Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Reading, PA

Wrongful Injury Representation for Cyclists Since 1959

When a collision leaves you or a family member seriously hurt, the firm you choose matters. Liever, Hyman & Potter has represented wrongful injury and death victims in Pennsylvania since 1959, making us the longest-established motor vehicle injury law firm in the area. Our four attorneys only handle wrongful injury and death claims. No real estate. No business contracts. Just this. Collectively, we’ve devoted 115-plus years to that single purpose. A free consultation costs you nothing, and we advance all case expenses with no fees collected until we recover money for you.

If you or someone you love was hurt in a bicycle accident in Reading, PA, call us today at (610) 885-1991 to speak with a bicycle accident lawyer at no cost and no obligation.

Why Bicycle Crashes Cause Serious Injuries

A cyclist has none of the protection a vehicle provides. No frame, no airbags, no seatbelt. When a car or truck hits a rider, the body absorbs the impact directly. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, and internal injuries are common outcomes, even at moderate speeds. Urban road-sharing environments, where cyclists and motor vehicles converge at intersections and alongside street parking, concentrate the conditions that lead to these crashes. Pennsylvania recorded 815 bicycle-related crashes in 2022, resulting in 15 fatalities and 801 injuries statewide. Most happened in clear weather and daylight, so hazardous conditions aren’t a prerequisite for a serious collision.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents & Who May Be Liable

Driver negligence accounts for most bicycle crashes, but liability isn’t always limited to the driver. Pennsylvania law requires motor vehicle operators to leave at least four feet of clearance when passing a cyclist. Violations of that rule, along with distracted driving, failure to yield, impaired driving, dooring (a driver or passenger opening a door into a cyclist’s path), and right-hook turns, are frequent causes.

The cause of the crash also determines who may be liable. Road conditions such as potholes, uneven pavement, or missing bike infrastructure can support a claim against a municipality if negligent maintenance is established. Defective bicycle components may give rise to a product liability claim against a manufacturer or retailer. The specific facts of each crash drive the analysis.

Damages Bicycle Accident Victims Can Pursue in Pennsylvania

A successful claim can address two broad categories of loss. Economic damages cover measurable financial harm: emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, future medical treatment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage, including the bicycle itself. Non-economic damages address losses that don’t carry a price tag (“pain and suffering, embarrassment and humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement).

Where a driver’s conduct was especially reckless, a court may also award punitive damages. Compensation can come from the at-fault driver’s insurance, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if the driver flees or lacks coverage, or other liable parties depending on how the crash occurred. These are categories a claim can pursue. Actual recovery depends on the facts of each case.

Pennsylvania Laws That Affect Your Claim

Pennsylvania treats bicycles as vehicles under state law, giving cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators. Under the state’s comparative negligence rule, a cyclist who’s found partially at fault can still recover compensation, provided their share of fault is below 51 percent. Recovery is reduced proportionally to the assigned fault percentage, so partial fault doesn’t automatically end a claim.

The personal injury statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury under 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524(2). Missing that deadline generally eliminates the right to file a lawsuit. For minors, the two-year period typically doesn’t begin until their 18th birthday. Claims against a government entity, such as a municipality responsible for dangerous road conditions, require a written notice of intent within six months of the incident. None of this is a substitute for legal advice specific to your situation. Consulting an attorney promptly is the best way to protect your rights.

Why Cyclists Trust Liever, Hyman & Potter

Our record speaks before we do. In a recent three-year period, our attorneys recovered more than 500 awards and settlements, including numerous million-dollar and multi-million-dollar results. Since 1959, we’ve won thousands of awards and settlements for victims and their families, more than any other firm located in the Berks and Schuylkill County area. Documented results across motor vehicle and wrongful injury cases include a $3.5 million trucking crash settlement and a $3.265 million drunk driving wrongful death settlement, among many others.

Lead attorney John R. Badal was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1978 and to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1991. His entire legal career has been devoted to representing wrongful injury victims. He holds national recognition as a member of both the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, memberships tied to documented results at those dollar thresholds. He has served as Chairman of the Civil Litigation Section and the Workers’ Compensation Section of the Berks County Bar Association.

Every case we take is reviewed and assigned to a civil trial attorney qualified to handle it. A significant share of our clients come through referrals from other law firms, satisfied former clients, and community members who know our record. That referral reputation has earned us recognition within the legal community as “The Lawyers’ Lawyers.” Our attorneys also stay active in the Reading and Berks County community beyond the courtroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Right After a Bicycle Accident in Reading?

Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Call the police and make sure a report is filed. Photograph the scene, your bicycle, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from witnesses. Don’t negotiate with the at-fault driver or their insurer before speaking with an attorney. Early statements can affect your claim.

Can I Recover Compensation if I Was Partly at Fault?

Yes, in most cases. Under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rule, partial fault doesn’t bar recovery as long as your share of fault is below 51 percent. Your compensation is reduced in proportion to your assigned fault percentage. The specific facts of your crash determine how fault is evaluated.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Pennsylvania?

Generally, two years from the date of injury under 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524(2), though exceptions apply for minors and for claims against government entities. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific situation. Contact an attorney promptly to make sure your rights are protected.

What if the Driver Fled or Has No Insurance?

Your own uninsured motorist coverage may provide a path to recovery. Other liable parties may also exist depending on the cause of the crash. An attorney can help identify every available source of compensation given the specific facts of your case.

Start with a Free Consultation

You pay nothing unless we recover money for you: not a cent in fees and not a cent in case expenses we advance on your behalf. That commitment applies to clients and cases. Tell us what happened and let us evaluate your options at no cost.

Call Liever, Hyman & Potter today at (610) 885-1991 to speak with a bicycle accident lawyer in Reading, PA. There’s no obligation, and the consultation is free.