Philadelphia Injury Attorney Blog

As an active bicyclist and Pennsylvania bicycle accident attorney since 1979, I am very much concerned with the increase in catastrophic bicycle accidents and bicycle fatalities revealing itself in PA DOT statistics. PennDOT spokesman Alison Wegner stated that “we do not have any proven reasons for the increase in bicycle fatalities” and then stated that she believed that a rise in gasoline prices may have prompted more commuters to take their bicycles to work. I have addressed the same concerns over the past few years and noted that many bicyclists are disobeying the rules of the roads when traveling on the streets. Bicyclists must be visible to motorists and follow all traffic laws. Many times I see cyclists disregarding the rules of the road, weaving in and out of traffic, running through traffic lights, and yes, I have witnessed a number of bicycle accidents and unfortunately fatalities as a result of such behaviors.

Motorcyclists and bicyclists must share the roads harmoniously with other vehicles and they and bicyclists must recognize the exposure to injury by accident is always greater for the cyclist. As an experienced bicycle accident attorney, I strongly advise all bicyclists on highways to wear brightly colored clothes and to use lights and reflectors at night and always, always, always wear a helmet.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a Pennsylvania bicycle accident, please feel free to contact one of our experienced lawyers with a successful track record for a no fee no obligation consultation at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

Posted by Jeffrey M. Reiff | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Bicycle accidents

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A fatal cycling crash involving a bus in Boston has struck an outpouring of sympathy and frustration from cyclists but also underscores that bicyclists should be extra careful when attempting to pass buses. The recent tragic incident in Boston involved the death of 22-year old Michael Hunt who hit the rear left section of the bus when he attempted to pass the bus, causing him to lose control of his bike and fall under the 60 ft. long vehicle. Hunt was not wearing a helmet and suffered severe trauma and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Many years ago, this experienced Philadelphia bicycle lawyer was driving up the West River Drive on a Sunday afternoon when I hit a stone on the street, lost control of my bike causing the handlebars to fall, and missed death by approximately 2 inches as a SEPTA bus passed me. Frankly, it was one of the most shocking and scary incidents of my life. I also used to ride my bike in areas where trolley tracks existed which was also traveled by buses and I have lost control of my bike on more than one occasion suffering fairly severe injuries. Often bicyclists can attest that many times bus drivers and car drivers ignore them while they are on the road, particularly if they might be in their blind spot. Many cities have taken recent strides to reduce the risk of accidents by adding bike lanes. However, there are a lot of vehicles competing for the use of the streets and we all have to be careful and respect each other.

Posted by Jeffrey M. Reiff | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Bicycle accidents

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According to news sources and statistics, there is an epidemic rise in bicycle accidents in Philadelphia and surrounding Pennsylvania communities. Over the past years, I have received a number of calls from riders and their family members who have been catastrophically injured and sometimes tragically killed as they seek to determine who is the best Philadelphia bicycle accident lawyer to represent them or their families. Of course, who is the best lawyer to represent a victim is a subjective decision but this active bicyclist lawyer suggests that over 30 years of experience and knowledge of biking laws would go a long way to determining qualifications that qualify for the best.

I have been an active bicyclist for the last 40 or 45 years and a bicycle accident lawyer since 1979, and I have been the unfortunate victim of multiple bicycle accidents causing significant injuries. I have had my share of lacerations, stitches, casts, and damage to my bicycle beyond repair due to the fact that other individuals on the roadway were not paying attention and struck me while I was lawfully riding one of my bicycles. I am really one of the lucky victims of bicycle accidents and have witnessed claims of many innocent and law abiding bicyclists being killed due to the negligence of others.

Continue reading "Who Is The Best Bicycle Accident Lawyer To Speak With If I Am Injured In A Bicycle Accident?" »

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Posted In: Bicycle accidents

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I was just addressing the situation of the unforeseen dangers of bicycling in Philadelphia to a young client in my office when news came across the wires of a 17-year old teenager who was riding his bicycle when he was struck and killed by an elderly Glenolden gentleman on Tuesday, January 19, 2009. A 17-year old Interboro high school student riding his bicycle along South Avenue on Tuesday when he was struck by an eastbound car near the intersection of Chester Pike at approximately 12:27 p.m. He was transported by ambulance to Crozer Chester Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries. The police are still investigating and no charges have been filed to date.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of the victim. The investigation continues as to who had the right of way at the time of the accident. At the present, it is not clear how or why this unfortunate tragedy occurred and who will be held at fault will depend on who had the right of way at the time. However, there may also be a dangerous and defective condition on the roadway which also contributed to or caused the accident and a governmental agency may be responsible for maintaining the roadway who could also be held liable.

The victim and their family would be well advised to consult an experienced Philadelphia bicycle accident attorney to find out more about their rights and options if the driver of the other vehicle is found to be at fault. The bicycle accident victim’s family could seek compensation to recover medical costs, funeral benefits, and other expenses.

