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Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can lead to serious injuries for the cyclist, including traumatic brain injuries. These injuries often become a burden for the victim due to expensive medical bills and lengthy recovery periods. Therefore, it is crucial for victims to contact an experienced lawyer after a bicycle accident occurs.
Vulnerabilities of Cycling
Bicycle accidents are often caused by a lack of awareness, which typically comes from the motor vehicle driver. Many drivers fail to understand how rules of the road apply to cyclists. Unfortunately, a lack of awareness can lead to severe injuries or even death if the motor vehicle driver fails to follow traffic laws. Bike injuries can include:
- Scrapes
- Bruises
- Broken bones
- Brain damage
- Spinal cord injuries
The type of injury a cyclist incurs is dependent on the accident. However, most injuries can lead to costly medical bills and other expenses for the victim. Therefore, it is important to always contact a lawyer, even if the injury seems minor and is not life-threatening.
Who Is Liable?
Cyclists are more vulnerable than car drivers. A bicyclist has virtually no protection from themselves and a vehicle’s impact. For this reason, any injuries sustained in a crash are often severe.
Drivers are responsible to share the road responsibly with cyclists. To determine liability, a witness account is often required. If one driver participated in a reckless manner, like speeding, it can be considered negligence.
How to Prevent a Bicycle Accident
Drivers are urged to be extra cautious in areas where there are high amounts of bicycle and foot traffic, such as cities or residential areas. Motorists must follow all traffic regulations and be familiar with laws involving sharing the roadways with cyclists.
Bicyclists are urged to remain in available designated bike lanes and ride with caution when traveling in areas with high amounts of foot traffic. It is important to use the proper hand signals to notify nearby drivers on the road when turning.
Wearing a helmet is recommended and often required when operating a bicycle; doing so may give the cyclist the protection they need in case of an accident. While riding at night, cyclists are recommended to avoid wearing black or dark colors and to wear reflective clothing so that drivers can see them.
What to Do in a Bicycle Accident
It is important to know how to act and properly respond in the event of a bike-car collision. Documenting the accident helps authorities and attorneys. Necessary information includes the name, address, driver’s license number, insurance information, and contact information of the driver and any witnesses. If possible, take a photo of any injuries and damages. Taking photos of injuries and damages can help a lawyer deal with insurance companies when it comes to reimbursing medical bills and other damages.
Virginia Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyers Advocate for Victims Injured in Bicycle Accidents
If you were injured in a bicycle accident, you need to contact one of our experienced Virginia Beach bicycle accident lawyers today. At East Coast Trial Lawyers, we help clients obtain all entitled compensation for their injuries, property damage, and pain and suffering. If you are interested in talking to a member of our legal team, contact us online or call us at 757-352-2237 to schedule a free consultation. Our offices are located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and we proudly serve clients in Chesapeake, Eastern Shores, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, Virginia, as well as North Carolina and nationwide.
