Confusion at Intersections Results in an Increased Number of Philadelphia Bicycle Riders Being Hit by Cars
With summer only weeks away, I notice an increasing number of bicycles on the road. Unfortunately, I have also noticed an increase in the number of calls coming into my office from cyclists who sustained serious injuries when they were struck by an inattentive driver who failed to yield the right-of-way.
When a bicycle and car approach an intersection, there is often confusion between the bicycle rider and the automobile driver as to which one of them has the right-of-way. Many times, both the bicycle rider and driver of the car approach an intersection at the same time, resulting in the bicycle rider sustaining catastrophic injuries, including, but not limited to, brain and head injuries; concussions; skull fractures requiring surgical repair; spinal injuries resulting in paralysis; herniated discs; broken bones; jaw fractures; collar bone injuries; and deep cuts and lacerations.
Chapter 33, Section 3321 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code states: “When two vehicles approach or enter an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.” Liability in a collision involving a motor vehicle colliding with a bicyclist is determined based on who had the right-of-way at the time of the accident: the bike or the car?
When riding a bicycle, one is expected to obey all the rules of the road that apply to motor vehicles set forth in the Pennsylvania vehicle code. The experienced Philadelphia bicycle accident attorneys at Reiff & Bily recommend bicycle riders stay up to date on bicycle laws, make sure their bicycle is properly maintained, and never ride a bike without a helmet. In addition, we recommend that bicycle riders wear bright colors so drivers can better recognize them, and avoid riding after dark.
Our highly skilled team of experienced Pennsylvania bicycle accident lawyers are all experienced bicyclists with decades of experience handling the most complex car accident and bicycle accident cases involving negligent inattentive drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to bicycle riders on the road. At Reiff & Bily, we understand the financial and emotional hardships that victims and their families can suffer as a result of a bike crash. Our law firm remains committed to bicycle safety and always offers a free, no obligation consultation to those injured in bicycle accidents caused by the fault of another.