Posted by Jeffrey M. Reiff | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Bicycle accidents , Wrongful Death

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As an avid bicycle rider for the past 48 years and a person who often bicycles in excess of 30 miles a day when the season permits, I have come under attack lately by bicyclists responding to my legal blogs due to the fact that I have been asking car drivers and bicycle riders to balance and respect the needs of each other. Many of the cyclists and my readers are aware that City Council has made proposals that would impose additional laws and restrictions upon bicyclists together with added fines. Those who are responsible and safe bicyclists should not worry about the same. I believe as an experienced Philadelphia car accident and bicycle accident attorney, who handles some of the most serious catastrophic injury and death cases involving the interplay of cars and bikes, that a minority of cyclists act irresponsibly as indicated in the deaths of two Philadelphia men who died last month after being struck by cyclists. Of course, as is the case with other vehicle operators, this thankfully reflects a minimal percentage of cyclists.

When I walk down the streets of Center City, I am often times almost struck, and in the past have been struck by messenger services or other bicyclists riding illegally and irresponsibly on the sidewalk against or behind pedestrian traffic rather than operating their bicycles in the lanes that are designated for bicyclists.

Continue reading "Experienced Philadelphia Bike and Car Accident Attorney and Bicyclist Gets Slammed By Fellow Bicyclists" »

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Posted In: Bicycle accidents

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More and more people are riding bicycles and bicycle ridership in Philadelphia is up since the SEPTA strike. Rules have been introduced that would require cyclists to obey the rules of the road similar to a motor vehicle and increase fines against bikers who violate the rules. Presently, cyclists are subject to most traffic laws such as stopping at red lights and going with the flow of traffic and although these laws have not been strictly enforced in the past, Philadelphia police have announced they will step up enforcement and issue fines in an aggressive fashion.

A few days after I wrote my original blog concerning this topic, I received a number of phone calls and inquiries from concerned bicyclists uncertain about the future and wondering whether the same was constitutional. First, let me state that most bicyclists are quite responsible and a little education program to bicyclists on the road would be beneficial. The essence and background of the new traffic law and cyclists is essentially to protect bikers, motorists and pedestrians. The new law enforcement is not meant to wage a war on bicyclists but to keep all of us safe.

As an experienced bicyclist since age 13, and an experienced Philadelphia bicycle accident attorney, I am excited that bike ridership and ownership in Philadelphia is among the highest in the country and I am excited that the City of Philadelphia has taken steps to protect bicyclists and make the city more bicycle friendly. It is my understanding that funds from the violations will be utilized to maintain bicycle lanes and improve the Philadelphia biking systems. Philadelphia has over 200 miles of bicycle lanes - more than exist than in any other city in the United States. It is only due to a rise in pedestrian/bicycle accidents and car accidents including bicyclists in Philadelphia that these new bike laws have been proposed and enforced.

As a bicycle accident attorney who has been on both sides of the fence representing bicyclists who have been catastrophically injured and pedestrians who have been catastrophically injured by bikes, I welcome a more orderly system which will protect all of us.

Posted by Jeffrey M. Reiff | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Bicycle accidents

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Most of time when a bicyclist collides with a motor vehicle the injuries are severe and often catastrophic. Unfortunately with the uninsured and underinsured motorist pandemic in Philadelphia, many times bicycle accident victims and clients come to our office with extensive and permanent injuries without adequate coverage available from the striking vehicle.

Recently a bicycle rider who had been in an accident with a minimally insured car contacted my office with multiple broken bones and permanent nerve damage with a minimal $15,000 policy from the other side. Her first attorney suggested that there was nothing more that he could do for her and she should take the $15,000. What this other attorney did not do, in fact, was perform a complete asset search of the defendant nor consider the ramifications of this client’s own underinsured motorist coverage through her automobile policy.

Continue reading "Philadelphia Bicyclists Beware - Most Motorists Who Share the Highway with You Either Have No Insurance or Minimal Insurance" »

Posted by Jeffrey M. Reiff | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Bicycle accidents

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Philadelphia bicycle accident lawyers at Reiff and Bily want to remind all of our clients and readers that the Central Bucks Bicycle Club invites them to participate in the Ride of Silence Bike Rally starting at 6:30 p.m. on May 20, 2009 at Central Bucks West High School, 375 West Court Street, Doylestown, PA. This is a worldwide event determined to not only raise awareness of bicycle safety but also to demonstrate a public display of mourning in funeral procession style for the cyclists who have been killed in collisions with motor vehicles. Last year, The Ride of Silence events were held in more than 300 locations throughout the United States and 18 countries.

Bicycle ridership is on the upswing in the United States and particularly in Philadelphia and so are the serious injuries and fatalities. Each year fatalities result from bike rides due to the fact that many motorists are simply not paying attention and more importantly, many motorists do not possess adequate insurance to protect the rider in the event of a catastrophic injury. Most bike accidents are severe if not fatal.

The experienced bicycle accident law firm of Reiff and Bily has had extensive experience working with bicycle accident cases and assist injured bikers in assessing and protecting their legal rights. We strongly urge all of our bicyclists, readers and clients to participate in this no fee event on May 20, 2009 which will be a silent slow pace 6 mile ride through the Borough of Doylestown escorted by the Doylestown Police Department.

