You’re riding through Scranton near Nay Aug Park, downtown intersections, or along a busy roadway when a driver suddenly turns into your path or passes too closely. Unlike motorists inside cars and trucks, bicyclists have little protection during a collision. Even at lower speeds, a bicycle accident can lead to devastating injuries and months of recovery.
In many cases, the at-fault driver claims they “never saw the cyclist” or tries to shift the blame onto the rider. If you’ve been hurt in a bike crash, you need a dedicated legal team that will fight for your rights.
At The Slocum Firm, our Scranton bicycle accident lawyers help injured cyclists pursue compensation after serious crashes throughout Lackawanna County and across Pennsylvania. We know that bicycle accident victims are often left dealing with painful injuries, expensive medical treatment, time away from work, and difficult insurance questions.
Whether your accident occurred on a city street, near the University of Scranton, or on a rural roadway, our attorneys can help you understand your rights and the legal options available to you.
Call (570) 209-7376 to speak directly with our bicycle accident attorneys. We are available 24/7, and you will never pay legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Why You Should Choose The Slocum Firm for Your Bicycle Accident Claim
Injured cyclists often face an uphill battle after a crash. Drivers may claim they didn’t see the bicycle, insurance companies may try to shift the blame, and serious injuries can create months of financial uncertainty.
At The Slocum Firm, our attorneys focus on building detailed, evidence-driven cases that clearly explain how the collision happened and how the injuries have affected our clients’ lives.
When you partner with our firm, you receive:
- A proven track record of recovering compensation for seriously injured Pennsylvanians
- Extensive experience handling complex vehicle accident and injury claims
- Direct communication with attorneys throughout your case
- Fast investigation and evidence preservation after serious crashes
- Representation with no upfront legal costs
- Availability 24/7 to answer questions and provide updates
We know that bicycle accident victims often face both physical recovery and financial uncertainty. Our goal is to help protect your future while holding negligent drivers accountable.
What Causes Most Bicycle Accidents in Scranton?
Most bicycle accidents occur because drivers fail to recognize or respect cyclists on the road. Some of the most common causes of bike crashes around the Scranton area include:
Drivers Failing to Yield
Many bicycle collisions occur at intersections when drivers turn left or right without checking for nearby cyclists.
Distracted Driving
Drivers using phones, navigation systems, or other distractions may fail to notice bicyclists until it is too late to avoid a collision.
Unsafe Passing
Pennsylvania law requires drivers to provide at least four feet of clearance when passing a bicycle. When drivers pass too closely, cyclists may be struck directly or forced off the roadway.
“Dooring” Accidents
These accidents happen when someone inside a parked vehicle opens a door directly into the path of an approaching cyclist.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of injuries during a collision.
Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, or poorly maintained roadways may also contribute to bicycle crashes.
Of course, this list is not exhaustive, and we can help resolve crashes that happen in many other ways. You can also learn more about Pennsylvania’s bicycle safety laws on the PennDOT website.
Where Do Bicycle Accidents Commonly Happen Around Scranton?
Bicycle accidents can happen almost anywhere cyclists are present. For the most recent bicycle accident statistics, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides bicycle safety and crash statistics on its Bicycle Safety page.
In Pennsylvania, certain roads and traffic patterns create increased risks for cyclists. Around the Scranton area, bicycle crashes often occur:
- At busy downtown intersections
- Along Mulberry Street and Route 6
- Near schools and university areas
- In commercial districts with heavy traffic
- Near parks and recreational routes
- On roads without designated bike lanes
Urban traffic congestion and limited bicycle infrastructure can make some areas especially dangerous for cyclists.
What Rights Do Cyclists Have Under Pennsylvania Law?
Many drivers mistakenly believe bicyclists have fewer rights than motor vehicles. In reality, according to Pennsylvania’s rules of the road, bicycles are generally treated as vehicles for traffic purposes.
| Pennsylvania Drivers Must… | Pennsylvania Cyclists May… |
| Give at least 4 feet when passing | Use most public roadways |
| Yield when turning across bike traffic | Occupy lanes when necessary for safety |
| Watch for cyclists before opening doors | Ride with traffic flow |
| Share the roadway safely | Leave bike lanes to avoid hazards |
| Avoid distracted or aggressive driving | Expect drivers to follow traffic laws |
Pennsylvania law treats bicycles as vehicles in many traffic situations, giving cyclists important legal protections on public roads.
What Injuries Are Common in Bicycle Accidents?
Because bicyclists have very little physical protection, even moderate-speed collisions can cause severe injuries. Our bicycle crash lawyers work with cyclists facing serious injuries, including:
Head and Brain Injuries
When a rider is thrown from their bike, they may strike their head on the vehicle that hit them, the ground, or a nearby solid object. Traumatic brain injuries may occur even when the cyclist is wearing a helmet.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
Serious back trauma injuries may lead to chronic pain, mobility limitations, or permanent disability, including partial or full paralysis.
Broken Bones
Fractures involving the arms, wrists, collarbone, ribs, hips, and legs are extremely common in bicycle crashes.
Road Rash and Soft Tissue Injuries
Sliding across pavement can cause serious skin injuries, intense pain, and scarring. Road rash can damage several layers of the accident victim’s skin and leave raw wounds that are highly susceptible to infection.
Internal Injuries
Blunt-force trauma during impact may damage internal organs and create life-threatening complications that are not readily apparent immediately after a crash.
