Bike Accidents

HELPING VICTIMS OF BICYCLE ACCIDENTS in Virginia

It only takes an instant. A driver looks down at his phone, or simply doesn’t check her side mirror before turning right. Suddenly, a bicyclist is struck and seriously injured.

Bicycle accidents have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries, even in relatively low-speed collisions. In 2015 alone, over 1,000 people lost their lives and nearly 467,000 were injured in bicycle accidents (according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). An accident can leave a victim and his or her family facing a difficult and uncertain future.

Let Our Family Help Yours

A family-owned firm, Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law, PLLC has helped tens of thousands of families in our community over our past 50 years in practice. We have fought for and recovered millions of dollars for the injured, using every resource at our disposal to set right the wrongs caused by negligence and misconduct. We are dedicated to helping injured bicyclists and their families get their lives back on track after serious accidents.

For experienced help, call a Virginia bicycle accident attorney at our firm at (757) 599-6050. Your consultation is free, and you pay no upfront costs or legal fees until we win your case!

Bicycle accident Injuries

Some of the most common bike accident injuries are:

• Broken bones
• Neck, back and spinal cord injuries
• Head injuries

Bicycle Safety Tips

Although a bicycle accident can occur even when you take the necessary precautions and obey traffic laws, there are specific steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of a collision.

Here are some helpful bicyclist tips for sharing the road with motorists:

• Never ride against traffic.
• Obey all traffic laws.
• Avoid riding on the sidewalk.
• Avoid weaving between parked cars.
• Beware of drivers who are making right turns, as they may turn into your path.
• Be aware of drivers or passengers who may open the doors of parked cars into your path.
• Always use a bicycle lane, if there is one.
• Never assume a driver can see you. Be aware and cautious at all times.

If you were struck by a motor vehicle in spite of your efforts to stay safe, Huffman & Huffman can help. Our Newport News bike accident lawyers help clients across Virginia Beach and throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and can advise you of the steps you can take to pursue a fair settlement or award that will help you rebuild and recover.

Contact our team at (757) 599-6050 to arrange your free case evaluation.

Bike Accident FAQ

• Is there a statute of limitations for bicycle injury claims?
  Virginia has a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, including bicycle accident cases. If you are injured while riding your bicycle, then you will have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim against the driver or pedestrian who hurt you. Failing to start your claim within two years will all but guarantee that you can’t recover anything from the liable party, even with powerful, clear evidence against the defendant.
• From whom can I recover damages in a bike accident case?
  Most bicycle accident claims are filed against motorists who hit bicyclists while they are sharing the road. Pedestrians can also cause bicycle accidents if they aren’t careful while walking down the sidewalk, out of stores, in parking lots, and so forth. One of the more common bicycle-pedestrian accident cases is caused by “dooring,” which involves a motorist or a pedestrian opening a car door or store door directly in front of an approaching cyclist. Whichever party caused the accident is the party that you can file against and recover your damages.
• My accident was caused by a roadway defect — do I still have a case?
  Road defects like potholes, cracks, uneven surfaces, and missing or damaged drainage screens are problematic for motorists, as they can damage the vehicle. However, for bicyclists, roadway defects are often downright dangerous and can cause serious accidents. If your bicycle accident was caused by an issue with the road, then the party in charge of the road’s condition could be liable for your damages. In many cases, the defendant is a municipal department of transportation. You might have to bring a case against a government agency, which is never easy and should only be attempted with the assistance of a bicycle accident attorney.
• What happens if my bike accident was partially my fault?
  Virginia is one of a few states that use contributory negligence rules, which is the harshest form of liability law. A claimant who is 1% liable for their accident cannot make a recovery against another party involved in it. Yes, even if the driver who hit you while you were riding your bicycle was 99% liable for the accident, you won’t be able to file a claim or lawsuit against them for a recovery. It is so important that you work with a law firm that knows how to investigate a crash and use evidence to drop your liability down to 0%.
• Can you sue if you weren’t wearing a bicycle helmet?
  You don’t have to wear a bicycle helmet as an adult in Virginia, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t. Not wearing a bicycle helmet increases your risk of suffering a head or brain injury significantly if you get into a crash. Furthermore, if you don’t wear a helmet but know you probably should, then it could increase your liability for your injuries, which is a serious problem. Just 1% liability placed on you is enough to stop your claim in its tracks.

Recommended Reading:

• Back-to-School Safety Tips for Drivers, Bicycle Riders, and Pedestrians
• Injured in a Bicycle Accident? Here’s What to Do Next.