Have you been injured in a bicycle accident in Scranton, Pennsylvania? McDonald & MacGregor, LLC can help when you call (570) 209-7062. We offer a free consultation with a Scranton bicycle accident lawyer who can review your situation and help you understand your options after a serious crash.
A bicycle accident can change your life in an instant, leaving you with serious injuries, medical bills, and time away from work. If a driver’s carelessness caused your accident, you shouldn’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. An experienced legal team can help you take the next steps forward.
Why Choose McDonald & MacGregor, LLC to Help Me After a Bicycle Accident in Scranton?
After a bicycle accident in Scranton, PA, you’re likely dealing with disruption to your daily life, your health, your finances, and your peace of mind. The firm you choose matters. McDonald & MacGregor, LLC has earned a reputation for taking on serious injury cases and delivering results, while staying closely connected to the community we serve.
Here’s what sets our Scranton bicycle accident attorneys apart:
- Our attorneys bring more than 90 years of combined experience to the table.
- We have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients.
- Our lawyers are recognized by respected organizations, including Best Lawyers in America, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, and the National Trial Lawyers.
- Attorney Michael J. McDonald is board-certified in Civil Trial Law and Pretrial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
- Members of our team have held leadership roles in major legal organizations, including the Pennsylvania Bar Association and Pennsylvania Association for Justice.
- Our firm is actively involved in the community and provides ongoing mentorship, education, and pro bono work.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney and learn what your next steps could look like.
What Is My Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
The value of a bicycle accident case depends on a variety of factors that go beyond just your financial losses.
While every case is different, some of the key considerations are likely to include:
- How clear it is that another party was at fault
- Whether multiple parties may share liability for the accident
- The strength of the evidence, such as police reports, photos, and witness statements
- How well your injuries are documented and connected to the accident
- Whether the insurance company disputes your claim or accepts responsibility
- The amount of available insurance coverage or other sources of compensation
- Whether your case settles or proceeds to litigation
These factors can significantly influence how a claim is evaluated and resolved, making it important to have a thorough understanding of your case from the outset. Our Scranton personal injury attorneys can give you a more personalized evaluation after they learn more about your case.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Accident Victims?
Bicycle accident victims may be able to recover compensation for a range of losses, including both financial and personal impacts.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-economic damages may include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
These damages are intended to reflect not only the financial burden of an accident but also the lasting impact it can have on your quality of life.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Most bicycle accident lawyers, including those at McDonald & MacGregor, LLC, handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not have to pay anything upfront to get legal help. Instead, the attorney’s fee is a percentage of any compensation recovered on your behalf. If no recovery is made, you typically won’t owe attorney’s fees.
This arrangement allows injured cyclists to pursue a claim without worrying about out-of-pocket legal costs during an already difficult time.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Bicycle Accident in Pennsylvania?
You may still be able to recover compensation even if you are partially at fault for a bicycle accident in Pennsylvania. The state follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means your recovery can be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
As long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident, you may still be eligible to receive compensation. However, it will usually be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you’ll likely only be able to recover 80% of your total damages.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Scranton
Bicycle accidents can lead to serious, and sometimes life-altering, injuries. We understand how these injuries can affect every part of your life, from your ability to work to your overall well-being.
Our team is prepared to pursue compensation for the full extent of harm you’ve suffered, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and back damage
- Broken bones and fractures
- Road rash and severe skin injuries
- Internal injuries or organ damage
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Soft tissue injuries, including sprains and tears
- Permanent disability or long-term complications
Every injury matters. We work to ensure that the impact on your health, finances, and future is fully accounted for in your claim.
What Causes Most Bicycle Accidents in Scranton, Pennsylvania?
Bicycle accidents often happen because drivers fail to share the road safely. In a city like Scranton, where cyclists and vehicles frequently interact, certain hazards come up more often than others.
Common causes of bicycle accidents in Scranton include:
- Drivers failing to yield to cyclists at intersections
- Distracted driving, including texting or using a phone
- Unsafe lane changes or failure to check blind spots
- Dooring accidents, where a parked driver opens a car door into a cyclist’s path
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Poor road conditions, such as potholes or debris
- Low visibility or failure to notice cyclists
Identifying the cause of the accident is a key step in determining who may be held responsible.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Bicycle Accident in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of a bicycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. If you do not take legal action within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation altogether.
There are limited exceptions that could affect how long you have to file, so always speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about your specific case.
What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident in Scranton?
The steps you take after a bicycle accident can have a significant impact on your health and your ability to pursue a claim.
If you’re able to do so, consider taking the following actions:
- Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor.
- Call the police and request an accident report.
- Gather evidence at the scene, including photos of your injuries, your bicycle, and the surrounding area.
- Get contact information from any witnesses.
- Avoid discussing fault or giving recorded statements to insurance companies.
- Keep records of your medical treatment, expenses, and time missed from work.
- Contact a bicycle accident lawyer to discuss your options.
Dealing with a bicycle accident often means juggling medical care, repairs, and unexpected disruptions to your routine. These steps can protect your health and your claim.
How a Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help After an Accident in Scranton
Recovering from a bicycle accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and insurance companies at the same time. A bicycle accident attorney can handle the legal side of your case so you can focus on your recovery.
We can assist by:
- Investigating the accident and gathering key evidence
- Reviewing police reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Identifying all potentially liable parties
- Handling communication with insurance companies
- Evaluating settlement offers and advising you on your options
- Negotiating for fair compensation on your behalf
- Taking your case to court if a fair resolution cannot be reached
Having experienced legal support can make a significant difference as you move through the claims process and work toward recovery.
Contact Our Scranton Bicycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A bicycle accident in Scranton, PA, can leave you dealing with painful injuries, financial strain, and uncertainty about what comes next—especially when insurance companies push back on your claim. McDonald & MacGregor, LLC brings more than 90 years of combined experience representing injured clients throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident, contact our team today to schedule a free consultation with a Scranton bicycle accident attorney and learn how we can help you move forward.
