When bicycle accidents occur in Norfolk and the surrounding Hampton Roads area, cyclists face serious injuries and complex legal challenges. At Decker Law, our experienced bicycle accident attorneys understand Virginia traffic laws and fight for cyclists’ rights throughout the region.
Your Norfolk Bicycle Accident Legal Team
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you need attorneys who understand both Virginia cycling laws and the unique challenges cyclists face on local roadways. Decker Law has successfully represented numerous bicycle accident victims, helping them recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering while they focus on healing.
Understanding Bicycle Accident Statistics
Motor vehicle accidents claim over 3,000 lives daily across the United States, with cyclists bearing disproportionate risk in collisions. Virginia sees nearly 800 bicycle fatalities annually—averaging two fatal bike accidents per day. As cycling infrastructure continues expanding in urban areas, understanding bicycle accident causes remains crucial for both cyclists and motorists sharing the road.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Despite declining bicycle accident rates and improved cycling amenities in many cities, approximately 45,000 bike accidents occurred nationwide in 2015. Local communities continue experiencing bicycle accidents due to several key factors:
Distracted Driving
Motorist inattention remains the leading cause of bicycle accidents. Drivers texting, using phones, or engaging in other distractions fail to notice cyclists, forcing riders to stop suddenly or leave roadways to avoid collisions.
Night Riding Visibility Issues
More than half of bicycle accidents occur at night when visibility decreases significantly. Cyclists riding after dark without proper reflective gear face increased accident risk from motorists who cannot adequately see them.
Poor Road Conditions
Approximately 13% of bicycle accidents result from poor road conditions. While many roadways are well-maintained, some routes present hazards that contribute to cycling accidents.
Preventing Bicycle Accidents
Safety Tips for Cyclists:
- Install bells and lights on bicycles
- Wear reflective clothing during night rides
- Avoid routes with known poor road conditions
- Apply reflective stickers to bikes
- Remove headphones while cycling in traffic
Safety Guidelines for Motorists:
- Yield to cyclists on all roadways
- Avoid distracted driving
- Maintain low music volume to hear approaching cyclists
Education remains essential for both cyclists and motorists. Virginia’s Bicycle Rules of the Road and bicycle safety courses help create safer streets as cycling popularity grows throughout the state.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accident victims face higher injury rates than motorists, with over 500,000 Americans visiting emergency rooms annually for bike-related injuries. At Decker Law, we’ve seen firsthand how these injuries impact our clients’ lives and understand the full scope of damages that bicycle accident victims deserve:
Road Rash and Skin Abrasions
The most frequent bicycle accident injury, road rash ranges from minor scrapes to severe skin removal. These injuries commonly affect exposed skin areas during cycling accidents and often require extensive wound care and physical therapy.
Lower Extremity Injuries
Foot, ankle, and knee injuries occur frequently in bicycle accidents, particularly when motor vehicles strike cyclists. Both legs often sustain injuries in vehicle-bicycle collisions, potentially requiring surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
Torso Fractures
Rib and pelvic fractures commonly result from high-speed bicycle accidents. Motor vehicle collisions cause significant torso impact, leading to fractured bones that can affect breathing and mobility for months.
Head and Neck Trauma
Head injuries remain the most serious concern in bicycle accidents, especially when cyclists ride without helmets. Neck trauma can occur from vehicle impact or falls onto pavement, requiring immediate medical attention and often resulting in long-term complications.
Why Choose Decker Law for Your Bicycle Accident Case
Navigating Virginia’s legal system after bicycle accidents presents significant challenges. As a cyclist, you possess the same legal rights as motorists, and our experienced bicycle accident attorneys ensure you receive proper treatment while protecting you from potential litigation.
Our Experience Includes:
- Successful bicycle accident settlements and verdicts
- Deep understanding of Virginia traffic laws affecting cyclists
- Proven track record fighting insurance companies
- Comprehensive approach to documenting all damages
- Strong relationships with medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists
Decker Law serves clients throughout the Norfolk area and Hampton Roads region, providing comprehensive legal representation for cycling accident victims who need experienced advocates fighting for maximum compensation.
Determining Fault in Bicycle Accidents
Virginia bicycle accident fault determination involves multiple scenarios that can affect cyclists and motorists. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate each case to establish liability:
Side-of-Road Accidents
Virginia law requires cyclists to ride on roadways’ far right side or in designated bike lanes. This positioning creates vulnerability to specific accident types:
Car Door Accidents: When parked vehicle occupants open doors into cyclists’ paths, door-openers typically bear fault for failing to check for approaching cyclists.
Sideswipe Accidents: Motor vehicles that fail to provide adequate space when passing cyclists usually bear fault, though specific roadway conditions may affect fault determination.
Right Turn Accidents: Motorists making right turns must ensure bike lanes are clear before turning, as cyclists have no alternative space to avoid turning vehicles.
Traffic Law Violations
Cyclists who ignore traffic rules may be found at fault for bicycle accidents. Virginia cyclists must signal turns, stop at red lights, and maintain visibility to approaching motorists.
Virginia Bicycle Laws and Regulations
Virginia law requires motorists overtaking bicycles to pass at reasonable speeds while maintaining at least three feet of clearance to the left. Cyclists throughout the state must follow the same traffic laws governing motor vehicles, including stopping at intersections and signaling turns.
Steps After a Bicycle Accident
Bicycle accidents can be overwhelming for everyone involved. Whether you’re a cyclist or motorist in an accident, follow these essential steps:
Immediate Actions:
Call 911 Immediately: Emergency services must respond to bicycle accidents promptly. Even minor-seeming injuries can worsen hours later, making professional medical evaluation crucial.
Contact Decker Law: Insurance companies have complex regulations that our experienced attorneys help navigate. Early legal consultation ensures complete police report information and protects your rights from the start.
Document the Scene: Photograph accident scenes thoroughly. Small details significantly impact legal outcomes, and photos help recall important information weeks or months later.
Preserve Evidence: Don’t repair damaged bicycles or clean accident areas before police arrive and document the scene.
Exchange Information: Collect contact information and license plate numbers from other parties, but avoid discussing fault or apologizing, which insurance companies may interpret as guilt admissions.
Provide Your Account: Ensure your version of events appears in the official police report, which insurance companies and courts use for bicycle accident fault determination.
Get the Legal Help You Deserve
Don’t face bicycle accident legal challenges alone. Our experienced personal injury attorneys understand Virginia bicycle laws and are committed to helping cycling accident victims recover the compensation they deserve.
Call Decker Law today for your free consultation: 757-622-3317.
