I was in a bicycle accident – can I be at fault?

Accidents involving automobiles and bicycles can involve serious injuries and large liabilities. Bicycle accident lawsuits often come down to whether the driver or the cyclist negligently caused or contributed to the accident. And, like other vehicle accident lawsuits, bicycle accident lawsuits are governed by state law, and often informed by state and local traffic laws.

Cyclists and Traffic Laws 

Cyclists and drivers are both obligated to obey the rules of the road. These rules include:

1. Traffic laws. 
2. The duty to exercise ordinary care in regards to one's own safety and that of others on the roadways.

Whether a cyclist sues a driver, or a cyclist is sued for causing someone else injury, whether the cyclist was negligent can determine the outcome of the lawsuit. Here are some examples of biker negligence:

• Riding the wrong way on a one-way street. 
• Running a stop sign. 
• Turning abruptly into traffic. 

What if I was negligent? 

Negligent cyclists may be unable to recover damages for injuries they suffer in accidents involving cars. Such negligence is called contributory or comparative negligence, meaning that the cyclist's negligence, at least in part, caused the accident to happen, and thus caused at least some of the cyclist's injuries. If a cyclist rode negligently, and that negligence caused injury to someone else, the cyclist may be held liable for that person's injuries. Contact an attorney Representing bicycle accident victims requires a team of aggressive investigators and lawyers all devoting their maximum effort to their clients. At The Levin Firm of Pennsylvania, our personal injury attorneys investigate every claim so that we may aggressively and zealously represent our clients and obtain the best possible results.

When you need a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or New Jersey personal injury attorney to represent you, a family member or friend who has suffered a bicycle accident injury, contact The Levin Firm, who represent every client zealously in order to obtain the best results possible in each case. Please call The Levin Firm at 215-825-5183 to schedule a free consultation today or call our toll free number at 877-825-8542.

Sources
http://injury.findlaw.com/car-accidents/bicycle-accidents.html http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/bike-accidents-collisions-with-cars-29549.html