Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Norfolk, VA

Our law firm fights for cyclists’ rights

If you've been involved in a bicycle accident in Virginia, you know firsthand how devastating it can be. In an instant, your life can turn upside down. That's why it's crucial to seek legal representation from attorneys with experience dealing with bicycle accident cases.

At Welch & Wright, PLLC, our bicycle accident lawyers are committed to fighting for and protecting the rights of cyclists all throughout Virginia. We know that bicycle accidents often result in severe injuries, such as head trauma, spinal cord damage, and broken bones. That's why we work tirelessly to build a strong case on your behalf, so you can focus on your recovery.

The most common bicycle accident causes

Bicycle accidents can occur due to a variety of reasons, and the consequences can be severe. From busy intersections to residential streets, bicycle accidents can occur anywhere. Some of the most frequent causes of bicycle accidents include:

Failure to yield: Many drivers fail to give cyclists the right of way, either by not seeing them or by underestimating their speed. This can result in a collision and serious injuries for the cyclist.
Improper lane change: Drivers who fail to check their blind spots or signal before changing lanes can collide with a bicyclist.
Speeding: When a driver is traveling at high speeds, they may not have enough time to react to a cyclist who suddenly appears in their path. This can lead to a collision with catastrophic consequences.
Distracted drivers: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other distracting behaviors are more likely to cause a bicycle accident.
Drunk drivers: Alcohol impairment can severely affect a driver's judgment, reaction time, and ability to operate a vehicle safely. Unfortunately, this often results in serious injuries or fatalities in collisions with cyclists.

Common injuries from bicycle accidents

Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can have serious and long-lasting effects on a person's health and quality of life. Injuries can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident and the force of impact, but common symptoms can include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving or performing daily activities. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Some of the most common injuries from bicycle accidents include:

Brain and head injuries: Head injuries are among the most serious injuries that can occur in a bicycle accident. These injuries can range from minor concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that can lead to long-term cognitive impairment. These types of injuries can occur even if the victim was wearing a helmet.
Neck and back injuries: Bicycle accidents can cause whiplash, herniated discs, spinal cord damage, and other injuries to the neck and back.
Broken bones: Broken bones are a common injury in bicycle accidents, particularly fractures to the arms, legs, and ribs. These injuries can take months to heal and may require surgery and long-term medical treatment.
Soft tissue injuries: Soft tissue injuries are injuries to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that can result from a bicycle accident.
Cuts and scrapes: Bicycle accidents can result in cuts and scrapes to the skin that may need medical attention such as stitches. These injuries can take a long time to heal and can also increase the risk of infection.
Bruises: Bruises are a common injury in bicycle accidents, particularly in areas of the body that come into contact with the ground or other objects. They can range from mild to severe and while are not typically serious, can be an indicator of other underlying injuries like internal bleeding.

Bicycle laws in Virginia

Virginia has specific laws and regulations in place for bicyclists to follow while riding on public roads and highways. Bicyclists are expected to follow the same traffic laws as drivers of motor vehicles unless specified otherwise. This means that they have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles, including obeying traffic signals, stopping at stop signs and red lights, and yielding to pedestrians when appropriate.

When riding on sidewalks, shared-use paths, or crosswalks, bicyclists are expected to follow the same rules as pedestrians. They must also come to a complete stop at stop signs before entering a crosswalk, and if crossing highways without stop signs or traffic signals, they must yield to any oncoming traffic.

In addition to these general rules, Virginia has several bike-specific laws in place. Cyclists are not required to wear helmets under state law, but certain cities, towns, and counties require those under the age of 14 to wear helmets while riding bicycles. Bicyclists must have at least one hand on their handlebars at all times and cannot carry more people than the bike will accommodate. It is also illegal for cyclists to attach themselves or their bikes to other moving vehicles.

Bicyclists in Virginia are not permitted to wear earphones in both ears while riding their bikes. This is to ensure that they can hear approaching traffic and other important sounds while riding. Violating these laws can result in citations and fines and can lead to accidents and injuries. They also can prevent a bicyclist injured in accident from successfully suing for damages due to their own wrongdoing or negligence.

How a bicycle accident lawyer can help

If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident in Virginia, you deserve justice and compensation for your injuries and damages. Our bicycle accident lawyers at Welch & Wright, PLLC can help you achieve that.

We understand the devastating consequences bicycle accidents have on victims and their families. That's why we prioritize building a relationship with our clients. We care about what you have to say. You are in charge of your future.

Our experienced attorneys can investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and build a strong case to help you receive maximum compensation. Don't suffer in silence. Contact us today for a free initial consultation with one of our Virginia bicycle accident attorneys. We are here to support and guide you through the entire legal process.