Getting into a bicycle accident can result in severe injuries. If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a bike crash in central Virginia, you should consult an experienced Richmond bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
You may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries. A Richmond personal injury lawyer from Pendleton Law Team can help with your insurance claim or a lawsuit against the liable party. We’re the “Heavy Hitters®” who have brought millions to clients like you, and we want to help, so reach out now.
When to Call a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Richmond, VA
You can increase your chances of securing fair compensation after a bike accident by immediately hiring a lawyer. An attorney can quickly assess your situation and help you determine if you have a valid claim for compensation.
Your personal injury attorney can also deal with the insurance company and all communication with the at-fault party, ensuring you can focus on healing from injuries like broken bones or a concussion.
We know the five things the insurance companies don’t want you to know and can share this information.
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What Type of Compensation Could You Receive From a Bicycle Accident?
Bicycle accidents often lead to devastating injuries. While helmets offer some protection to cyclists to reduce the chance of the worst accidents, they do not protect the rest of the body from extreme injuries.
The liable party may have to pay for all of your medical care, including the costs of:
- Emergency treatment
- Time in a hospital
- Medications
- Surgeries and other procedures
- Rehabilitation expenses
The at-fault party may also need to pay for your:
- Lost wages
- Future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
An experienced bicycle accident attorney in Richmond, VA, will be able to assist you in calculating the total amount of damages you are entitled to claim as a result of your injuries.
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Who Is at Fault in a Bicycle Accident?
Like any personal injury case, the crucial question is who was negligent in the crash. The evidence in a bicycle accident case is quite similar to that in a car accident case, and we know what we need to prove your case.
For instance, if the driver received a ticket for the crash, that could be proof of negligence, backed up by a police officer’s word.
In other cases, it’s not so simple. If both of you were turning at the same time, and there was a crash, it can be hard to determine who was at fault. But proving that it was the other party’s fault is the job of your bicycling accident lawyer in Richmond.
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How a Lawyer Can Help After a Bicycle Crash
An attorney can assist with all your legal needs after a collision. Your lawyer can:
- Gather evidence to establish fault for your crash
- Identify all negligent drivers who caused the collision
- Track the economic and non-economic losses you sustained
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- Handle a personal injury lawsuit when necessary
Our personal injury law firm may resolve your bicycle accident claim outside of court by bringing you a fair settlement from the insurance company. However, we have the resources and training to represent you in court.
We can also give you information about 10 ways that you can increase the value of your personal injury case.
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Why Hire Our Legal Team After a Bike Crash?
The Pendleton Law Team provides personalized legal care to individuals who sustain injuries in bicycle crashes. We’ve served thousands of clients in Virginia, providing them with the support and guidance they deserve after sustaining an injury.
A bike accident attorney from our team can help with your personal injury claim. We communicate with you openly throughout the legal process and ensure you understand all your legal options.
Additionally, we help victims of bicycle accidents on a contingency fee basis. You’ll only have to pay us for legal fees after we resolve your claim.
Time Limits on Your Claim for Damages
Generally, Virginia only gives you two years to seek compensation for the losses you sustain in a bike accident. Reach out to a Richmond bicycle accident attorney now so we can start your claim and help you avoid any issues with deadlines.
Do Cyclists Have Rights in Virginia?
In Richmond, Virginia, all cyclists have the right to protect themselves while on the road. If you were in a bicycle accident, an attorney will fight to protect those rights to the fullest extent. In Virginia, cyclists:
- Can ride on the right side of the road and are not required to use the bike lane
- Can occupy the entire lane if a lane is too narrow to share
- Can pass on the left or the right side
- Can ride in two abreast formations on state and local roads
- Must not impede traffic but rise with the flow of traffic instead
- May ride on the shoulder of the highway when a barrier is present
Virginia does not require cyclists to wear helmets, except in certain places like Fairfax, Falls Church, Alexandria, and Vienna. This rule only applies to children up to 14 years of age. However, it is wise to always wear a helmet, regardless of state law.
Which Laws Protect Cyclists in Virginia?
In 2015, Richmond announced plans to build bike lanes spanning 15 downtown blocks. This plan is a popular idea that many major urban centers throughout the country have been proposing.
The biker-friendly spot of downtown Richmond protects cyclists while at the same time allowing motor vehicle drivers to continue along their commute without interruption. The introduction of these lanes served the purpose of helping to curb bicycle accidents.
Virginia continues to pass laws to protect bicyclists. Richmond motorists and bicyclists have similar rights and responsibilities to each other to prevent accidents from occurring. If a collision does occur, legal representation can use such regulation to get you monetary compensation.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
There are several steps to take after a cyclist accident that can strengthen your case upon you seeking compensation. These can be done in no particular order, as all are crucial to recouping the settlement you deserve.
Follow these steps after a bicycle accident:
1. Schedule a Doctor’s Visit
Even if you appear fine, you must seek medical attention post-accident. Keep up with all invoices, medical records, photos, and x-rays, which will factor into your settlement amount.
2. Take Photos of the Bicycle Accident
Taking photographs after a crash is important. Capture various angles that show the extent of all damage. Include photos of your helmet and bike. These photos will serve as proof of damage reimbursement. Your property will become evident upon filing for a settlement.
3. Record Names and Phone Numbers of Those at the Scene
If a motorist hits you, obtain the names and phone numbers of all parties and eyewitnesses. If you are hurt and unable to, ask someone to do this for you.
4. File a Police Report
Give a detailed account of what happened. This information will be part of the official record of the bicycle accident or crash. It will be used as evidence when the insurance investigates who was at fault.
Talk to Us After a Bicycle Collision in Richmond, VA
If a vehicle driver fails to respect your rights as a cyclist and causes injury to you, you have the right to take legal action against them and seek full compensation for all the harm you’ve suffered.
You can rely on a Richmond bicycle accident lawyer from The Pendleton Law Team to represent your best interests after a crash. We can give you a free initial consultation to discuss your legal options. We are here to serve you while you focus on recovery.
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