Richmond Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Whether cycling through Richmond’s Artis District, commuting to work in the downtown Financial District, or peddling around historic Monroe Ward, you’ll likely have to share the road with motor vehicles.
Cyclists are some of the most vulnerable road users. When a car collides with a bicycle, serious and life-threatening injuries can result.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bike accident caused by driver’s negligence, they shouldn’t stick you with paying your own medical bills.
The team of experienced Richmond bicycle accident attorneys at Allen & Allen is committed to helping accident victims obtain justice and compensation they deserve. Contact us today and let our dedicated lawyers fight for you.
Richmond Bicycle Accident Guide
- Why Choose Allen & Allen for Your Bicycle Accident Claim?
- How Much Does a Richmond Bicycle Accident Attorney Cost?
- How Common are Bicycle Accidents in Richmond?
- Who Pays for Bike Accident Injuries?
- How Can a Lawyer with Allen & Allen Help with My Richmond Bicycle Accident Case?
- Contact the Richmond Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Allen & Allen Today
Why Choose Allen & Allen for Your Bicycle Accident Claim?
For over 110 years, the personal injury lawyers at Allen & Allen have provided accident victims with compassionate legal representation in pursuit of justice. We built our practice on integrity, respect, compassion, and trust—the same values that have guided us since 1910.
When you hire a lawyer from Allen & Allen, you get a team of legal professionals committed to protecting your rights and fighting for maximum compensation for your injuries.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, your fight becomes our fight. Contact our Richmond bicycle accident attorneys today for your free case consultation and to discuss your legal options.
How Much Does a Richmond Bicycle Accident Attorney Cost?
Bicycle accidents can result in serious, life-threatening injuries. If someone’s negligence caused your accident, you shouldn’t have to worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer to protect your rights. The personal injury lawyers at Allen & Allen offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case. If you choose to hire us, you pay nothing upfront. Our fee comes out of the compensation we recover for you.
As experienced personal injury lawyers, we understand the rights of accident victims and the types of compensation you may be entitled to. We fight insurance companies for the maximum compensation in your case. Studies show that accident victims who hire lawyers to handle their claims recover much more compensation than those who choose to handle these claims on their own, even after legal fees are paid.
How Common are Bicycle Accidents in Richmond?
Bicycle accidents are on the rise in Virginia. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there were 160 bicycle crashes with motor vehicles in Virginia over the last five months, resulting in 9 deaths — a 125% increase over previous years. Officials blame the mild winter for luring more cyclists to the roadways than in years prior.
Richmond, Virginia Bicycle Accident Laws
Virginia bicycle laws state that bicyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicles on the road. This means they should obey traffic laws, signals, and signs. Operators must ride as far to the right side of the road as is practicable, except when overtaking another vehicle, preparing to make a left turn, or avoiding obstacles.
If there is a designated bike lane, bicyclists are encouraged to use it, but they are not required to do so. Motorists must provide at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist. It’s the responsibility of the motorist to ensure the cyclist’s safety during the pass.
In Virginia, there is no state law requiring adult bicyclists to wear helmets, but some jurisdictions require riders 14 and younger to wear a helmet. Richmond does not require minors to wear helmets. However, the Commonwealth of Virginia does require riders of electric power-assisted bicycles to wear a helmet.
Virginia also has a so-called dooring law, which prohibits motor vehicle operators from opening the door of a parked motor vehicle on the side adjacent to moving traffic, including moving bicycles, unless it is reasonably safe to do so.
Who Pays for Bike Accident Injuries?
Virginia is a fault state when it comes to auto insurance, and this applies when a bicyclist is involved in a collision with a motor vehicle. So, under this fault-based system, accident victims, including victims of bicycle accidents, have a legal right to file a claim against the person or party who caused their accident, and seek compensation for their medical bills and other losses.