For more information on this event, please contact the Central Bucks County Bicycle Club or the experienced Philadelphia bicycle accident law firm of Reiff and Bily at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

Posted by Jeffrey M. Reiff | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Bicycle accidents , Catastrophic loss , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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As a Philadelphia bicycle accident attorney and an active bicyclist for the last 45 years, I have been the victim of quite a few bike accidents and have represented many individuals who have been catastrophically injured as the result of a bicycle accident. Every year, injuries and fatalities from bike rides increase due to the fact that many motorists are not paying attention.

For many years when I rode my bike I never wore a helmet, enjoying the freedom. However, every year approximately 135 children die from bicycle-related injuries and more than 267,000 non-fatal bicycle accidents occur. It is a well known statistic that helmets can reduce the risk of head trauma and severe brain injury by 88%. However, studies indicate that only 15 to 25% of children 14 and under wear a bicycle helmet. Many states and municipalities are now requiring all bicycle riders to wear helmets at all times when riding a bicycle.

When selecting a helmet, one should purchase one that meets standards set by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. I suggest purchasing a helmet from a store specializing in bikes who understand that safety comes first. Of course, a helmet is of no great value unless it is properly fitted and put on correctly. Straps must always be buckled and the helmet should be positioned correctly on the head. For more information about bicycle safety, call 937-641-3385 or visit www.usa.safekids.org.

Continue reading "Bicycle Season Is In Full Swing - Make Sure You Wear A Helmet" »

Posted by Jeffrey M. Reiff | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Bicycle accidents , Brain Injury , Catastrophic loss , Personal Injury

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The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority has agreed to pay $500,000 to settle a lawsuit filed against the Pennsylvania agency and the bus driver over an accident that killed an Erie surgeon in 2005. The 36 year old surgeon, David Sanders, was riding his bicycle when the bus collided with him. He was pronounced dead at the scene. This bus was making a left hand turn at the time of the accident. There is no question that this is a huge tragedy for Dr. Sanders’ family and friends and the local community and we offer our heartfelt sympathies to everyone who knew and loved him. (news article)

Bicycle ridership is on the upswing in Pennsylvania and so are the injuries and fatalities. The Philadelphia bicycle accident and catastrophic injury lawyers at the Philadelphia personal injury law firm of Reiff and Bily have been successfully representing injured bicyclists since 1979. Approximately 11% of all traffic fatalities involve bicycles. I have worked hard as a Philadelphia bicycle accident attorney for the past 30 years to help injured cyclists and the families of cyclists who have been died as the result of the negligence of other drivers. As more and more individuals turn to bicycles as a viable means of transportation, as well as to relieve the stress of our increasingly complicated society, bicycle accidents will no doubt continuously be on the rise.

The Philadelphia bicycle accident law firm of Reiff and Bily has extensive experience working with bicycle accident cases and can assist you in assessing and protecting your legal rights. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident and need advice of your legal rights and you are not at fault, please contact one of the experienced lawyers at the Philadelphia bicycle accident and personal injury law firm of Reiff and Bily. We will fully evaluate liability fault, legal compensation for pain and suffering, medical compensation and make sure that you are fully compensated for your injuries.

Bicycles share the same laws as motor vehicle and motor vehicle operators owe a duty to be attentive to bicycle riders. If you are in need of legal advice or services and wish to speak to an experienced Philadelphia bicycle accident attorney, please contact one of our experienced lawyers at the Philadelphia catastrophic injury firm of Reiff and Bily for a no cost, no obligation case evaluation and pre-litigation consultation at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

Posted by Jeffrey M. Reiff | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Bicycle accidents , Catastrophic loss , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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This writer has been an active bicyclist for the last 40 years. In the last two weeks, I have been the victim of two separate serious bike accidents causing significant injuries.

As the price of fuel continues to rise, more and more Philadelphians are turning towards bicycles as a viable mode of transportation. The City of Philadelphia recently announced a city-wide network of “bike friendly” streets to serve bicyclists as part of a comprehensive program fully recognizing the bicycle as a means of transportation. Philadelphia has committed itself to the promotion of bicycle use in the City with the establishment of the Mayor’s task force on bicycle safety in 1993 through to the annual City Employees Bike to Work Day. The City of Philadelphia has made improvements to the Schuylkill River bike paths and links to the Valley Forge Bikeway and established the bicycle network plan, adding a new dimension to Philadelphia’s transportation system. Unfortunately, as more Philadelphians use their cycles for pleasure or a viable means of transportation, more injuries or fatalities will occur.

As recently as August 3, 2008, a bicyclist was struck and killed along Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia, near 6th Street, in Feltonville. According to a press release issued by the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, a bicyclist crossing Roosevelt Boulevard at 7th Street in Hunting Park was killed by a driver who was operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. The driver was charged with homicide by vehicle.

The Philadelphia bicycle accident and personal injury law firm of Reiff and Bily has successfully been representing injured bikers since 1979.

Continue reading "BICYCLE RIDERSHIP ON THE UPSWING IN PHILADELPHIA AND SO ARE INJURIES AND FATALITIES - A PHILADELPHIA PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY SHARES HIS THOUGHTS" »

Posted by Jeffrey M. Reiff | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Bicycle accidents , Personal Injury

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