Teen Cyclist Fatally Struck By Car On Kelly Drive, Philadelphia, Police Say

A vehicle crashed into a bicyclist on Kelly Drive around 9:10 p.m. on July 7, 2020. The bicycle accident caused the death of the teenager. This accident was the second bicyclist fatality in less than a month.

According to investigators, a motorist driving an Acura eastbound on Kelly Drive struck the cyclist. The driver remained at the accident scene. The teenager was transported to the hospital, where he later died.

In June, a 17-year-old boy was struck by a car in Roxborough. The accident occurred near the intersection of Barnes Street and Henry Avenue around 5:30 p.m. The teenager died at the accident scene.

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Philadelphia?

Bicycle crashes in 2018 resulted in 18 cyclist deaths and 962 injuries statewide. During 2018, Philadelphia County had the most traffic-related deaths in the state. City streets can be hazardous for bicyclists.

From 2012 through 2016, there were 17 cyclist deaths and 59 serious injuries. A study in 2017 listed Philadelphia as the ninth most dangerous city in the county for bicyclists.

The city responded to calls to make the streets safer for cyclists by creating the Vision Zero Plan. The plan includes improvements to city streets that make the streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Bicycle Accidents Often Cause Traumatic and Fatal Injuries

Bicyclists have virtually no protection when they are struck by a vehicle. Their bodies receive the full impact of the collision. Even when a rider wears a bicycle helmet and other protective gear, the rider can sustain catastrophic injuries.

In many cases, a cyclist is thrown into the air before striking the ground or another object. In other cases, the cyclist may be crushed beneath the vehicle. The lack of protection and the violence of the collision causes traumatic and life-threatening injuries.

Common bicycle accident injuries include:

Some cyclists recover from their injuries and return to their normal lives. However, other bicyclists may sustain permanent impairments that prevent them from returning to work or having the same quality of life as they did before the bicycle crash.

Damages Recoverable in a Bicycle Accident Claim

If a driver is responsible for the cause of the bicycle accident, that driver can be held liable for injuries, losses, and damages sustained by the cyclist. Because injuries can be severe in a bicycle accident, the damages may be significant. If the cyclist cannot work or has permanent impairments, the value of the bicycle accident claim increases.

In many cases, the driver’s insurance company pays the damages in a bicycle accident claim. However, the bicyclist may have to fight for compensation. A bicycle accident lawyer can provide legal advice and fight for fair compensation for an injury claim.

Damages in a bicycle accident claim include:

  • The cost of medical treatment and care
  • Costs of personal care and in-home health care
  • Loss of income, wages, benefits, salary, overtime pay, and other compensation
  • Physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering
  • Disabilities, scarring, and permanent impairments
  • Loss of enjoyment of life and quality of life

Determining the cause of the bicycle accident is the first step in recovering compensation for your injuries. You must prove that the motorist caused the bicycle crash to hold that person liable for your injuries and damages.

Why Do Bicycle Accidents Happen in Philadelphia?

Most bicycle accidents happen because of human error by drivers and cyclists. Common factors that can lead to a bicycle accident include:

In addition to the above causes, road conditions and weather conditions can also contribute to the cause of a bicycle crash. If roadways are defectively designed or pose a danger to bicyclists, a local or state government agency could be liable for damages.

Defective bicycle parts may also be a cause of a bicycle accident. Bicyclists injured because of a defective bicycle part may have a claim against the manufacturer under product liability laws.

If you are not sure whether you have a claim against another person or party after a bicycle accident, it may be a good idea to talk to an attorney before taking any further steps.

Your time to file a claim is limited. In some cases, you could have just a few months to file a claim if the accident involves a government agency. Waiting too long to obtain legal advice could result in losing your right to pursue a personal injury claim through the courts.

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.