Exton Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicyclists are vulnerable to serious injuries when reckless drivers fail to share the road. If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, our Exton bicycle accident lawyer is ready to fight for your rights. Kingbird Legal is committed to getting you the compensation you deserve. Call 484-289-4880 for a free case review today.

How Dedicated Bike Lanes Help Reduce Bicycle Accidents in Pennsylvania

Bicycling is a great way to commute, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors. However, sharing the road with motor vehicles can be dangerous when there are no clear spaces for cyclists. Bike lanes provide a designated area for riders, helping to prevent accidents and improve safety for everyone.

In Pennsylvania, many cities have added more bike lanes to their streets, but there is still room for improvement. Understanding how these lanes reduce accidents and what to do if you are injured in a bicycle crash can help you protect your rights.

How Bike Lanes Improve Safety for Cyclists

A designated bike lane creates a physical or visual separation between cyclists and motor vehicles. This reduces the chances of collisions in several ways.

More visibility for riders – A clearly marked lane makes it easier for drivers to see cyclists. Without one, bicycles are often forced to ride in vehicle lanes, increasing the risk of being overlooked.
Less risk of dooring accidents – When cyclists ride too close to parked cars, they may be struck by a driver opening a door. Bike lanes provide a buffer zone that helps prevent these incidents.
Fewer sudden lane changes – Without a bike lane, riders often weave in and out of traffic to avoid obstacles. Dedicated spaces allow them to maintain a more predictable path, reducing the risk of being hit.
Encourages safer driving habits – When bike lanes are present, drivers are more likely to be aware of cyclists and give them the space they need.

While bike lanes improve safety, they are not a guarantee against accidents. Drivers still have a responsibility to watch for cyclists, and riders must follow traffic laws to reduce their own risk.

The Most Common Bicycle Accidents in Shared Roadways

Even with bike lanes, accidents still happen. Understanding the most common types of collisions can help cyclists stay alert and take precautions.

Right-turn crashes – A driver turning right at an intersection may not notice a cyclist traveling straight in a bike lane.
Left-turn collisions – A motorist making a left turn may misjudge a bicyclist’s speed and turn directly in front of them.
Sideswipes – If a vehicle drifts into a bike lane or a driver fails to give enough space, a rider can be forced off the road.
Rear-end impacts – A distracted or speeding driver may not stop in time and hit a cyclist from behind.

Bike lanes reduce these risks, but they do not eliminate them. Cyclists must always be aware of their surroundings and assume that drivers may not see them.

What to Do If You Are Injured in a Bicycle Accident

Even if you follow all traffic laws and use designated bike lanes, an accident can still occur due to a careless driver. If you are injured while riding, taking the right steps can help protect your rights and strengthen any potential injury claim.

Seek medical attention immediately – Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not be obvious at first. Seeing a doctor ensures your injuries are properly treated and documented.
Call the police – A police report can serve as important evidence in your claim. Make sure to get a copy when it becomes available.
Gather evidence at the scene – If you are able, take photos of the accident location, your bike, the vehicle involved, and any injuries you sustained.
Get contact information – Collect the driver’s details, including name, phone number, and insurance information. If there were witnesses, ask for their contact information as well.
Do not discuss fault – Avoid making statements about who was responsible, especially to the driver’s insurance company. Anything you say could be used to minimize your claim.
Speak with a personal injury lawyer – A lawyer can help determine the full value of your claim and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

How Pennsylvania’s Laws Affect Bicycle Accident Claims

Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that fault in an accident is divided between the involved parties. If a cyclist is found partially responsible for a crash, their compensation may be reduced. For example, if a rider was not following traffic signals or riding against the flow of traffic, the insurance company may argue that they contributed to the accident.

However, cyclists still have legal rights. If a driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to yield, they may be held responsible for the crash. An attorney can help gather evidence to prove negligence and fight for fair compensation.

Why More Bike Lanes Are Needed

While some cities in Pennsylvania have expanded their bike lane networks, many areas still lack safe infrastructure for cyclists. When roads are not designed with riders in mind, accidents are more likely to happen.

More dedicated bike lanes would help:

Reduce crashes by giving cyclists their own space
Encourage more people to bike as a safe transportation option
Ease traffic congestion by making biking a viable alternative to driving

Advocacy groups continue to push for better cycling infrastructure across the state. Riders can also help by reporting dangerous road conditions and supporting local efforts to expand bike lanes. Whether bike lanes are present or not, every rider has the right to a safe journey on Pennsylvania’s roads.

Choose a Trusted Exton Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bike lanes play a crucial role in preventing bicycle accidents by giving cyclists a safer place to ride. While they reduce risks, they do not eliminate them entirely. Motorists must remain alert, and cyclists should always take precautions when riding in traffic.

If you are injured in a bicycle accident, knowing your legal rights can make a difference in your recovery. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been struck by a negligent driver, Kingbird Legal is ready to help. We understand the challenges injured cyclists face and are dedicated to securing the compensation you need for your recovery. Contact us at 484-289-4880 for a free consultation.