Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Virginia Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Virginia isn’t just for lovers, it’s also for bikers. With its scenic routes and bicycle-friendly cities, it’s a cycling paradise. However, the increased popularity of biking in VA has also resulted in more bike accidents, serious injuries, and sadly deaths. 

From motor vehicle crashes to bicycle accidents involving road hazards, these incidents can leave cyclists with severe physical, emotional, and financial burdens, which is why it’s important for an injured cyclist to consult with a proven bicycle accident lawyer soon after a collision.

Whether you just started riding or you’re a seasoned enthusiast, an experienced bike accident attorney can ensure your rights are protected, that you’re treated fairly, and that you get the compensation you deserve for injuries caused by the negligence of another person. 

Continue reading to learn more about bike accidents in Virginia and the steps you can take if you’re injured. 

If you have suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, Sharif Gray at Broughton Injury Law can help. We have won millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. Call Sharif at (804) 915-1611, send him a message online, or schedule a free consultation with him. We will get justice for you.

Bike Laws in Virginia

Every state has its own set of unique bike laws and Virginia is no exception. These bike laws are specifically written to ensure the safety of bike riders, motor vehicle drivers, and pedestrians. 

This is why it’s critical for your bike accident lawyer to have an in-depth understanding of these laws so they can effectively represent you, as an injured cyclist. Here’s a brief overview of some of VA’s bike laws and their implications: 

• Right to the Road: According to Virginia bike laws, bikes are considered vehicles, as such bike riders have the exact same rights and responsibilities as other motorists. This includes obeying traffic laws, adhering to signals, and following signs. 
• Passing Bicyclists: When passing a bike rider, Virginia law requires that a motor vehicle driver must pass at least three feet on the left of bicyclists – which helps to limit bike accidents. 
• Helmet Law: Unlike many other states, VA doesn’t legally mandate helmet use for cyclists over the age of 14. However, for safety reasons, it’s highly advisable to wear one. Otherwise, your bicycle accident attorney may face an uphill battle in cases that involve head injuries or traumatic brain injury (TBI). 
• Riding Two Abreast: Cyclists can ride two abreast (i.e., side-by-side) so long as they’re not impeding the normal flow of traffic. However, they can’t ride with more than two bikes beside each other, unless on a bike path. Further, riders can’t take up more than a single lane. 
• Use of Bike Lanes: Bike lanes are generally safer and more comfortable than roadways. While cyclists are definitely encouraged to use them, they are not legally required to. They can share the road with cars, trucks, and buses, when desired or necessary. 

It’s imperative for your bike accident attorney to understand the nuance of bike laws. Not only do they help determine liability in bicycle accidents, but they also serve as a guide to help keep riders safe across the state. 

Whether it’s a case involving serious injuries from a blind side collision or an accident involving a car door, having a thorough understanding of what’s legal and what’s not can have a major effect on the outcome of your personal injury case. This, among other reasons, is why you should seriously consider your legal representation, and work with a bicycle accident lawyer you can trust. 

Why We Take Bicycle Accidents Seriously

We understand the unique challenges and risks faced by bike riders on Virginia’s unpredictable roads. We know all too well about the seriousness of bicycle accidents and the profound effect they can have on your life. Here are a few reasons why we prioritize these types of cases:

• Severity of Injuries: Unlike people in cars, cyclists have very little (if any) protection – Which is why bike accidents often result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, and other medical complications. 
• Case Complexity: Bike collision cases usually involve bicycle safety, road conditions, and traffic laws. Our experienced attorneys know how to effectively navigate these conditions to ensure the best possible outcome. 
• Insurance Considerations: Dealing with an insurance company after a bike accident can be a major headache – to say the least. Our bike collision attorneys are here to negotiate with the insurers to recover damages for injuries, lost wages, and other expenses. We’re also ready to fight for you in court (if necessary). 

Virginia Bike Accident Statistics

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, bike accidents are on the rise – by a lot. Year over year, bicyclist fatalities have risen by 80%. Further, the number of accidents and injuries have also increased. 

We don’t just see a bike injury case – we see the significant and real impact it has on you and your family. From seeking compensation for the cost of medical treatment, to breaking down bike laws, to protecting your rights, our law firm is dedicated to providing the best legal representation for injured cyclists in Virginia. 

We’re here to help you recover the real value of your losses while walking with you step-by-step through your recovery journey. Contact us today to learn how we can help. 

Types of Bike Accidents in Virginia

There’s no “cut-and-dry” bike accident – every situation is different and requires a unique approach to determine liability, protect the cyclists, and seek fair compensation for damages suffered. Our bike accident attorneys understand the many types of accident scenarios and will leave no stone unturned when representing injured cyclists in Virginia. 

Right Hook Accidents

As the name suggests, right hook accidents happen when a motor vehicle turns right and simultaneously collides with a cyclist who’s either riding alongside or approaching from the rear. These types of accidents not only bring into question personal injury laws, but they also include many elements of bike lane regulations and right-of-way rules. 

Dooring Accidents

Suppose you’re riding your bike and suddenly a car door stretches open and hits you. This is a textbook example of a dooring accident. These types of accidents are a clear reminder of how attentive motor vehicle drivers and cyclists need to be, especially in congested areas. In most cases, these types of incidents require an understanding of local traffic laws as well as the rights of cyclists. 

Rear-End Collisions

Perhaps one of the scariest kinds of accidents, a rear-end collision happens when a cyclist is hit from behind by a motor vehicle. Both rear-end and head-on collisions are known to cause particularly serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and more. Bike crash attorneys play a critical role in these types of cases, in terms of helping to identify fault, proving the seriousness of the injury, and seeking maximum compensation. 

