When a car and a bicycle collide, the cyclist’s head carries the worst of the risk math — and head injuries are where ‘minor crash’ and ‘changed life’ meet. This is the honest guide: the medicine, the helmet law facts, and what these claims require.
- The injury reality: concussion through severe TBI — with the same ‘normal scan, changed person’ pattern our head injury and long-term TBI guides cover; CDC tracks cyclist head-injury data.
- The helmet facts: PA requires helmets under age 12; adult cyclists ride lawfully without — and lawful helmet-free riding is not negligence in causing a crash. Medically, helmets meaningfully reduce risk; legally, the driver’s failure to yield remains the crash’s cause. Both true at once.
- The claim requirements: TBI claims run long-horizon — neuropsychological proof, symptom trajectory, no early settlement — through our bicycle and brain injury practices; crash-cause patterns in our collisions guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
I wasn’t wearing a helmet. The driver’s insurer says that’s on me.
The crash cause is on the driver who hit you — helmet arguments reach, at most, damage apportionment on head injuries specifically, and require medical proof of difference. It’s an argument we answer, not a verdict you accept.
My child hit their head in a bike crash and ‘seems fine.’ Anything to do?
Medical follow-up on any symptoms — kids mask and evolve — and documentation regardless; children’s claims carry their own protections and timelines.
What does hiring you cost?
No attorney’s fee unless we recover; the contingency percentage and cost handling are in the written fee agreement. Consultations are free.
Hurt in a crash like this? Call (215) 464-4600 or contact us online — free, confidential consultations, contingency-fee representation.