Alexandria, Virginia Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Common Bike Accident Injuries in Alexandria

Cyclists navigating roads are very vulnerable. Particularly in urban areas where cars dominate the roads, a cyclist is especially susceptible to the negligence of drivers. Unfortunately, due to the size and weight disparity between a motor vehicle and a cyclist, as the result of a crash, bicycle riders may sustain very severe injuries. It is in your best interest to contact the bicycle accident attorneys at Regan Zambri Long for a free legal consultation to discuss your potential bicycle accident claim.

The most common injuries bicyclists sustain are:

• Road rash. Road rash is a skin abrasion caused by scraping against a rough surface. For the most part, the majority of cases of road rash are minor, although in some cases, a victim may experience scarring or infection.
• Head injuries. Head injuries are a very real risk associated with bike riding. The most common head injuries associated with bike accidents are traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, hematoma, and skull fractures. A traumatic brain injury can cause anything from impaired cognitive abilities, personality and behavioral changes, and physical disturbances such as fatigue or migraines. It’s important to note that injuries are not always visible, and injuries still can happen when wearing a helmet. For that reason, seeking medical care after any sort of bike accident involving a head injury, whether severe or seemingly mild, is a wise choice.

  In Virginia, the state law does not require bicyclists to wear helmets. However, § 46.2-906.1 of the Code of Virginia provides that local ordinances may require children 14 years of age or younger to wear helmets while bicycling. Likewise, Sec. 10-7-12 of the Alexandria, VA Code of Ordinances requires the following:

  Every person 14 years of age or younger shall wear a protective helmet when riding or being carried on a bicycle on any roadway, sidewalk, or public shared-use path within the city. For this section, “protective helmet” shall refer to any helmet that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission standard.

• Spinal cord injuries. According to a study in the Journal of Neurosurgery, out of all sports-related trauma, cycling injuries were the most common cause of traumatic spinal injuries (TSI).
• Musculoskeletal injuries. The impact of a fall due to a collision can result in various musculoskeletal injuries to a cyclist such as broken bones, fractures, sprains, or torn ligaments and tendons.
  Mental anguish. Whether suffering from a minor collision or a severe crash causing serious injuries, the trauma of a bicycle accident can leave a cyclist self-conscious and afraid. These feelings may lead to depression or anxiety, impairing a victim’s daily life.
• Death. If someone you love was killed in a bicycle accident, you should reach out to Regan Zambri Long as soon as possible for your free consultation.

What Is Considered Negligence in Bike Accidents?

The omission to do something which a reasonable man, guided by those considerations which ordinarily regulate the conduct of human affairs, would do. or doing something which a prudent and reasonable man would not do. It must be determined in all cases by reference to the situation and knowledge of the parties and all the attendant circumstances. The Law Dictionary

Comparative negligence

All but four states in the United States have comparative negligence laws. In simple terms, comparative negligence is when an accident occurs, the liability and/or negligence of each party involved is based upon their respective contributions to the accident.

Contributory negligence

Virginia is one of the four states that have contributory negligence laws. Simply put, if you are partially at fault for the bicycle accident you’ve been involved in, you cannot collect any damages. According to § 8.01-34 of the Virginia Code:

Contribution among wrongdoers may be enforced when the wrong results from negligence and involves no moral turpitude.

Because of this restrictive Virginia law, it is especially crucial to contact an Alexandria bicycle accident lawyer at Regan Zambri Long for a no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. The lawyers at our firm have decades of experience enabling them to successfully investigate negligent actions, deal with the insurance company on your behalf, and prove that you are due fair compensation for any injury you may have endured.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bike Accidents in Alexandria, VA

Q: Are bicycle accidents covered by insurance?

The short answer is, yes. Bicycle accidents are covered by insurance. Most bike accidents will require numerous conversations and negotiations with insurance companies. These types of interactions are ones skilled bicycle accident attorneys are prepared to have.

If you’re a cyclist who was injured in a crash involving a motor vehicle, in most cases, the negligent driver’s auto liability coverage should pay for your medical bills and repairs or the replacement of your bicycle. On the other hand, if the at-fault driver is uninsured, your health insurance should cover your injuries. Any damages to your bicycle might be covered by your homeowner’s insurance or renters insurance depending on whether your bicycle is insured. Additionally, in the case of an uninsured at-fault driver, you should reach out to an experienced Alexandria bicycle accident lawyer to initiate a claim seeking the compensation you deserve for your suffering.

If you’re a cyclist who was injured in an accident with another cyclist who was the at-fault party, personal liability coverage on their homeowner’s insurance or renters insurance policy may cover the cost of treating your injuries and the cost of fixing or replacing your damaged bicycle.

Q: How much time do I have to file a lawsuit after being injured in a bicycle accident?

In Virginia, there is a statute of limitations on a personal injury claim such as an Alexandria bicycle accident. The law allows for two years from the accident date to initiate a claim against the driver or responsible party who negligently caused the accident that injured you.

Q: How are most bicycle accidents caused?

Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents are:

• Speeding: Driving over the speed limit is a common cause of bicycle accidents. Speeding can cause drivers to crash into bicyclists due to the inability to safely stop with enough space between them. Further, excessive speed can often prevent drivers from noticing bicyclists until it is too late.
• Distracted driving: Looking away for just a moment to check your phone can be the reason a cyclist loses their life. No matter how confident a driver may be in thinking that they have control and can handle reading a message or sending a quick text, that confidence can never prepare anyone for unexpected occurrences on the road.
• Failure to account for the proximity of the vehicle to the bicycle: Bicyclists and motor vehicle drivers are expected to share the roads. In urban areas, on busy and crowded streets, drivers sometimes become impatient and ride too closely to cyclists, sometimes purposely trying to intimidate them.

  According to § 46.2-839 of the Virginia Code, motorists must approach and pass a bicyclist at a reasonable speed at least three feet to the left of the bicyclist. “If the lane is not narrow enough to allow three feet of space motorists must change lanes to pass.”

• Careless turns and lane changes: Too many vehicle drivers do not take the time to check for bicycles before making a left turn or a right turn. The consequences of not taking an extra moment to check are often deadly. Additionally, a bicycle accident involving reckless lane changes typically occurs when a driver weaves and merges into a cyclist’s lane without first taking the time to check for a clear lane.
• Failure to yield: Failing to yield is another cause of a common bicycle accident. Vehicle drivers must obey traffic laws and yield to bicycle traffic. On the other hand, bicyclists must also be sure to yield to traffic and a stop sign or other traffic signal.
• Driving under the influence: Common causes of bicycle accidents include motorists operating their vehicles while under the influence. It goes without saying that when driving a vehicle while under the influence, one should expect to cause devastating injuries or death.
• Dooring: When exiting a car on the side of traffic, it is best to just expect that bicyclists will be riding by. To prevent “dooring” a cyclist and to protect everyone involved, it is best to check your mirrors and open car doors slowly when exiting.

  § 46.2-818.1 of the Virginia Code provides that:
  No operator shall open the door of a parked motor vehicle on the side adjacent to moving vehicular traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so.

Q: Do I need an Alexandria bicycle accident lawyer?

The attorneys at the law firm of Regan Zambri Long have decades of experience handling personal injury cases. With the knowledge, resources, and skills our bicycle accident attorneys have, we will be able to effectively advocate for victims suffering from any injury resulting from an accident. Our bicycle accident attorneys are here to deal with any insurance company, to do the work to prove the negligence of an at-fault party, and to help victims make a claim to receive the compensation they’re entitled to for the costs of medical expenses, ongoing medical care, and any other suffering.

Please call us today for your free consultation. We are always ready to help you.