Intersection Accidents

Intersections are dangerous hot zones for bicycle accidents in Virginia. In many cases, that’s because drivers neglect to yield, run red lights, or entirely miscalculate a biker’s speed. In many cases, intersection accidents require a thorough investigation in order to secure a fair settlement for injured bicyclists. 

Hit and Run Accidents

Any type of collision is unfortunate. However, none are more frustrating than hit and run accidents. These occur when another vehicle hits a cyclist and leaves the scene without rendering aid, exchanging information, calling the police, etc. These types of scenarios can often result in the injured cyclist seeking damages as well as criminal charges.

Our bike injury attorneys take a tailored approach to each type of bicycle accident. We’re fixated on ensuring that every injured cyclist gets the full extent of everything they deserve. Contact us today to discuss the details of your bike collision with a proven bicycle crash lawyer. 

Steps to Take After A Bike Accident

If you’ve been involved in a bike accident in Virginia, it’s in your best interest to take the right steps as quickly as you can. Not only is this critical for your health, but it could also have major financial and legal implications in your life. 

Here’s a bike crash checklist to consider immediately after you’ve been involved in a crash: 

• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel absolutely fine, some injuries (i.e., traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding) might not be immediately apparent. Further, a medical report can serve as highly important evidence if you’re pursuing a legal claim. 
• Report the Accident: The faster you contact the police, the better. A police report can be a vital document when determining fault in bike accident cases. It can also be very helpful when dealing with insurance providers. 
• Gather Information: Collect contact and insurance information from all parties involved, including witnesses. Take photos of the accident scene, your bike, the motor vehicle, and any visible injuries. This information can be invaluable to your bike accident lawyer in building your case.
• Don’t Negotiate or Admit Fault: Regardless of what you think caused the accident, it’s usually not a good idea to admit fault. Further, it’s in your best interest to avoid negotiating with a third-party or their insurance company because they can use your statements against you later. 
• Contact a Bike Accident Attorney: Reach out to a specialized bike accident attorney as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the complexities of your case, deal with insurance companies, and help you understand your legal rights and options.
• Keep Records: Document everything related to the accident, including medical treatments, expenses, lost wages, and how the accident has impacted your daily life.

Again, it’s important to remember that every bicycle accident is different and may require unique steps. However, taking the general steps listed above can drastically improve your odds of obtaining a positive outcome in your case. 

We understand the ins and outs of the bike laws in VA and are fully committed to helping injured cyclists get the compensation and care they deserve. Remember, what you do immediately after a bike crash can be the difference between a solid personal injury claim and one that doesn’t stand a chance in court. 

What Kind of Damages Can I Recover After a Bicycle Accident in VA?

Understanding the types of damages you can recover is crucial after a bicycle accident in Virginia. Depending on the circumstances of the case and your bike accident attorney’s recommendations, damages in a bicycle accident case can include the following:

• Medical Expenses
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
• Pain and Suffering
• Property Damage
• Punitive Damages
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life

We go through every aspect of your case in detail to ensure that all potential areas of compensation are explored. We understand how a bicycle accident can have a serious impact on your life, and we’re dedicated to helping you recover physically, emotionally, and financially. 

Whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies or litigating for your rights in court, we’re here to fight side-by-side with you for the best possible outcome in your bicycle accident case.

Why Did The Insurance Company Deny My Claim?

Unfortunately, insurance companies are more concerned with their bottom line than they are with fairly compensating injured cyclists. Here are a few reasons why the insurance company may deny your claim: 

• Lack of clear liability for the accident: The insurance company might argue that the accident was the cyclist’s fault or that they at least contributed to the accident.
• The accident didn’t cause the injury: Insurers sometimes claim that the accident didn’t actually cause the damages or injuries. They may also claim that the medical treatment sought was excessive.
• Policy-related issues: They could also claim that the collision and subsequent damages fall outside the scope of the policy or there was a lapse in coverage.
• Technicalities: Some claims are denied due to missing deadlines or not providing enough documentation to support the claim.

Our skilled bike accident lawyers are familiar with these all-to-common tactics used by insurance companies. We’re here to fight through the red tape, negotiate with insurers on your behalf, protect your rights, and seek the compensation you deserve for your bicycle accident injuries and related damages. 

Work With a Virginia Bicycle Accident Lawyer You Can Trust

The caliber of legal representation you work with can be the difference between success and failure of your case. Our independent bicycle accident attorneys combine personal injury and bike law knowledge with compassion and the willingness to go the extra mile when representing injured cyclists. 

Don’t forget, in most cases, the VA statute of limitations to seek damages for bike crashes is two years. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation.

“We Get Justice For Injured People In Court, and We Love What We Do”

We are not settlement lawyers. Sharif Gray has proven that he can and will get results in court, and the insurance companies know that. If you have suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, we can help.

Sharif is committed to trying cases well. Because of that, he does not handle hundreds of cases at a time. He is selective in the cases he takes so he can get justice for the people he represents. In every case, he has three goals:

1. Hold the responsible corporation or individual fully accountable.
2. Make the community safer, so others are not also harmed.
3. Compensation that recognizes the full and fair value of what was taken from your health and quality of life.

We love what we do, and we are proud of the positive impact we have had and will continue to have on the people we represent and the community we live in.

If we can be of help to you, please do not hesitate to call us at (804) 915-1611 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We will get justice for you.