neck, and shoulder pain

Any of these accidents can come with expensive medical bills and long recovery periods, too. It’s in your best interests not to hesitate if you have recently been injured in an accident. You have a limited period in which you can file a Philadelphia bicycle accident claim, and you need an attorney who you can trust.

If you have recently been injured in a bicycle accident in Philadelphia, it is in your best interest to get medical attention as soon as possible and to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.