Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Riding a bike has many benefits, ranging from health benefits to the green impact associated with removing a car from the roadways and creating less pollution. However, it does not come without its risks. While there are less bicycle accidents than there are auto accidents, there is always the risk of a traffic incident when transportation is involved.

However, a bike accident comes with different nuances than those associated with a typical car accident. One of the most difficult jobs a bicycle accident victim faces is proving fault. Due to some poor societal views of bike riders as second-class sharers of the road, proving fault over prejudice may become a real and eminent concern.

Tips to Help With Claims

Preparation is always key when it comes to successfully completing any task or confronting any issue. This is especially true when it comes to filing a claim after a bicycle accident. The following tips are important to keep in mind if you have been involved in a bicycle incident:

Training. If you have completed a safety course, let the insurer or your bicycle accident lawyer know as soon as you make your claim. If you have not yet completed a safety course, it can help not only a potential claim, but also help bikers ride safer.
Regularity. Seasoned bikers who commute daily will be taken more seriously when they make a claim, as negligence or lack of knowledge is less likely.
Familiarity with the area and roads. The defendant may try to argue that you did not know the roads or area very well and pin some of the fault on you. Acknowledging from the start how often you are in the area will help dissolve some of their argument before they make it.
How long you have been riding. Being a seasoned biker in general can help a claim, even when you are not too familiar with the area. It is less likely to be the fault of a bicyclist who commutes to work daily than someone who only sometimes rides.
Type of bike riding. If the bike accident occurred in a city street where you are used to riding as opposed to country riding, it can influence the outcome of your claim. The time of day and weather can also impact the outcome, as riding in rush hour when you regularly ride at that time or if it was raining and you regularly ride through wet weather, can prove you had the proper experience to handle the road.
Two and Four-wheel driving record. Both types of driving records can help your case. If you are aware of both bike and car traffic laws and do not have prior accidents or other traffic violations, the defendant will not have a good case against you in terms of inexperience or negligence.
Protective clothing. If you were wearing protective clothing either against the elements, or reflective clothing to your visibility to drivers, it is important to report your preventative actions immediately. This shows that you were not negligent and were instead prudent and cautious while riding. Having worn a helmet is also helpful, even if you did not suffer a head injury, as it further supports the image of you as a responsible bike rider.

Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Attorneys at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C., Help Bike Accident Victims Present Their Case With Prudence and Knowledge

Presenting a personal injury case when you have been injured to no fault of your own while riding a bike can be an unnecessarily difficult process. Allow our team of bicycle accident attorneys help create a logical and extensive legal strategy for your case. Call us at 215-569-9100 or contact us online today for a free, no obligation consultation regarding your bike accident.