Virginia Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Protecting Cyclists’ Rights & Best Interests in Virginia

Every cyclist is aware that their risk of injury is far greater than the average driver when they get on the road. However, despite taking every safety precaution, all it takes is a distracted driver or other hazards to create a dangerous situation. When another motorist’s negligence leads to a biking accident, our team at Rowe Weinstein & Sohn is dedicated to helping you get the compensation you need to recover.

Get in touch with Rowe Weinstein & Sohn today via our online contact form or call (571) 486-4798 for a free consultation with our Virginia bicycle accident attorney!

Virginia Bicycle Laws

Understanding Virginia’s bicycle laws is crucial for both cyclists and motorists. These laws are designed to protect cyclists and ensure their safety on the road. In Virginia, bicycles are considered vehicles, which means that cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles.

Some key laws include:

• Bicyclists Must Obey Traffic Signals: Cyclists must follow the same traffic signals and signs as motorists. This includes stopping at red lights and stop signs.
• Riding on the Right Side of the Road: Cyclists must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when passing, turning left, or avoiding hazards.
• Helmet Laws: While Virginia does not have a statewide helmet law for cyclists, some localities, such as Fairfax County, require cyclists under a certain age to wear helmets.
• Passing Distance: Motorists must give at least three feet of space when passing a cyclist, a law that aims to prevent accidents caused by unsafe passing.
• Use of Bike Lanes: When bike lanes are available, cyclists are encouraged to use them. However, cyclists are not legally required to ride in bike lanes and may use the roadways.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can occur for various reasons, often due to the negligence of drivers or hazardous road conditions. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted are less likely to notice cyclists, leading to collisions.
• Failure to Yield: Many accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way to cyclists at intersections or when entering or exiting driveways.
• Dooring: This type of accident occurs when a parked car’s door is suddenly opened in the path of an oncoming cyclist, causing a collision.
• Speeding: Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time, making it more difficult to avoid a collision with a cyclist.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, and poorly maintained roads can cause cyclists to lose control and crash.
• Impaired Driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are a significant threat to cyclists, as their impaired judgment and reaction times increase the likelihood of an accident.

How Injured Cyclists Can Recover Compensation

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Virginia, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. At Rowe Weinstein & Sohn, our Virginia bicycle accident lawyers are committed to helping you recover the full compensation you deserve.

Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Medical Treatment: Your health is the top priority. Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries, even if they seem minor. Documenting your injuries is crucial for your claim.
2. Gathering Evidence: Collecting evidence from the accident scene is vital. This may include photographs, witness statements, police reports, and any available surveillance footage. Your lawyer will also gather medical records and other documentation to support your claim.
3. Determining Liability: Proving fault in a bicycle accident can be complex. Our team will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident to determine who is responsible. This could be the driver of a motor vehicle, a government entity responsible for road maintenance, or even a manufacturer if a defect in your bicycle contributed to the accident.
4. Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, offering settlements that may not fully cover your losses. Our experienced attorneys will handle all negotiations, ensuring that you receive a fair settlement.
5. Filing a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our litigation team has a proven track record of success in representing injured cyclists.
6. Recovering Damages: The compensation you may be entitled to includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and, in some cases, punitive damages if the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless.

The sooner you contact a Virginia bicycle accident lawyer at Rowe Weinstein & Sohn, the sooner we can begin working on your case. We offer a free consultation to discuss your legal options and determine the best course of action for your situation.

Let us help you navigate the legal process and recover the compensation you deserve. Call (571) 486-4798 today or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.