Electric scooters and bicycles have become an increasingly common way to get around Philadelphia. Whether you’re commuting to work, attending school, delivering food, or simply enjoying the city, these eco-friendly transportation options offer convenience and affordability.
Unfortunately, they also leave riders vulnerable to serious injuries when motorists fail to share the road safely.
If you’ve been hit while riding an electric scooter or bicycle, you may be wondering whether you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. The answer is often yes—but your legal options will depend on how the accident happened and who was responsible.
Bicycle and Scooter Accidents Are Becoming More Common
Philadelphia has expanded its network of bike lanes and shared-use streets in recent years, and more residents are choosing bicycles and electric scooters for everyday transportation.
At the same time, accidents involving cyclists and scooter riders continue to occur throughout the city. Because riders have little protection compared to occupants of motor vehicles, these crashes often result in severe injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Facial injuries
- Road rash
- Internal injuries
- Permanent disabilities
Even accidents at relatively low speeds can have life-changing consequences.
Can You Sue the Driver Who Hit You?
If a negligent driver caused the collision, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against them.
Examples of driver negligence include:
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Running stop signs or red lights
- Unsafe lane changes
- Opening a car door into a cyclist’s path (known as “dooring”)
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Following too closely
Pennsylvania law requires motorists to exercise reasonable care around cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
What If You Were Riding an Electric Scooter?
Electric scooters are becoming more common throughout Philadelphia, but determining liability after a scooter accident can be more complex than with traditional bicycles.
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may be available if your injuries were caused by:
- A negligent driver
- A dangerous road condition
- Defective scooter equipment
- Poor roadway maintenance
- A commercial property owner’s negligence
- Another cyclist or scooter rider
Each accident should be evaluated based on its unique facts.
What Compensation May Be Available?
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Future medical treatment
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent impairment
The amount of compensation available depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the available insurance coverage.
What If You Were Partially at Fault?
Many people assume they cannot recover compensation if they made a mistake before the accident.
That is not necessarily true.
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that an injured person may still recover damages if they are found to be less than 51% responsible for the accident. However, any compensation awarded may be reduced based on their percentage of fault.
For example, if a cyclist failed to signal before turning but a distracted driver was primarily responsible for the crash, the cyclist may still be eligible to recover damages.
Determining fault often requires a careful investigation of the evidence.
What If the Driver Left the Scene?
Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents involving cyclists and scooter riders happen throughout Philadelphia.
If the driver cannot be identified, you may still have options depending on the available insurance coverage. In some cases, Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage may provide compensation even when the at-fault driver cannot be located.
An attorney can help determine whether any insurance policies may apply to your situation.
Can Poor Road Conditions Cause Liability?
Not every bicycle or scooter accident is caused by a negligent driver.
Hazardous conditions such as:
- Large potholes
- Broken pavement
- Missing storm drain covers
- Dangerous construction zones
- Poorly maintained bike lanes
- Debris left in roadways
can contribute to serious crashes.
In certain situations, a government entity, contractor, or property owner may bear responsibility. Claims involving public entities often involve strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines, making it important to seek legal advice promptly.
What Should You Do After a Bicycle or Scooter Accident?
If you’re physically able, taking the following steps can help protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Move to a safe location if possible.
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
- Photograph the accident scene, your injuries, your bicycle or scooter, and any vehicle involved.
- Obtain contact information from witnesses.
- Preserve your damaged bicycle, scooter, helmet, and other equipment.
- Avoid discussing fault with insurance adjusters before understanding your legal rights.
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney.
Prompt action can help preserve valuable evidence that may become unavailable over time.
What If English Is Not Your First Language?
Philadelphia is home to diverse immigrant communities, many of whom rely on bicycles and scooters for transportation to work, school, or local businesses.
If English is not your primary language, you should not let communication concerns prevent you from seeking medical care or legal advice.
A law firm experienced in serving multilingual communities can help explain your rights, communicate with insurance companies, and ensure you understand each step of the claims process.
How an Attorney Can Help
Bicycle and scooter accident claims often involve complicated questions about liability, insurance coverage, and damages.
An attorney may be able to:
- Investigate how the accident occurred
- Gather surveillance footage and witness statements
- Work with accident reconstruction experts
- Identify all available insurance coverage
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Pursue compensation through settlement or litigation if necessary
Having experienced legal representation allows you to focus on your recovery while your attorney works to protect your interests.
Protect Your Rights After a Bicycle or Scooter Accident
A bicycle or electric scooter accident can leave you facing painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about the future. Fortunately, Pennsylvania law may provide options for recovering compensation when another person’s negligence caused your injuries.
If you were hit while riding a bicycle or electric scooter in Philadelphia, the personal injury attorneys at Jensen Bagnato, P.C. can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to receive.
Contact Jensen Bagnato, P.C. today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you move forward after a serious bicycle or scooter accident.