Newport News Bicycle Accident Lawyer
It is relatively common to see bicyclists on roadways and trails around Newport News. Unfortunately, bicyclists can suffer severe and life-threatening injuries if they are struck by a motor vehicle. Negligent drivers remain one of the most common causes of bicycle collisions.
If you were recently struck by a careless or reckless motorist while riding your bike, you should discuss the incident with a Newport News bicycle accident lawyer to find out whether you may claim damages. The personal injury attorneys at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers can guide you during the challenging claims process and work hard to get you the compensation you need to fully recover.
Negligence in Newport News Bicycle Collisions
Drivers in Newport News owe a duty of care to those with whom they share the road, including other motorists, their passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. A driver must use reasonable caution when operating their vehicle to avoid causing serious harm to others. Consequently, if a driver violates their legal duty and hits a bicyclist, they may be liable for the injuries and damages this person sustains.
There are many examples of negligent actions that could lead to a severe or deadly bicycle crash. For instance, a person whose judgment is impaired by alcohol or drugs is not observing their duty of care if they get behind the wheel of their car. This kind of behavior could potentially put others on the road at risk. Speeding, aggressive driving, improper lane changes, and noncompliance with traffic signs or signals are also common causes of bike accidents.
While a driver may be entirely at fault for some bicycle accidents, there also can be situations where the court finds that the injured cyclist is partially responsible for the incident. The state of Virginia is one of a very few that adheres to the pure contributory negligence theory. This means that if a bicyclist bears the slightest responsibility for their crash, the court can bar them from recovering any compensation. Given the complicated and stringent negligence laws governing accidents, an injured bicyclist should speak with a Newport News lawyer who can help them assess what legal options are available.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Cyclists are in danger of suffering immense injury in the event of a crash. Some of these potential injuries may include paralysis, spinal cord damage, brain trauma, or crushing injuries. A Newport News lawyer can help an injured cyclist pursue compensation for all of the injuries and losses they suffered as a result of their bicycle accident. These recoverable damages may include the claimant’s past and future wage loss, pain and suffering, hospital bills, and more.
Deadline to File a Civil Claim in Newport News
A crucial aspect of any personal injury claim is to ensure that the case is filed on time. Under Virginia Code §8.01-243, injured bicyclists have two years from the date of their accident to file suit against the at-fault party. If the two-year statute of limitations runs out and the injured cyclist fails to submit their claim, they may lose the opportunity to pursue compensation. A dedicated attorney at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers can help someone in Newport News file their bike accident claim on time.
Get Help from a Newport News Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you suffered injuries in cycling accident, do not delay in getting qualified legal representation. A Newport News bicycle accident lawyer can fight for your rights and work with great effort to secure recovery for your damages. Call our office today for a free confidential consultation about your case.
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