If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Colonial Heights, you may be facing painful injuries and overwhelming challenges. While bicycles offer a wallet-friendly and environmentally friendly means of transportation, cyclists are highly vulnerable to serious collisions. In those moments, our bicycle accident lawyers serving Colonial Heights are here to protect you.
Instead of navigating the legal process alone, a skilled personal injury lawyer serving Colonial Heights from The Pendleton Law Team can provide the guidance and support you need during this frustrating time. Our dedicated team is committed to advocating for your rights and safeguarding your interests throughout the legal process.
Schedule a risk-free case evaluation if you’re in Colonial Heights looking for a lawyer near you.
Virginia Bicycle Laws That Help Injured Cyclists Win Settlements
In Virginia, several bicycle laws are in place to protect the rights of cyclists and help them win injury settlements in the event of a bicycle-car accident. While these laws do not guarantee a successful settlement, our car accident lawyers near Colonial Heights will use them in your case to establish liability and demonstrate negligence.
Virginia Department of Transportation highlights laws that can be relevant in injury settlements:
Right-of-Way Laws
Virginia law requires motorists to yield the right-of-way to cyclists when necessary. If a driver fails to yield to a cyclist who has the right-of-way and causes an accident, it can help establish the driver’s negligence and strengthen the cyclist’s claim.
Safe Passing Laws
Virginia law requires motorists to pass cyclists at a safe distance, leaving a minimum of three feet of clearance when overtaking them. Violations of this law can indicate driver negligence and contribute to a cyclist’s injury settlement.
Dooring Laws
Virginia law prohibits opening a vehicle door into moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so. If a cyclist is injured by a door opening unexpectedly, it can help establish the driver’s liability and support the cyclist’s claim.
Helmet Laws
Virginia has a helmet law that requires cyclists under the age of 14 to wear a helmet while riding. Although violations of this law may not directly impact an injury settlement, wearing a helmet can demonstrate the cyclist’s responsibility and adherence to safety precautions.
Contributory Negligence Rule
Virginia follows a contributory negligence rule, which means that if a cyclist is found even partially at fault for an accident, they may be barred from recovering any damages. This rule stresses the importance of establishing the driver’s negligence and minimizing any potential liability on your part.
While these laws can be helpful in supporting a cyclist’s injury settlement, each case is unique, and the specific circumstances will determine their impact. Consulting with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Virginia is crucial for understanding how these laws apply to your case and building a strong claim for a successful settlement.
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How to Maximize Compensation for Your Bicycle Accident Injuries
The primary reason that our clients come to us is to explore the legal option of increasing their bike injury settlement offer. The insurance company of the at-fault party will usually jump at the chance of invalidating your claim, reducing your offer, or delaying payment.
To avoid all of the above and maximize your compensation potential, do the following:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health and well-being should be your top priority. Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries, even if they seem minor at first. Prompt medical documentation of your injuries is crucial for establishing their severity and linking them to the accident.
- Document the accident scene: If possible, gather evidence at the accident scene. Take photos of the location, the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and any relevant road conditions or signage. This documentation can provide valuable evidence later on.
- Collect witness statements: If there were any witnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information and ask if they would be willing to provide a statement. Witness testimony can help establish the cause and liability for the accident.
- Report the accident: Notify the police about the accident, especially if there are significant injuries or property damage. Obtain a copy of the police report, as it can serve as official documentation of the incident.
- Keep detailed records: Maintain a record of all your medical appointments, treatments, medications, and expenses related to the accident. Also, document any impact the injuries have had on your daily life, such as pain, emotional distress, or limitations on your activities.
- Consult with us: It’s advisable to consult with an experienced bicycle accident attorney. They can assess the details of your case, determine your legal options, and guide you through the claims process. An attorney can help you build a strong case, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court.
- Calculate damages with experts: Work with your attorney to calculate the full extent of your damages. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and any future damages related to your injuries.
- Negotiate: Insurance companies may try to settle quickly and offer a low compensation amount. Be cautious when dealing with them, and consult with your attorney before accepting any settlement offers. Your attorney can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Consider litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit and pursuing your case in court. Litigation can provide an opportunity to present your case before a judge or jury and seek maximum compensation for your injuries.
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Understanding the Time Limit to Take Legal Action After a Bike Crash in Virginia
If you need to take legal action to pursue financial remedies after a bicycle accident, it’s important to be aware of Virginia’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. In Virginia, the statute can be found in the Virginia Code section 8.01-243, which generally provides a two-year time limit from the date of the bike crash to file a civil suit.
Failing to file your lawsuit within this timeframe may result in the loss of the opportunity to seek damages. While The Pendleton Law Team’s attorneys are committed to working efficiently and meeting deadlines, our bike accident attorneys near Colonial Heights suggest that you reach out to us as soon as possible.
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Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney Near Colonial Heights, VA
After a traumatic bicycle crash, it’s understandable that you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to proceed. At The Pendleton Law Team, we empathize with your situation, and we are here to provide you with compassionate guidance and determined representation during this challenging time.
To begin your case, we encourage you to contact us and schedule a free consultation with our bike accident lawyers serving Colonial Heights. During this consultation, they will listen to the details of your accident and discuss your legal options for seeking recovery. Upon determining that your case has merit, you will have the support of the “Heavy Hitters®” behind you.
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