Newport News Bicycle Accident Lawyer
- Last Updated: 23 Oct. 2025
Newport News is a popular area for bicycling, with several recreational trails and designated paths throughout the city. However, our attorneys at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers see too many serious cycling crashes caused by negligent drivers who fail to share the roads safely. Bike accident victims often suffer debilitating injuries that have long-term consequences.
If you were injured in a bike crash, our Newport News bicycle accident lawyers can help you seek compensation for your financial losses and suffering. Schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your rights, legal options, and how our award-winning legal team can help with your case.
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On This Page
- Why Choose Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers as Your Newport News Legal Team?
- What Damages Can You Claim in a Virginia Bicycle Accident Case?
- Who’s Responsible for Your Newport News Bicycle Accident Injuries?
- Virginia Bicycle Laws That Could Affect Your Claim
- How Long Do You Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Newport News?
- Get Help From a Newport News Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
Why Choose Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers as Your Newport News Legal Team?
Our bicycle crash attorneys in Newport News have been assisting injury victims and their families with legal claims for decades. With more than 120 years of combined experience in personal injury law, we have deep knowledge of the local court systems and laws that can affect you. This means we’re always ready to take on complex cases and large insurance companies when you need us.
The Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers team cares about the residents of Hampton Roads. Along with our exceptional legal services, we pride ourselves on giving back to the community and providing customized representation for each client. This dedication is reflected in our track record of successful results and local recognition.
We offer free, no-obligation consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us to learn more about our services or to speak with a trusted bicycle injury lawyer in Newport News, VA.
What Damages Can You Claim in a Virginia Bicycle Accident Case?
If another person’s negligence led to your bike accident and injuries, you may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages. While economic damages or financial losses are easier to identify and calculate, you also deserve compensation for your non-tangible losses that cause you physical and emotional suffering.
Types of economic damages you can recover with a bicycle injury claim include:
- Current medical expenses
- The cost of future medical care
- Lost wages for lost time at work
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage, including bike repairs or replacement
Non-economic damages available to bike accident victims in Virginia include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Consider working with a Newport News personal injury attorney to help you seek the full value of your damages.
Wrongful Death After a Bicycle Accident
When a bicycle accident leads to the victim’s death, a personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death claim. In these cases, additional compensatory damages may be recovered, including:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of benefits or financial support
Who’s Responsible for Your Newport News Bicycle Accident Injuries?
To prove fault and hold someone liable for damages after a bike accident, you must prove they were negligent. The elements of negligence you need to establish and how they apply to a bicycle injury claim are:
- Duty: Newport News drivers have a duty of care to others on the road, including bicyclists. They must drive with reasonable caution and follow traffic laws.
- Breach of duty: A breach of duty occurs when the driver fails to practice safe driving or obey traffic rules.
- Causation: The driver’s failure in their duty of care is the proximate cause of your bike accident and injuries.
- Damages: As a result of the bicycle crash, you sustained compensatory damages, such as medical bills or mental anguish.
If you can prove negligence caused your losses, you can take legal action to recover compensation.
Virginia’s Contributory Negligence Rule
Virginia is one of the few states that operates under the pure contributory negligence rule, which bars victims from recovering damages if they share any fault for their injuries. Even if you are found to be 1% responsible for the bike crash, you cannot claim compensation.
For example, if a cyclist did not come to a full stop at a red light and was struck by a vehicle in the intersection, they are partially at fault for the accident. In some states, the cyclist could still pursue a legal claim, with the total amount they receive reduced by their percentage of fault. In Virginia, the cyclist could not recover any compensation.
Don’t assume you’re barred from recovery, have an attorney evaluate the facts.
Virginia Bicycle Laws That Could Affect Your Claim
It is crucial for cyclists to follow Virginia bicycle laws to stay safe while riding and protect their right to recover damages if they’re injured in an accident. Here are important laws to remember before hitting the road.
Bicycle Right-of-Way Laws
Under Virginia bicycle laws, cyclists are subject to the same rights and duties as a driver of a vehicle. This means they must follow the same traffic rules and right-of-way laws in Virginia, including:
- Riding with the flow of traffic
- Stopping at red lights and stop signs
- Staying in the appropriate lane
- Not cutting off vehicles or other cyclists
- Using proper turn signals
- Yielding to pedestrians
- Not making dangerous maneuvers
Bicycle Helmet Requirements
Virginia does not have a state law that requires all cyclists to wear helmets while riding. However, there is a law saying cities and local ordinances can require cyclists under the age of 14 to wear a helmet.
The law also states that you are not automatically negligent for not wearing a bicycle helmet in Virginia, even if the local ordinance applies to you—but compliance is still recommended for safety. Speak with a Newport News bicycle accident lawyer to get a clearer understanding of your rights and legal duties as a cyclist.
Holding Vehicle Restrictions
It is unlawful for bicyclists to hold a vehicle or attach themselves to a vehicle while moving. If you do this and are hurt in an accident, you will likely share some fault for your injuries and be barred from recovering damages.
How Long Do You Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Newport News?
According to Virginia’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, bike accident victims only have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If an injured cyclist fails to bring a claim before the two-year deadline expires, they will lose the right to receive compensation for their losses.
However, this rule has some exceptions, including when the injury victim is a minor or the at-fault party is a government entity. Depending on the details of your case, you may have more time to file a suit or a significantly shorter timeframe than the two years. Consult an experienced bike accident attorney in Newport News immediately to avoid missing the deadline.
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Get Help From a Newport News Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
Virginia has strict negligence rules and deadlines that apply to bicycle accident claims. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a bike crash, work with a trusted attorney in Newport News who can help you navigate the claims process. A lawyer will know what steps to take to collect evidence, build your case, and demand a fair settlement.
At Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers, personal injury is all we do. We have the resources and experience to take on large insurance companies, provide compassionate support, and protect your rights after a bike accident. Call us at (757) 333-3333 or contact us online to get your free case evaluation now.
Find Out What Your Case is Worth