Virginia Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Many cyclists ride for commuting, exercise, or recreation. Unfortunately, as the number of cyclists on the roadways continues to increase, so does the number of accidents involving bicycles.
Crashes with cars can often leave those riding bikes with severe and life-threatening or fatal injuries. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney could help you hold motorists legally and financially responsible if you suffered harm because of their carelessness. Call a Virginia Beach bicycle accident lawyer today to schedule an appointment and learn more about filing a personal injury claim.
Common Causes of Bike Wrecks
The common causes of collisions involving cars and bicycles include:
- Distracted motorists
- Drivers neglecting to yield the right-of-way to cyclists
- Following bikes too closely
- Hazardous passing practices
- Intoxicated vehicle operators
- Swinging the car door open into the path of an approaching bicycle
A Virginia Beach bike accident attorney could investigate and gather the vital evidence needed to build a solid claim and collect an award for damages.
Safety Tips for Cyclists and Motorists
Cyclists traveling on state roads with vehicles are highly vulnerable to accidents leading to severe and life-altering injuries or death. Bicycle riders and drivers can prevent accidents and improve roadway safety by adhering to the laws of the road and following the agency’s recommendations below:
Tips for Bicyclists
Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities to the roads as other motorists and must obey traffic regulations. Tips for cyclists to help keep themselves safe include:
- Obey traffic signs and signals and travel in the same direction as the flow of traffic and as close to the right side of the lane as possible unless passing or turning
- Wear safety and preventative gear, such as helmets and other protective equipment
- Improve visibility by using reflectors or wearing bright clothing
- Maintain the bikes and ensure they have the necessary equipment, such as working brakes and headlights when traveling at night
Cyclists and motorists must share the roads and comply with state traffic laws to prevent avoidable accidents leading to severe harm.
Suggestions for Motorists
Some safety tips for vehicle operators sharing the roadways with bicycles include the following:
- Bicycle operators have the same rights to the roads, and drivers must yield to them at intersections and traffic signals
- Remain alert and check for bikes before turning
- Pass safely, leaving a minimum of three feet between the vehicle and the cyclists
- Remain mindful and respectful of bicycle lanes
A bicycle accident lawyer in Virginia Beach could answer questions about the rules of the road and the civil court process.
Speak to a Knowledgeable Bicycle Accident Attorney in Virginia Beach Today
It is an unfortunate reality that many motorists fail to share the roads with other drivers and cyclists. Sadly, those on bikes are at the most risk of sustaining life-altering injuries that change the course of their life, requiring extensive time off work and medical care. You have the right to initiate legal action in civil court to sue the liable party for compensation after crashes caused by negligence.
A practiced Virginia Beach bicycle accident lawyer could guide you through the process and fight for a fair outcome. The Law Firm of Carlton F. Bennett, P.L.L.C. has a proven history of building powerful cases, obtaining verdicts, and obtaining the maximum potential settlement amounts. Contact us today to discuss your legal options.
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