Haverford Bicyclist Killed in Hit-and-Run in Philadelphia

Ryan Zavodnick | July 29, 2020 | Bicycle Accidents

William Lindsay, a Havertown resident, lost his life in a hit-and-run bicycle accident on July 12, 2020. A vehicle struck him while he was riding his bicycle on Ridge Avenue in the 3800 block. The Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police is offering a $5,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest.

According to the Philadelphia Police Department, Mr. Lindsay was riding his bicycle around 8:35 Sunday evening when an unknown vehicle struck him and fled the scene. Mr. Lindsay was discovered unconscious. He was bleeding from his head.

Mr. Lindsay was transported to Temple Hospital. He died at the hospital from injuries sustained in the bicycle accident. Police officers believe that the vehicle that struck Mr. Lindsay has a broken windshield because glass was discovered on Mr. Lindsay’s hair and clothing.

Anyone with information about the bicycle accident can text PPD TIP (773847) or call 215-686-TIPS (8477) to submit a tip. Tips may also be submitted anonymously online. According to the police, all tips are confidential.

Bicyclists Have a High Risk for Life-Threatening Injuries in an Accident

Bicyclists are vulnerable when riding bikes on Philadelphia roads. When a rider is struck by a vehicle, the rider has little protection from injuries. Even though a bicyclist can reduce the risk of severe injuries and death by wearing bicycle helmets and other protective bicycle gear, the impact of a collision with a vehicle can be deadly. 

A bicyclist may be thrown hundreds of feet, depending on the speed of the vehicle at the time of the impact. In other cases, a rider could be crushed as the vehicle runs over the rider. Some bicyclists can be pinned beneath the vehicle or between the vehicle and another object.

Bicycle injuries can result in life-threatening conditions and permanent disabilities. Common injuries bicyclists sustain in accidents include:

A rider who is struck by a vehicle may face months or years of recovery. In some cases, a bicyclist may sustain permanent impairments or disabilities. When a rider sustains a disability because of bicycle accident injuries, the rider may incur millions of dollars in medical care, personal care, and loss of income over the person’s lifetime.

Damages Claimed in Bicycle Accident Cases in Philadelphia

Each bicycle accident case is unique. The injuries and the circumstances of the crash dictate the damages paid in a bicycle accident claim. Common damages included in bicycle accident claims include:

  • Personal and medical care
  • Lost income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Disabilities and impairments
  • Future damages
  • Emotional distress
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of quality of life

An insurance company may claim that the bicyclist was partially at fault for the cause of the crash. The insurance company may attempt to undervalue the claim based on allegations of comparative negligence. 

A rider should contact a bicycle accident attorney immediately if the insurance company claims the rider is partially to blame for the crash. Allegations of comparative negligence can significantly lower the amount of compensation a bicyclist might receive for an injury claim.

Steps to Avoid Bicycle Accidents 

Philadelphia County had the highest traffic accident fatality rates in the state for 2018. Bicyclists cannot control what a motorist does when he or she is driving a car, but the rider can take steps to reduce the risk of a bicycle accident.

Bicycle safety tips include:

  • Follow all traffic rules when riding bicycles 
  • When riding on roadways, ride near the shoulder of the road in the same direction as the flow of traffic
  • Always ride in bike lanes where available
  • Use hand signals to indicate stopping and turning
  • Wear brightly colored clothing and helmets
  • Add reflectors and lights to the bicycle 
  • Be careful when passing parked vehicles as people may open the door
  • Avoid riding at night
  • Wear bicycle helmets and protective pads
  • Always carry a cell phone in case of an emergency
  • Never ride a bicycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Remain alert at all times
  • Carry an emergency medical kit

In the event of a bicycle accident, call 911 immediately to report the crash and request medical assistance. It is always a good idea to be checked by your physician after a bicycle accident. Some bicycle injuries may not be known immediately after the crash.

Document injuries through medical records and keep copies of all bills, receipts, invoices, and other proof of financial losses for a personal injury claim. Avoid talking to an insurance adjuster or giving a statement to the insurance company until you have a chance to talk to a bicycle accident attorney. A lawyer reviews the claim, explains your legal rights, and reviews your options for recovering compensation for a bicycle accident.

Contact Our Bicycle Accident Law Firm in Philadelphia Today To Get Help With Your Case

To learn more and get the help you deserve, call Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers at (215) 875-7030 or contact us online.
You can also visit our law firm at 123 S Broad St #1220, Philadelphia, PA 19109.