It’s extremely important to seek medical attention soon after any bicycle accident for several reasons. First, you may be more injured than you think since adrenaline can mask pain and problems at the scene of the accident. Also, your doctor’s record can become strong evidence of the crash, when it occurred, and the injuries you suffered.
Do You Have a Bicycle Accident Case?
You may have a valid personal injury claim if another person’s negligence contributed to your bicycle accident and injuries. Many injured cyclists initially assume they cannot recover compensation because the driver claims they “came out of nowhere” or because there was confusion about who had the right of way.
You may have a viable legal claim if:
- A driver struck you while you were riding lawfully
- The driver failed to yield or passed unsafely
- Distracted or reckless driving contributed to the crash
- Poor road maintenance played a role
- You suffered injuries requiring medical treatment
- The accident caused financial or long-term personal losses
Even if you are unsure whether you were partly at fault, Pennsylvania law may still allow you to recover compensation. When you share your story with our team during a free consultation, we can explain the law, your rights, and whether you are eligible to bring an injury claim or civil lawsuit.
What Compensation Is Available After a Bicycle Accident?
Bicycle accidents often result in extensive medical costs and long-term physical limitations. A personal injury claim is designed to account for the full impact the accident has had on your life.
Our experienced bicycle accident injury lawyers can build a strong case to seek compensation for many types of legal damages, including.
Medical Expenses
Covered expenses may include emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, rehabilitation, medication, and future medical care related to the accident.
Lost Income and Reduced Earning Ability
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover compensation for lost wages and future earning limitations.
Pain and Suffering
Bicycle accident injuries often involve significant physical pain, emotional distress, and disruption to daily life. These damages may make up a large portion of your legal damages claim.
Long-Term Disability or Impairment
Serious crashes may lead to permanent mobility limitations, chronic pain, or lasting neurological issues that affect future quality of life.
What If the Driver Claims You Were at Fault?
Negligent drivers and their insurance companies frequently attempt to blame bicyclists for accidents. We push back against these common arguments that claim that the cyclist:
- Was difficult to see
- Failed to obey traffic laws
- Was outside the bike lane
- Changed position suddenly
However, if you are found partially responsible for the crash, Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence system. Under this rule, you may still recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% responsible for the accident. In other words, even if you share partial fault, you may still have a valid claim against the negligent driver.
Why a Prompt Bicycle Accident Investigation is So Important
Successful bicycle accident cases often depend on evidence that can disappear quickly after the collision. When you partner with our legal professionals quickly, we can jump into action to start building your case.
Our team will work to gather important evidence to support your claim, which may include:
- Traffic camera or surveillance footage
- Bicycle damage analysis
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Vehicle data or dash camera footage
- Accident reconstruction evidence
- Roadway and intersection conditions
You should preserve the damaged bicycle itself because it will likely become important evidence regarding the force and nature of the collision.
Can You Recover Compensation if the Negligent Driver Was Uninsured?
Possibly. Many bicycle accident victims may still have access to uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage through their own auto insurance policy or household insurance policies.
In these cases, insurance issues can become complicated, especially when multiple policies may apply. We can review all potential insurance policies to determine all available sources of coverage to pay your losses.
How the Team at The Slocum Firm Helps Bicycle Accident Victims
Bicycle accident cases often require extensive investigation and careful analysis of traffic laws, roadway conditions, and insurance coverage. Our dedicated attorneys help injured cyclists by:
- Investigating the collision thoroughly
- Gathering surveillance and witness evidence
- Reviewing police and accident reports
- Identifying all insurance coverage
- Calculating long-term medical and financial losses
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Preparing for litigation and trial, if necessary
Throughout the process, our attorneys are available to answer your questions, provide updates, and prepare you for each stage of your claim. We will be your support team for as long as it takes to reach a final resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accident Cases
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations gives injured individuals two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you will likely be barred from receiving compensation.
What if the driver fled the scene after the crash?
Hit and run bicycle accidents may still qualify for uninsured motorist coverage and other insurance protections. We can investigate all payment sources on your behalf.
Are drivers always at fault in bicycle accidents?
Not always, but drivers are often negligent when they fail to notice cyclists or follow traffic laws designed to protect them.
What if my child was injured while riding a bicycle?
Children injured in bicycle accidents have important legal rights, and special rules may affect filing deadlines and claims involving minors. Learn more during a free case review.
What if I was not riding in a marked bike lane when I was hit?
You may still have a valid claim. Pennsylvania law does not require bicyclists to remain exclusively in bike lanes under all circumstances.
Can I recover compensation if I was not wearing a helmet?
Possibly. In Pennsylvania, only riders under the age of 12 must wear a helmet. Lack of helmet use does not automatically prevent recovery in PA bicycle accident cases.
What if road conditions contributed to the crash?
Government entities or contractors may sometimes share responsibility if dangerous roadway conditions contributed to the accident. However, cases involving government defendants may have very short notice requirements. Learn more about these cases during a free consultation with our team.
Contact Our Scranton Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today
A bicycle accident can leave you dealing with painful injuries, expensive medical treatment, lost income, and uncertainty about your future. You should not have to face aggressive insurance companies and complicated legal proceedings on your own while trying to recover.
At The Slocum Firm, we help injured cyclists throughout Pennsylvania pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of their injuries and long-term recovery needs. Our skilled attorneys understand the unique challenges bicycle accident victims face and work to build strong, evidence-based claims designed to protect your future.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Scranton or anywhere in Pennsylvania, contact The Slocum Firm today for a free consultation. Call (570) 209-7376 today to speak directly with our Scranton bicycle accident lawyers.
We are available 24/7, and you will never pay legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