Insurance companies are notorious for undervaluing or denying accident victims’ claims. If an insurance company offered you compensation to settle your claim — or if your claim was denied — consult a bicycle accident lawyer with Allen & Allen. You may recover far more compensation than you realize. If you accept their offer, you may waive your right to seek more money if your injuries require additional treatment.
Who May I Hold Responsible for My Bicycle Accident Injuries?
In a bicycle accident case, various parties may share liability. The potential parties who may you might liable in a bicycle accident case include:
Motor Vehicle Drivers
Motor vehicle drivers are a common party held liable in bicycle accidents. If a driver’s negligent actions, such as speeding, running a red light, making an unsafe turn, or failing to yield the right-of-way, result in a collision with a cyclist, you may hold them responsible for the accident.
Pedestrians
If a pedestrian’s actions contribute to a bicycle accident, you may hold the pedestrian liable. For example, if a pedestrian unexpectedly steps into the path of a cyclist without warning or crosses the road at an inappropriate location, they might share responsibility for the accident.
Government Entities
In some cases, poor road conditions or inadequate signage and maintenance may contribute to a bicycle accident. If this is the case, you may hold the government entity responsible for maintaining the road or infrastructure liable.
Bicycle or Vehicle Manufacturers
If the accident resulted from a defect in the bicycle or the motor vehicle, you may hold the manufacturer or distributor of the defective product liable.
Private Property Owners
In cases where a bicycle accident occurs on private property, such as in a parking lot or driveway, you may hold the property owner liable if unsafe conditions on their property contributed to the accident.
Third Parties
Liability may also extend to third parties, such as businesses or organizations, if their actions or negligence played a role in the accident. For example, if a delivery driver for a company causes a bicycle accident while on the job, you may hold the employer liable.
Other Cyclists
In multi-cyclist accidents, you may hold one cyclist liable for causing the collision, such as through reckless riding.
How Can a Lawyer with Allen & Allen Help with My Richmond Bicycle Accident Case?
You need a lawyer after a bicycle accident to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
Here’s how a lawyer with Allen & Allen can help with your Richmond bicycle accident case:
Legal advice
Complex laws and regulations govern bicycle accident cases. Our lawyers have a deep understanding of personal injury law and can navigate the legal system on your behalf.
Investigation
Your attorney can gather evidence related to your case, such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and any available surveillance footage. We can also work with accident reconstruction experts to determine liability and strengthen your case.
Establishing liability
In a bicycle accident case, you must determine fault. Your lawyer will work to establish liability, whether it’s the negligent driver of a motor vehicle, a poorly maintained road, or another party.
Calculating damages
Your attorney can help you assess the full extent of your damages, which may include medical bills, property damage, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. We will ensure you seek fair compensation for all your losses.
Negotiating with insurance companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Your attorney can handle negotiations on your behalf, ensuring that you receive a fair settlement that covers your expenses and losses.
Filing a lawsuit
If negotiations fail to produce a satisfactory settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.
Court representation
If your case goes to court, your attorney will advocate for your rights, present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and make legal arguments to support your case.
Managing legal procedures
Legal cases involve a lot of paperwork, deadlines, and procedural requirements. We can handle these tasks efficiently, ensuring that you meet all necessary legal obligations.
Contingency fees
Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you win your case. This arrangement can make legal representation more accessible to accident victims.
Peace of mind
Dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle accident can be stressful. Having a lawyer on your side can provide peace of mind, knowing that someone is advocating for your best interests.
Contact the Richmond Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Allen & Allen Today
Scott Fitzgerald, Richmond Bicycle Accident Attorney
Bicycle accidents can have devastating consequences, leaving you with serious injuries, medical bills, and emotional distress. You don’t have to face this challenging journey alone.
When you need support the most, a dedicated Richmond bicycle accident attorney at Allen & Allen can make all the difference in your pursuit of justice and compensation. Contact Richmond personal injury lawyer today at (866) 552-5683 for your free consultation and to hear your options for financial recovery.
Our Richmond office
Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen
1809 Staples Mill Road
Richmond, VA 23230