Virginia Beach Bicycle Accident Attorneys Serve Injured Cyclists
Hampton Roads personal injury law firm pursues compensation for Virginians
Bicycle riding in the Hamptons Roads area is a fun, healthy activity that numerous residents and visitors enjoy every day, on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and elsewhere. Unfortunately, motorists are not always as aware of cyclists as they should be, and all it takes is one negligent driver to inflict serious injury on you. If you are hurt in a crash, the Virginia Beach bicycle accident attorneys at Ernest Law Group, PLC can provide the highly professional and personalized legal representation you need. We have a meeting location in Norfolk and assist clients from Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Suffolk and other cities.
Common causes of bicycle crashes in the Virginia Beach, Virginia area
When a car hits a bicycle, the overwhelming difference in size and force puts the rider at a severe disadvantage. However, to obtain compensation for their injuries in a lawsuit, the cyclist must prove the driver was at fault. Common reasons motorists hit bicycles include distracted driving and aggressive vehicle operation involving unsafe maneuvers such as abrupt lane changes. Motorists often get impatient behind cyclists, especially when there is no defined bike lane. When there is a bike lane, motorists frequently make turns across the lane without looking or signaling. State law allows careless drivers to evade responsibility if they convince a jury that the injured victim was partially to blame for the crash, so it is critical to hire a seasoned Virginia Beach personal injury lawyer who can effectively counter meritless defenses.
Common injuries from bicycle accidents in Virginia Beach, Norfolk and other local cities
Bicycle accidents cause many types of severe injuries to a rider, including:
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones, such as collarbones, ribs, and wrists
- Crush injuries, if the cyclist is pinned under the car
- Road rash and other types of skin lacerations
In the worst case, a rider can suffer wrongful death after being struck by a motor vehicle.
How bicycle accidents can be avoided
Cyclists must obey the same rules of the road as automobiles. Wearing bright colors and using safety devices such as lights and reflectors can also lessen the likelihood of a collision. Wearing a helmet could reduce the negative effects of a blow to the head.
How a Virginia Beach bicycle accident attorney establishes negligence
Several parties could potentially be at fault for a bicycle accident, including:
- Negligent drivers
- Municipalities that failed to maintain a road properly
- Automobile manufacturers
- Bicycle manufacturers
We use several methods to build the strongest possible legal argument, such as interviewing witnesses to the crash, reviewing the police report, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly what happened. Often, surveillance video will play a key role in determining fault.
Our attorneys collect doctors’ reports and discuss your injuries with medical experts to ascertain how much compensation to demand. In many cases, we can negotiate a fair settlement so you receive payment without having to go to court. If the defendant does not agree to suitable terms, we prepare for trial.
If you were hurt in a hit and run accident, we negotiate with your own insurance company to settle your claim under your uninsured motorist coverage.
What compensation is available for a bicycle accident in Virginia?
Bike riders who are the victims of others’ negligence are entitled to recover for their economic and noneconomic losses, which include:
- Present and future medical care
- Present and future lost earnings
- Property damage
- Physical pain
- Mental suffering
Our team is determined to recover the maximum amount possible given the extent of your injuries and other facts of your case.
Contact our proven team of Hampton Roads bicycle accident attorneys
Ernest Law Group, PLC provides exceptional legal representation for victims of bicycle accidents in Virginia Beach and throughout the Hampton Roads area, including Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News and Suffolk. Our firm also has a meeting location in Norfolk. To schedule a free consultation, call 757-289-2499 or contact us online.