January 28, 2026 | Local
Dozens of bicyclists are injured in crashes in Scranton every year. Many of these accidents can be avoided when communities, government officials, police officers, and bicycle advocates work together to improve road safety for bike riders.
Lawyers play a critical role in this process. They hold drivers responsible for bicycle accidents caused by negligent or aggressive driving. They can also assist those who regulate drivers, draft traffic policies, and enforce traffic laws to understand how their actions affect riders. Keep reading to learn more.
Lawyers as Advocates for Injured Cyclists
The primary role for lawyers is to advocate for their injured clients. Under Pennsylvania law, vehicle owners must have medical benefits coverage, bodily injury liability coverage, and property damage liability coverage. Bicyclists are not required to have insurance unless they also own a motor vehicle.
When a driver hits a bicyclist, the rider has the following options for seeking compensation:
- The medical benefits coverage under the bicyclist’s motor vehicle insurance policy
- The driver’s medical benefits coverage
- The driver’s bodily injury liability coverage, under certain circumstances
The lawyer’s role in bicycle safety is to hold negligent drivers liable for the injuries they cause.
As the injured cyclist’s advocate, a lawyer can help support them by:
- Investigating the accident scene and gathering evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and medical records, to strengthen the case
- Communicating and negotiating with insurance companies to ensure the cyclist receives fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Explaining complex legal concepts and proceedings to the client so they understand their rights and options
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit, if necessary, and representing the cyclist in court
In general, an attorney can help someone injured in a bike crash understand their legal rights and options and pursue the compensation they deserve.
Lawyers as Resources for Transportation Planners
Legal representation in individual cases can transform cyclists’ lives. However, it may not change the systemic problems that set the stage for bicycle accidents. Attorneys can use the knowledge gained through representing injured bicyclists to assist transportation planners in addressing these issues.
For example, both the City of Scranton and the Lackawanna County Planning Department prepare long-range transportation plans. These plans have two goals. First, they must facilitate transportation in the region. Examples of projects that meet this goal are new roads, widened roads, and new bicycle lanes.
Second, they must address safety concerns. The planners use tools such as high-injury network maps to identify crash hotspots. They target countermeasures in these locations to reduce crash risks. These projects might include pedestrian overpasses or multi-use paths to move pedestrians and cyclists away from busy roads.
This process almost always allows a period for public comment. For example, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Study conducted for the Lackawanna Luzerne MPO included public meetings and individual and group interviews. There were meetings with cyclists, advocacy groups, and city planning experts.
Lawyers are in a unique position because they know where bicycle accidents often happen and what the most common causes are. When they participate in the planning process, they can help make the streets safer for all cyclists by sharing their knowledge and experience with bicycle accidents with local planning leaders.
Advocating for Safer Streets in Scranton
Lawyers are often criticized for playing a role only after an accident has happened. However, this role is critical in holding negligent or aggressive drivers responsible for the harm they cause. Additionally, they can provide valuable guidance that prevents crashes by participating in meetings that plan infrastructure improvements to increase safety.
For more information, contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC to schedule a free consultation with our experienced personal injury attorneys. We proudly serve clients in Scranton, Kingston, Berwick, PA, and Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne Counties. We’re here to fight for your rights with trusted, experienced legal support. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Scranton
436 Spruce St Suite 100, Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 714-4878
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Kingston
183 Market St #200, Kingston, PA 18704
(570) 714-4878
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Berwick
120 W Front St, Berwick, PA 18603
(570) 714-4878