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Michael J. Piscitello

Michael J. Piscitello Photo
Michael J. Piscitello Attorney

Bio

Bike Attorney, Piscitello Law

Michael Piscitello initially joined his family’s law practice in 2018 and has served as Director of Community Outreach. As of November 2025, his new title is “Bike Attorney” after being sworn in, post-graduation from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Drexel University.

Michael shares his father’s passion for cycling and is proud to assume a new role as the next generation of attorneys and advocates in our region. He has been involved in the firm’s efforts to support Vision Zero’s mission to eliminate traffic injuries and fatalities in our city and state. Michael has worked alongside the Bicycle Coalition and Families for Safe Streets to lobby for changes to our laws at the state and local levels. Michael represented the firm at the Vision Zero Conference (March 2025) at Temple University. He served on the opening panel speaking about the emotional cost and burden to families during the legal process after a traffic crash.

A poster of a group of people

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Michael plays an integral role in the firm’s Bike Law Seminars to raise awareness of how to navigate dangerous intersections and roads. For nearly a decade, the firm has met with thousands of cyclists from clubs across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including Lancaster, Harrisburg, and Princeton.

He has also led the firm in efforts to engage and support young and aspiring cyclists. He was instrumental in developing collaborations with the National Youth Bike Summit and the Bicycle Coalition’s Youth Cycling (BCYC) club.

Michael & Joe Piscitello pose with then BCYC Coach Malaku Mekomen & BCYC athlete  Grand opening of Lil’ Safety Park, Hunting Park, Philadelphia (2021)

Michael & Joe Piscitello pose with the BCYC Coach Malaku Mekomen & BCYC athlete

Transition to Attorney

For the past several years, Michael has been working on all aspects of our legal practice. He has been instrumental in preparing briefs, depositions, and complaints. Michael has become our de facto tech expert in the office and is proficient in legal research. As part of his pro-bono work, he has gained experience expunging records for individuals in Philadelphia and surrounding counties.

Background

Professionally trained in the construction trade, Michael has several years’ experience in building maintenance. He oversaw five apartment complexes in Philadelphia and was involved in daily operations and emergency events. Michael keeps his building skills active by managing the historic (1825) building where the Piscitello Law offices are based in Olde City, Philadelphia.

During his undergraduate degree, Michael was involved in a then-start-up group called Sharing Excess. This Philadelphia-based non-profit meets the needs of those battling hunger while reducing waste in the food industry. More info here.

three people standing in front of a car

Michael donates his car to Sharing Excess (2020)

In his spare time, Michael can be found researching innovative recipes, techniques, and equipment to support his passion for cooking. He is also a student of the Italian language, culture, and cycling. Michael is quite possibly at his happiest when he is in Sicily, riding with his family.

Michael, and his father Joe, uncle Francis DeRoos, and cousin Connor Quigely

Marina de Ragusa, Sicily (August 2024)

Education

  • J.D. Thomas R. Kline School of Law, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA (May 22, 2025)
  • B.A Temple University, Philadelphia, PA (May, 2022)

Professional Highlights

  • Member, Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia
  • Member, Families for Safe Streets, Greater Philadelphia
  • Member, 5th Square Advocacy
  • Member, PA Safe Roads PAC
  • Member, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
  • Certified, OSHA safety training
  • Certified, National Apartment Association
  • Graduate, Orleans Technical Institute

What to Do After a Bike Crash

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-372-8768 today!

