Bicycle Accident Lawyer Newport News

Riding a bike in Newport News should be enjoyable, but sharing the road with cars can be dangerous. When a motorist hits a cyclist, the injuries are often severe, and the aftermath can turn your life upside down. Medical bills, time away from work, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies can quickly pile up.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, the Newport News bicycle accident attorneys at Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law are here to stand up for you and pursue full compensation for what you’ve been through.

Can You Sue a Driver for Hitting You on a Bike?

If you were struck and injured by a motorist through no fault of your own, you may be able to file a lawsuit. The purpose of a lawsuit is to recover compensation for the losses you suffered due to the accident. This may include:

• Current and future medical bills
• Lost income or reduced earning capacity
• Damage to your bike and other personal property
• Pain and emotional distress

The goal is to help you get back as close as possible to the position you were in before the accident.

Who May Be Liable for a Bicycle Accident in Newport News?

In most bicycle accident cases, you will be dealing with the at-fault driver and, in turn, their auto insurance company. However, it is important to understand that there may be some situations in which other parties can be held responsible for your accident. This may include:

• Employers: If the driver was working at the time of the accident, it is possible to hold their employer liable under certain circumstances.
• Other cyclists: You should also explore whether other bicyclists might have caused your accident due to their negligent behavior.
• Government entities: There are cases in which governments can be held liable for unsafe roads and public transportation systems, but be aware that different rules apply when suing them.
• Parts manufacturers: The company that made or assembled your bicycle or its components may be liable if the parts were defective or improperly assembled.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Many bicycle accidents are caused by negligent motorists. Understanding how these accidents happen can help you see the types of behavior that may support a bicycle accident claim. Common causes include:

• Speeding: In 2024, Virginia recorded a total of nearly 26,000 speed-related car accidents. While not all of these involved cyclists, this data shows just how prevalent this dangerous behavior is among Virginia drivers.
• Distracted driving: More than 20,000 distracted driving crashes occurred statewide in 2024. Even a moment of inattention can be enough to put a cyclist in danger.
• Drunk driving: Drivers under the influence are more likely to speed, run lights, or fail to yield, all of which increase risks for cyclists.
• Dooring: Opening a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist can cause a direct collision or force the rider into traffic.
• Poorly maintained roads: Potholes, missing bike lane markings, and malfunctioning traffic signals are hazardous for cyclists.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, you should see a doctor right away. This is true even if you don’t think you were injured. These are a few of the most common injuries bicycle riders experience after a serious accident:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): According to the National Safety Council, one-third of non-fatal bicyclist injuries in the country involve the head.
• Neck and spinal cord injury: There is generally no protection for bicyclists against injuries to the neck and spinal cord. Even with a helmet, these injuries could lead to paralysis and other complications.
• Bone fractures: These are among the most common non-fatal injuries and typically include broken arms, legs, wrists, and collarbones.
• Facial injuries: A bicyclist may crash into the asphalt or into another object (such as a vehicle) and sustain major trauma to the face. Broken bones, broken teeth, and road rash are common.
• Internal injuries: Although less obvious, damage to internal organs and internal bleeding are possible and potentially life-threatening injuries. These occur in about 12% of bicycle accidents.

Why Fault Matters So Much in Virginia—And Why You Need a Lawyer

Like motorists, bicyclists are required to ride safely and observe traffic laws. Unfortunately, there are some situations where even a small mistake by a rider can contribute to an accident.  According to the Virginia DMV’s 2024 Virginia Traffic Crash Facts report, around 50% of cyclists who were involved in accidents took some improper action.

This is a crucial consideration in a bicycle accident case. In Virginia, if you are determined to be even slightly at fault for your accident, you will be completely barred from recovering compensation. Insurance companies know this and will try to use anything they can against you. They may try to claim that you:

• Disobeyed a traffic sign or signal
• Were riding outside the designated bicycle lane
• Were riding in the wrong direction
• Failed to yield right of way
• Failed to signal before turning or stopping

Because of this, it is vital to your legal rights that you retain a bicycle accident lawyer. Your lawyer can handle all communications with the insurance company, fight any attempts to shift blame to you, and demand the damages you deserve.

Why Work With a Newport News Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Huffman & Huffman?

When you hire Huffman & Huffman to handle your bicycle accident claim, we immediately get to work by:

• Helping you understand the steps you should take right after your accident.
• Investigating the crash to identify the at-fault parties and acquire evidence.
• Negotiating and handling all communications with the insurance companies.
• Representing you during mediation to reach an out-of-court settlement, if possible.
• Working with expert witnesses to determine a fair value for your damages, including reasonably estimated future losses.
• Taking your case to trial if the insurers refuse to negotiate in good faith.

Our firm has served injured victims in Newport News for more than 50 years. That history matters because it means we know the local courts, the insurance companies, and the tactics they use to fight bicycle accident claims. Just as important, it reflects the trust our neighbors have placed in us for decades. We understand how much a bicycle accident can affect your health, your finances, and your family, and we are committed to fighting for the best possible outcome in your case.

Bicycle Accident Lawyer Newport News: FAQs

What should I do right after a bicycle accident?

Seek medical attention, even if you feel okay. Then, report the accident to the police, gather contact information from witnesses, and take photos if you can. Finally, contact a lawyer before speaking with the insurance company.

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Virginia?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthens your claim.

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

In Virginia, adults are not legally required to wear a bicycle helmet. Failing to wear one should not prevent you from pursuing compensation if you were injured by a negligent driver.

Do you have a bicycle accident lawyer near me?

Yes. Our office is located at 12284 Warwick Boulevard, #2A, Newport News, Virginia, 23606. We’re proud to serve clients throughout Newport News and the surrounding areas.

Get in Touch With Our Bicycle Accident Law Firm in Newport News Today

If you were injured in a Newport News bicycle accident, let the attorneys of Huffman & Huffman review the evidence to determine your right to file for compensation. We can also explain the potential damages you can recover and discuss the settlement and litigation processes. Our firm offers free case consultations with no upfront fees. We have an office in Newport News and pride ourselves on being accessible to our clients. Call or complete our online contact form to get started.