When bicycles and motor vehicles collide, the resulting injuries to the cyclist are often devastating. While seat belts, cushioning, and airbags protect drivers, a bike offers very little protection to its rider. Given the extensive medical bills that can stem from a bike wreck, it could benefit an injured cyclist to discuss their claim with an experienced injury attorney.

If you sustained severe injuries in a bike accident, you have the right to seek compensation from the responsible party. However, proving that you are entitled to compensation is easier said than done. This is where a Hampton bicycle accident lawyer can help. An experienced injury attorney from Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

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Why Work With Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers

At Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers, we have more than 120 years of combined experience fighting for the injured—and a track record that speaks for itself. Our record-setting verdicts and settlements include the largest reported recovery for a single-car accident victim in 2020. In 2023, we secured three of the Top 50 million-dollar settlements reported to Virginia Lawyers Weekly, including a $5 million settlement ranked number five in the state for the year.

We are proud to be known as The Car Crash Experts. Our team has deep roots in Hampton and understands the local roads, medical providers, and insurance companies that may impact your case. That local knowledge helps us build stronger claims and deliver better outcomes for our clients. 

Our deep community ties allow us to support you effectively, both inside and outside of your case. We are committed to your well-being, which is why we work exclusively on a contingency basis. You pay nothing unless we win.

Let me just tell ya’ll that Cooper Hurley looked out for me like no other. If you want a team that truly has your back then look no further.They’re the gold standard or dare I say the platinum standard ! Professional, Communacative, and Fiercely dedicated to their clients. I received top-notch expertise, personalized care , and a team that was genuinely invested in my case. They gave me exceptional representation and were true advocates in my corner. I am truly grateful for everything they did for me . I can not recommend them enough ! Thank you Cooper Hurley !!!!

Ashlyn L.

Common Factors in a Bicycle Collision

Bicycle accidents happen in an instant. One moment, you’re riding down Hampton Club Drive, and the next, you’re injured, disoriented, and unsure what went wrong.

Determining the cause of your crash is a crucial first step in building a strong case. In many situations, a driver’s negligence is to blame. Common causes of bike accidents in Hampton include:

  • Changing lanes without checking for cyclists
  • Turning in front of cyclists
  • Opening vehicle doors in cyclists’ paths
  • Failing to yield the right of way to bikes on roads or in parking lots
  • Accelerating thoughtlessly and striking a cyclist from behind

If another party’s reckless or careless actions caused your injuries, you may have a legal claim. A Hampton bicycle crash attorney can review the evidence in your case and identify potentially responsible parties. This is the first step to holding the negligent party accountable and pursuing the compensation you deserve.

Proving Fault in a Hampton Bike Wreck Case

Suffering an injury in a collision with a car will not always result in a valid claim for damages. To recover damages, a Hampton bicycle accident attorney must demonstrate that the driver involved in the crash was negligent. There are four elements to a negligence claim:

  • The driver owed a cyclist a duty of care.
  • The driver breached that duty.
  • Their breach injured the cyclist.
  • The cyclist’s injuries amount to monetary damages.

Duty of Care

In any negligence case, you must show that the other person owed you a duty of reasonable care. If there was no duty, a person is not responsible for your injuries. However, this is rarely at issue in a bike accident. All motor vehicle operators have a duty to drive carefully and follow the rules of the road.

Breach of the Duty of Care

Once you establish the other party owed a duty of care, you must also prove the breach of that duty. Any negligent, reckless, or wanton act could constitute a breach of a driver’s duty of care. Examples include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, or running a red light.

Causation

It is not enough to show the responsible driver breached their duty of care. You must also connect your injuries to this breach of the duty of care to have a successful claim.

Damages

Finally, you must establish that you suffered monetary damages due to the bicycle accident. Common examples of damages include medical bills, lost wages, and bicycle repair costs.

How a Hampton Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help

As experienced Hampton injury attorneys, we are committed to pursuing justice for injury victims. From day one, we fight for your full financial recovery and handle every detail of your case.

Here’s how we help:

  • Investigate the crash thoroughly. We draw on our knowledge of Hampton roadways and partner with investigators to uncover exactly what happened and who was at fault.
  • Secure critical evidence. Our team gathers witness statements, traffic camera footage, and police reports to build a strong foundation for your claim.
  • Consult trusted experts. We work with medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, and economists to prove the extent of your injuries and losses.
  • Negotiate with insurance companies. We know how insurers operate. We push back on lowball offers and fight for the compensation you deserve.
  • Take your case to trial if needed. If the insurance company refuses a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to advocate for you in court.

From your first consultation to the final resolution, we are in your corner every step of the way.

Virginia Laws To Be Aware of in a Bicycle Accident Case

Virginia’s legal system can be complicated—but you do not have to figure it out alone. We’re here to help you navigate the system and claims process, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Deadline To File a Claim

Virginia’s statute of limitations for most injury claims, including bicycle accident cases, is two years. The clock starts running on the date of the accident. If the crash results in a wrongful death, the two-year period begins on the date of death.

Certain exceptions exist. For example, if the case involves a minor victim, the first date of the two-year time limit is the victim’s 18th birthday. Similarly, when an injury victim has a disability that prevents them from understanding their legal rights, the statute of limitations pauses until they regain legal capacity or receive a guardian who can file on their behalf. The court may also extend the statute of limitations if the defendant obstructs the legal process or withholds information necessary for filing.

Some exceptions apply. For instance:

  • Minor victims typically have until their 20th birthday to file a claim.
  • Individuals with certain mental or physical disabilities may receive more time if they are legally unable to act on their own behalf.
  • If the defendant actively conceals information or prevents you from filing, the deadline may be extended.

These rules apply to accidents in Virginia. If your crash happened in another state, a different deadline may apply. Our team can determine the correct timeline for your specific case.

Virginia's Law on Partial Liability

Being partially responsible for your bike accident may affect your ability to collect compensation. Virginia follows the strict law of contributory negligence, meaning an individual cannot sue if they share any responsibility for the accident. 

Insurance companies will use this rule to their advantage, claiming you were partially at fault to avoid having to pay. This harsh standard makes it especially important to work with an experienced Hampton bicycle accident lawyer who knows how to build a strong, evidence-backed case.

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Reach Out to a Hampton Bike Accident Lawyer Today

At Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers, we are committed to helping accident victims get the compensation they deserve. 

If you were injured while riding your bike, do not wait to protect your rights. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start investigating your case and fighting for the compensation you deserve. Timely action can make all the difference, so don’t delay. Call 757-333-3333 or contact us online to get your free case evaluation now.

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