Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents Lawyers 

Allegheny attorneys fight for compensation of injured cyclists and walkers

Motor vehicle collisions involving pedestrians and bicycle riders can inflict devastating injuries. These individuals have no protection from trauma if they are hit by car and/or thrown to the ground. If you’ve been hurt in such an accident in Western Pennsylvania, a skilled and experienced attorney at Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC in Pittsburgh can pursue the maximum compensation possible for your losses.

Common causes of pedestrian and bicycle accidents

Whether you’re riding a bicycle alongside traffic or attempting to cross the street on foot, you are facing imminent danger from negligent motorists. Poor driving habits that endanger cyclists and pedestrians include:

• Distracted driving — Drivers who are texting, using GPS or otherwise not paying attention can easily fail to notice a pedestrian or cyclist.
• Speeding — Traveling at high speeds reduces a driver’s reaction time and can increase the severity of collisions.
• Failure to yield — Drivers sometimes fail to honor pedestrians’ and cyclists’ right of way at intersections and marked crossings.
• Failure to obey a traffic signal or stop sign — Distracted motorists can easily miss signals to stop or slow.
• Driving under the influence — Impaired drivers pose a serious threat to everyone on the road, including walkers and cyclists.
• Poor visibility or weather conditions — Rain, snow and low light can make it harder for a driver to see pedestrians and cyclists, particularly if they are not wearing reflective gear.

For cyclists, there are additional dangers, such as motorists driving too closely or crossing over a bike lane to make a right turn.

Cyclists are also more vulnerable to road hazards, although a pedestrian can suffer a significant injury stepping unawares into a pothole. Both cyclists and pedestrians are at risk due to poor infrastructure, such as poor signage and badly designed intersections. For example, badly timed signals often don’t give elderly or physically challenged pedestrians enough time to cross. 

Common injuries in bicycle and pedestrian accidents

Pedestrians and cyclists have no protection during a collision with an automobile. They can sustain severe injuries such as:

• Head and brain injuries — TBI, concussions, and skull fractures are unfortunately common.
• Broken bones — Arms, legs, ribs and hips are often fractured in these accidents.
• Spinal cord injuries — Back and spine injuries can lead to long-term disability, including paralysis.
• Lacerations and contusions — Deep cuts and bruises are typical, especially when the victim is thrown to the ground or into another object.
• Internal injuries — These are especially dangerous because symptoms may not be immediately apparent.
• Fatality — It only takes a moderate-speed collision to cause wrongful death, especially of a child or an elderly individual.

Prompt medical attention is essential, both for your health and to support your legal claim.

Damages available for pedestrian and bicycle accident injuries

If you were hit by a motor vehicle while cycling or walking, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. Recoverable damages can include:

• Medical expenses — This includes both current and future medical costs, from hospital stays to physical therapy.
• Lost wages — If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be compensated for lost income and diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering — Physical pain, emotional distress and reduced quality of life are all compensable.
• Property damage — For cyclists, this can mean repair or replacement of a damaged bicycle.
• Punitive damages — In rare cases involving egregious negligence or reckless behavior, exemplary damages may be imposed as a penalty on the defendant.

Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your accident and work zealously to recover the maximum compensation possible.

Contact a diligent Pittsburgh injury lawyer for a free accident consultation 

Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC pursues compensation for pedestrians and cyclists injured in traffic collisions in Allegheny County and throughout Western Pennsylvania. Please call 1.800.GET.PHIL or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.