Richmond Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Strong advocacy for injured bicycle riders struck by cars in Virginia
Richmond offers the joy of riding your bicycle along the James River trails, near Virginia Commonwealth University, or the many other sights of the city. There are dangers, however. Car and truck drivers regularly fail to see bicycles or respect the rights of bicycle riders. Bicycle accidents at intersections and on both city and rural roads are quite common.
When motorized vehicles strike a bicycle rider, the rider is likely to suffer serious injuries. Many bicycle accidents are fatal. At Phelan Petty, our personal injury lawyers understand how traumatizing a bicycle accident is. You need medical help now. You will likely lose time from work. The pain from your injuries can be unbearable. Our Richmond-based bicycle accident lawyers move quickly to investigate how the accident occurred and to show why the driver who struck you should be held accountable in Virginia. Call us now to discuss your rights.
How can we help?
- How dangerous are bicycle accidents?
- Why do Richmond bicycle accidents happen?
- What injuries do Richmond bicycle accident victims suffer?
- Who may be liable for my bicycle accident?
- What are Richmond’s bicycle laws?
- What is my Richmond bicycle accident claim worth?
- Safety tips for riding a bicycle in Richmond
- How much time do I have to file my bicycle accident claim in Virginia?
- Do you have a bicycle accident lawyer near me?
How dangerous are bicycle accidents?
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that almost 1,000 bicycle riders die and more than 130,000 are injured in the US each year. Riders between 55 and 69 are most at risk for a fatal bike accident. Younger riders are most at risk of needing ER care. Urban areas are especially dangerous. In Virginia, in 2020 (through December 8), there were 454 bicycle crashes killing 14 people.
Bicycle accidents are more deadly than car and truck accidents because the rider has no protection. The combination of speed, force, metal, and asphalt striking a rider often causes catastrophic injuries and fatalities. The safest solution is for drivers to be alert and not hit the bike rider. That is why it is important to file claims against negligent drivers – to send a message that careless driving will not be tolerated. Drivers need to pay attention.
Why do Richmond bicycle accidents happen?
Negligence is a leading cause of bicycle accidents. Drivers who engage in any of the following actions can easily cause a collision:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driver distraction, such as texting or using a cell phone while driving
- Speeding or violating any traffic law
- Not stopping before entering a crosswalk
- Driving too fast for weather or traffic conditions
- Opening a car door without looking for riders
- Backing out without looking
- Not respecting the bicycle rider’s right of way or other rights
Bicycle accidents in Richmond may also be due to defective bicycle parts or poorly designed roads. Weather and poor visibility also play a role, which is why most safety guides recommend that cyclists wear bright, reflective clothing, especially at night.
The sad truth is that most drivers don’t pay enough attention to cyclists when they’re sharing the road – and many act as if bicycle riders don’t have rights.
What injuries do Richmond bicycle accident victims suffer?
Because cyclists have very little protection, they often suffer catastrophic injuries in the event of a crash. At Phelan Petty, we handle all types of serious injury claims stemming from bike accidents, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic amputation/loss of limb
- Broken bones and fractures
- Neck, shoulder, and back pain
- Road rash
- Dental injuries
- Crush injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional trauma
- Other severe injuries
We also file wrongful death claims when a loved one dies in a bicycle crash.
Our Richmond-based bicycle accident lawyers work with your physician and our network of Virginia physicians to confirm your injuries, understand the medical care you need, and appreciate how much your injuries are making your life difficult.
Who may be liable for my bicycle accident?
Our primary focus is on the car, truck, or motorcycle driver that struck you or your loved one. We start each claim by showing just why the driver that struck you was negligent.
In addition to the driver, other possible defendants may include other drivers, the owners of the vehicle if the owners are different than the drivers, employers, and trucking companies. The manufacturers of defective bicycle parts may also be liable.
At Phelan Petty, we review with you which insurance policy should pay your claim. Normally, the liability policy of the driver who struck you pays your claim. If that driver is not insured or lacks proper insurance, then you may be able to file a UM/UIM claim if you own a vehicle and have UM/UIM insurance.
What are Richmond’s bicycle laws?
Virginia law provides that bicyclists “generally have all the rights and duties of motor vehicle drivers.”
Bicycle riders should ride with the traffic flow and, when going less than the speed of vehicle traffic, drive on the far right side of the roadway as is practically possible. In many situations, the bicycle rider can use the full lane. Riders can ride on the sidewalk where permitted and if the rights of pedestrians are followed. Bicycle riders must give proper signals when turning and stopping.
Riders in Virginia are not required to wear a helmet, though localities can pass ordinances requiring riders who are 14 and under to do so. Bicycle riders must have the correct equipment to ride at night so they can be seen.
Operators must have at least one hand on the handlebars. Riders cannot wear headsets or earphones on both ears while riding. Finally, they are required to have working brakes and, if traveling on any road with a speed limit over 35mph, they “must have a rear red tail light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet.”
What is my Richmond bicycle accident claim worth?
Our Richmond bicycle accident lawyers demand compensation for all your financial and personal damages. These damages include all your current and future:
- Medical bills
- Lost income and benefits
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement damages
- Loss of bodily function
- Loss of consortium (enjoyment of spousal relations)
- Property damage
In the event the bicycle crash is fatal, we can seek additional damages for funeral and burial expenses. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available.
Safety tips for riding a bicycle in Richmond
The Virginia Department of Transportation offers the following bicycle safety tips for riders:
- Be a responsible bicyclist – obey all traffic control devices and use proper hand signals.
- Always ride with the flow of traffic.
- Dress safely - wear a helmet, wear bright colored clothing, and secure loose pant legs.
- Ride defensively - anticipate the actions of other road users and watch for road hazards.
- Pass vehicles with extreme care - turning vehicles may not see you.
- Be aware of motor vehicle blind spots whether while riding or when stopped at an intersection.
- Maximize your visibility at night - wear reflective clothing and apply reflective tape to your bicycle.
- Walk your bicycle when you get into traffic situations beyond your cycling abilities.
- Exercise great caution when riding in bus traffic – watch out for buses pulling to and from curbs and passengers getting on and off buses.
- Park your bicycle so you do not block sidewalks, handicap and building accesses or emergency drives.
- Lock your bicycle – secure both wheels and the frame to a stationary object using a sturdy lock.
- Register or license your bicycle if required or provided by your community.
How much time do I have to file my bicycle accident claim in Virginia?
Virginia has a two-year statute of limitations. Please contact Phelan Petty as soon as you can. We need to investigate the accident while the evidence and everyone’s memories are fresh. We also want to speak with your doctors to ensure you are receiving the medical care you need. The sooner you contact us, the faster we can get started on your claim. Phelan Petty prepares every case we take for a potential jury trial, and the sooner we can get started, the better for your case.
Do you have a bicycle accident lawyer near me?
Phelan Petty’s office is located at 3315 West Broad Street in Richmond. Our Richmond-based bicycle accident lawyers handle claims throughout Virginia. We also see immobile or ill patients at their homes or a hospital if necessary. Remote conferences by appointment may also be possible.
We also serve as local counsel for many out-of-state lawyers. Please contact us to learn more.
Talk with an experienced Richmond bicycle accident attorney now
Bicycle riding should be a joy. When a driver turns that joy into trauma or tragedy, you need a respected Richmond bicycle accident lawyer on your side. You need a law firm that is respected by former clients, insurance companies, and defense lawyers. We are that law firm. Call Phelan Petty today or use our contact form to schedule a free appointment. We represent bicycle accident victims across Virginia.