If you were hit by a car while riding your bike in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The experienced legal team at Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC is here to help you hold the at-fault party accountable when you call (570) 714-4878.
You only get one chance to recover fair compensation. Let us help you make it count. Call today to speak with a Honesdale bicycle accident lawyer. Your consultation is free, and you won’t pay us anything unless we win.
Why Choose Fellerman & Ciarimboli To Help Me After a Bicycle Accident in Honesdale?
Handling a bicycle accident claim on your own can be overwhelming. You may be in pain, out of work, and unsure where to begin. That’s where Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC comes in. We’re one of Pennsylvania’s most trusted personal injury firms, known for taking on powerful insurers and getting results for our clients.
Here’s why clients choose us when they need help:
- We’ve recovered more than $150 million for accident victims statewide, and we’ll fight for every dollar you’re owed.
- We bring over 100 years of combined experience to the table.
- When you hire us, you’re getting a team of trial-tested litigators with the skills and resources to build a winning case.
Our Honesdale personal injury attorneys will investigate your accident, work with medical and accident experts, and handle every aspect of the legal process so you can focus on healing. Call our team today to learn how we can help you after a bicycle accident in Honesdale, PA.
What Is My Honesdale Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
The value of your case depends on several key factors. These include:
- The severity and permanence of your injuries
- The amount of medical bills and out-of-pocket expenses
- Whether you lost income or earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Whether you share any fault for the crash
Working with an experienced attorney helps ensure your claim is properly valued and protected.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Bicycle Accident Victims?
Bicycle accident victims in Pennsylvania can seek both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages and diminished earning ability
- Property damage
Non-economic damages cover more personal and subjective losses, such as:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In rare cases, punitive damages may be available if the driver acted with extreme recklessness, such as driving under the influence. An experienced lawyer can evaluate your losses and determine which types of compensation apply in your case.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Honesdale Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
At Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing up front. We only get paid if we recover money for you. This arrangement ensures that anyone can afford quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
There are no hourly rates or hidden costs. We front all litigation expenses and recover them only if your case succeeds. You have nothing to lose by calling for a free consultation.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Bicycle Accident in Pennsylvania?
Yes, but there are limits. Under Pennsylvania’s modified comparative fault law, you can still recover damages as long as you were 50% or less at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your level of responsibility.
For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 in damages but are found 25% at fault for the crash, your recovery will be reduced to $75,000. If you are more than 50% at fault, however, you’ll be barred from recovering at all.
Determining fault in a bicycle accident isn’t always straightforward. That’s why it’s critical to have a skilled lawyer who can investigate the crash and push back against unfair blame.
Can I Still Recover Damages if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?
In Pennsylvania, adults over the age of 12 are not legally required to wear a bicycle helmet. If you were not wearing a helmet at the time of your accident, you can still pursue compensation.
However, the defense may argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to the severity of your injuries, particularly if you suffered head trauma. This argument can influence how much compensation you receive, but it does not automatically bar recovery.
Our attorneys are familiar with how insurers use helmet use to try to reduce payouts. We’ll push back against speculative claims and make sure your rights are protected under Pennsylvania law.
Are Drivers Always at Fault in Bicycle Accidents?
While drivers are often responsible due to negligence or failure to yield, liability in bicycle accidents can be more complicated. In some cases, both the driver and the cyclist may share fault. For instance, a cyclist may be found partially liable if they failed to use proper hand signals, ran a stop sign, or rode against traffic.
Other parties that may be partially or fully liable include:
- Municipal agencies: If the accident was caused by a dangerously designed intersection, potholes, missing signage, or inadequate lighting, the local government may be responsible.
- Private property owners: If a cyclist is hit while crossing a poorly maintained private driveway or parking lot exit, the property owner could share blame.
- Bicycle or vehicle manufacturers: Defective brakes, tires, or frames may contribute to an accident, opening the door to a product liability claim.
Pennsylvania’s comparative fault law allows multiple parties to be held liable in proportion to their responsibility. A thorough investigation is critical to identifying all possible sources of compensation, especially in complex cases involving more than two parties.
We’ll Fight To Recover Compensation for All of Your Bicycle Accident Injuries in Honesdale, PA
Bicycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection for riders. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Road rash and lacerations
- Dental and facial trauma
Some of these injuries can lead to permanent disability or lifelong care needs. Our attorneys understand the true impact of catastrophic injuries and will fight for full compensation.
Our goal is to help you access the medical treatment, therapy, and financial resources needed to rebuild your life. We’ll consult with medical experts to document your injuries and forecast future needs as part of your damages claim.
What Causes Most Bicycle Accidents in Honesdale, PA?
Many bicycle accidents are preventable. They typically occur because a driver failed to share the road safely. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Opening a car door into a cyclist’s path (“dooring”)
- Driving under the influence
- Running red lights or stop signs
Poor road design, lack of bike lanes, and low visibility at intersections can also contribute to accidents.
Pennsylvania law requires drivers to give at least four feet of clearance when passing a cyclist. When drivers fail to follow the law, the consequences can be devastating.
What Evidence Can Strengthen My Honesdale Bicycle Accident Claim?
Strong evidence is essential for building a persuasive injury claim. Useful documentation may include:
- Accident scene photos: Images of road conditions, damage, injuries, and skid marks can establish how the crash occurred.
- Eyewitness statements: Independent accounts help confirm the sequence of events.
- Traffic or surveillance footage: Video evidence can show vehicle movements, right-of-way violations, or speeding.
- Medical records: These document the extent of your injuries and link them to the crash.
- Bicycle repair estimates: Proof of damage helps establish impact severity.
- Expert testimony: Accident reconstructionists or biomechanical engineers may be used to support complex claims.
Fellerman & Ciarimboli will act quickly to collect and preserve this evidence before it’s lost. Early action improves your chances of a favorable settlement or trial verdict.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a Bicycle Accident in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, your claim will likely be dismissed, and you’ll lose your right to recover compensation.
Certain exceptions may apply, such as for minors or cases involving government entities. But in general, it’s best to act quickly to preserve your rights and secure critical evidence.
Will My Bicycle Accident Case Go to Trial?
Most personal injury cases settle out of court. However, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach puts pressure on the insurance company to offer a fair settlement early and shows them we’re not afraid to litigate if necessary.
We’ll advise you of your options throughout the process. If the insurer refuses to make a reasonable offer, we won’t hesitate to take your case to court to pursue the full value of your damages.
Contact Our Honesdale Bicycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Honesdale, PA, don’t wait to get legal help. Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC has the experience and resources to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a trusted Honesdale bicycle accident lawyer.
