Bicycle Accident Attorney in Norfolk
Whether you’re commuting to work or just trying to exercise in the seaside air, biking can be a great way to get around Norfolk.
The city has recently made improvements to try to make the city more bike-friendly, such as building the Elizabeth River Trail between the Norfolk Naval Base and Norfolk State University and installing bike lanes on College Avenue and Llewellyn Avenue. However, despite these improvements to the bike network, it can still be dangerous to bike in Norfolk.
In addition to the cars, trucks, and buses that are typically on Norfolk’s roads, the city’s military and tourist industries also attract many drivers who are unfamiliar with the area. These visitors might get distracted while they’re trying to find their way around town and make sudden turns, further endangering Norfolk’s cyclists.
If you have been injured in a Norfolk cycling accident, you might be entitled to substantial compensation, and Ruloff, Swain, Haddad, Morecock, Talbert & Woodward, P.C. is here to help. Our compassionate attorneys have been serving Norfolk and surrounding areas for over 30 years. As demonstrated by our client testimonials and case results, we have what it takes to help clients get results that count.
At Ruloff, Swain, Haddad, Morecock, Talbert & Woodward, P.C., we’ve helped our clients recover millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts and helped them get on the road to recovery. Let us do the same for you.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident because of someone else’s recklessness, our Norfolk bike accident lawyers want to help you fight for the compensation you’re owed. Contact us today by phone or online to set up a free consultation with our trusted legal team.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Norfolk
Minor injuries like scrapes and bruises happen frequently when people are cycling. However, when a bike is in a serious accident, such as a collision with a motor vehicle, cyclists often suffer severe and even life-threatening injuries.
Some of the most common causes of severe bicycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving accidents
- Vehicles making sudden left-hand or right-hand turns in front of bicycles
- Sideswipe collisions
- Accidents involving drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Dooring accidents or injuries when a motorist suddenly opens their door in front of a cyclist
- Rear-end or head-on collisions
- Drowsy driving accidents
- Defective equipment
- Failure to yield accidents
- Poorly maintained or repaired parts
- Hazardous roadway conditions
Tips for Protecting Yourself in a Bike Accident
Under Norfolk city laws, only children who are 14 years old or younger are legally required to wear a helmet while they’re on a bicycle. However, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) highly recommends that all cyclists wear helmets – no matter their age.
Additionally, VDOT recommends several other tips for staying safe while cycling, such as:
- Follow the same road safety rules as motor vehicles, such as biking with the flow of traffic, stopping at stop signs, and yielding to pedestrians
- Wear bright colored or reflective clothing and protective gear, and attach a white headlight and red taillight to your bike to help people see you
- Ride in protected bike lanes whenever possible
- Pay attention to your surroundings, so you can try to avoid riding vehicle’s blind spot or better anticipate when a car might make a sudden move
- Use hand signals to help drivers know when you’re about to turn or stop and verbally warn pedestrians before you pass them
- Avoid riding too close to parked cars to reduce the risk or dooring accidents
- Regularly inspect all parts of your bicycle, including the tires, brakes, chains, and lights to ensure they’re working properly
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Norfolk
After a bicycle accident, there are a few steps you can take to protect your legal rights:
- Get medical attention. Your health is the number one priority after an accident. If you didn’t undergo a medical evaluation at the time of the accident, see a medical professional as soon as possible. Not all bicycle injuries are immediately obvious, but a doctor can help detect these injuries and help you heal as quickly as possible. Your physician can also provide you with a medical report from their exam, which will be a critical piece of evidence if you decide to file a claim for your injuries.
- Document the accident. Gather evidence from the accident scene, such as photos of your injuries, damage to your bicycle, and evidence in the surrounding area, such as skid marks, traffic signs, or road conditions. Get witnesses’ names and contact information, in addition to all information for drivers involved in the accident.
- Contact a trusted bicycle accident attorney. When you hire an experienced bicycle accident attorney, you can focus on recovering from your injuries instead of hassling with insurance companies. Your lawyer can handle all the details related to your claim and help you seek the compensation that you deserve.
Injured While Riding a Rented Bicycle in Norfolk?
If you’ve been injured while riding on a rented bicycle, your claim will heavily depend on who caused the accident. In accidents between cyclists and motor vehicles, the driver is often held liable. However, if the rented bike was broken or defective and this contributed to the accident, then the company that owns the bike might be held responsible.
Accidents involving rented bicycles are often legally complex, but a knowledgeable attorney can help determine liability for your accident and help protect your legal rights.
When You Should Consider a Lawyer After a Bike Accident
Contact an experienced bicycle attorney as soon as possible after your bicycle accident. They can help fight for your legal rights and help you seek the maximum compensation that you’re owed.
Seek the Compensation You Deserve with the Help of Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Norfolk
If you were injured in a Norfolk bicycle accident, don’t wait to get the compensation you deserve. Contact Ruloff, Swain, Haddad, Morecock, Talbert & Woodward, P.C. today, and let us fight for you. Call us, contact us online, or reach us via Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, LinkedIn, or YouTube to schedule your free consultation.