  • Move to Safety: Get yourself and your bike out of the roadway and into a safe spot.
  • Take Photos: Capture images of the vehicle, license plates, and the intersection where the crash occurred to document the scene.
  • Call Police: Ensure your account of the crash is in the report. Mention any injuries or pain you feel, no matter how minor.
  • Get Medical Attention: If you don't go to the hospital from the scene, visit your primary care doctor or urgent care promptly.
  • Preserve Evidence: Avoid repairs or washing items. Keep your bike and clothing as they are to maintain evidence for your case.
  • Get Driver and Witness Info: Get contact info for anyone who witnessed the crash.
  • Call a Bike Crash Attorney: Avoid speaking to insurers before consulting an attorney. Your words could be used against you.
  • Meet Attorney at Crash Scene: As soon as you are able, make plans to meet your attorney at the crash scene to review details.
  • A car hit me or left the scene of the crash. Do I have a case?
    Yes. If you, or a family member that you live with has auto insurance, it will likely cover these types of cases. Also, if you or a family member do not own a car, there is a state run program that will provide benefits for unidentified vehicle crashes. That plan is called the Assigned Claims Plan.
  • The police report claims the crash is my fault. Does that invalidate my case?
    No. Police officer opinions do not prove fault. Although in many circumstances police cite the wrong individual because they don’t understand the law.
  • The insurance company is being very cooperative. Should I try to handle the case on my own?
    No. You should not attempt to handle the case on your own. The insurance company is being cooperative and nice to you because they are fearful that you will hire an experienced attorney and learn the true value of your case. Remember, the insurance company has a primary obligation to its shareholders and the company’s bottom line. When you hire an attorney to handle your case, the attorney will work towards your best interest. Regardless of how friendly the insurance company appears, make sure you have retained a strong, experienced legal advocate on your side.
  • I crashed when a car buzzed me, but I wasn’t directly hit. Do I still have a case?
    Yes. Direct contact is not necessary to file a claim or a lawsuit.
  • What is Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage and why would I need that?

    This type of coverage, known as UM/UIM, will provide you with protection you need if the person who hits you leaves the scene or has insufficient coverage. For example, many people carry the minimal level of auto insurance allowed by their state’s law. In Pennsylvania, that minimal level of coverage is $15,000.

    If you are injured by a hit and run driver, and your case is worth $100,000, your attorney can make an uninsured claim under your own policy (which is a UM claim). If you are hit by someone with a $15,000 policy limit and your case is worth $100,000, your attorney can secure the additional $85,000 by making a claim under your own policy (which is a UIM claim).

    The most important insurance coverage for a cyclist is to secure UM/UIM insurance. The coverage will cost additional money to your annual auto policy but is well worth the investment.

  • What if I don’t have a car? Should I buy bicycle insurance?
    If you do not own a car or live with someone with a car, we strongly encourage you to research bicycle insurance companies. Below is a list of some insurance companies that you may research, but we are not endorsing any one company listed below. 
  • Do e-bike riders have the same rights as standard bicycle riders?

    Yes, depending on the bike. E-bikes that do not exceed 20 mph unassisted, are 100 pounds in weight or less, and do not contain a motor rated above 750 watts are categorized as a pedal-cycle and are treated the same as a result.
  • I was just in a bike crash. What’s the most important thing to do?
    • Get out of the road: get yourself and your bike out of the roadway to a safe spot.
    • Call Police: ask the police officer to include your version of the crash in the report. Be sure to report any injury or pain you are experiencing, no matter how small.
    • Take photos at Crash Scene: if you are able, take photos of the car that hit you, including license plates, the intersection where the crash occurred and photos of the car itself.
    • Get Driver & Witness Info: collect contact info from any witnesses and/or people who help you at the scene. Take photos of the driver’s license, registration, insurance, and contact info.
    • Get Immediate Medical Attention: if you don’t go to the hospital from the scene, be sure to go to your primary care doctor or clinic (as soon as possible) to document your injuries, even if they appear minor. Have someone take photos of your injuries.
    • Preserve Evidence: Don’t attempt to fix anything or have your bike repaired. Don’t send your bike, helmet, or any other equipment to anyone other than your attorney. Take photos of your equipment, bike, and clothing. Don’t wash or repair your clothing.
    • Call Bike Crash Attorney: don’t communicate with any insurance company before consulting with an attorney. Anything you say to the company can be used against you later.
    • Meet Attorney at Crash Scene: as soon as you are able, make plans to meet your attorney at the crash scene to review details. Alternatively, your attorney can investigate, take photos, videos, and review information with you.
    • Do not speak with Insurance companies: Final reminder to not speak with any insurance companies, or the driver after the crash. Be sure to inform them that any inquiries should be directed to your bike crash attorney.