Bicyclists in Prince William County, VA, have many of the same rights, privileges, and obligations as motorists. Yet all too often, drivers treat them as second-class road users, crowding them when passing, making unsafe turns in front of them, and simply not exercising the due care they’re entitled to. This behavior puts cyclists at serious risk of injuries — injuries for which those drivers are to blame.
Were you hurt in a bicycle accident in Northern Virginia? If someone else was at fault, they should have to pay for the consequences, including your medical bills, any income you’ve lost, the property they damaged, and the pain and suffering they caused you. Let D. Michael Mullori, Jr., Attorney at Law demand this money on your behalf.
Mike Mullori has been fighting for accident victims since 1999 and has the experience you can count on in your time of need. What’s more, he will get to work on your case at no upfront cost. Instead, Mike only collects a fee if he secure compensation on your behalf.
Ready to talk to a bicycle accident lawyer in Prince William County? Then contact Mike today for a free, no-obligation consultation and case review.
What Are the Virginia Bicycle Laws?
Virginia law considers bicyclists as road users, just like motorists, with comparable rights and responsibilities. These laws require you, as a cyclist, to:
- Ride on the right side of the road and in the same direction as other traffic
- Look both ways before entering a roadway
- Stop at all intersections and use hand signals to indicate turns
- Dismount and walk your bike if you find yourself in a traffic situation beyond your cycling abilities
- Park your bike only where it will not impede pedestrians, emergency lanes, or building entrances
Additionally, bicycles must be equipped with a front headlight and a red rear reflector to be ridden at night.
While there is no statewide rule requiring you to wear a helmet, individual jurisdictions can pass laws mandating that children 14 and younger do so. Still, it’s a good idea to wear a helmet when you cycle, as they have been found to reduce the risk of a head injury by over 50 percent.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
While every bicycle accident is unique, there are some common causes that Mike Mullori often sees in the cases he handles:
- Distracted Driving – Inattention is a leading cause of all types of accidents, including those involving bicyclists. Drivers who are texting, eating, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying full attention to the road can easily overlook a cyclist.
- Dooring – This happens when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist.
- Unsafe Turning – Drivers often underestimate a bicyclist’s speed or fail to see them when making turns.
- Failing to Yield – Accidents often occur when drivers fail to yield to bicyclists at intersections or when changing lanes.
- Drunk or Impaired Driving – Substance impairment reduces reaction time and impairs judgment, which can be deadly for vulnerable cyclists.
- Speeding – Drivers who are speeding have less time to react to unexpected situations and are more likely to cause severe injuries in a collision.
- Rear-Ending – These accidents occur when a vehicle hits a bicycle from behind, often because a driver misjudges the speed or space needed to pass a cyclist safely.
- Poor Road Conditions – Potholes, debris, lack of bike lanes, and poor street lighting can all make it impossible to maintain control of a bicycle.
What to Do After a Bike Accident
The aftermath of a bike accident can be a blur, especially if you’ve been seriously injured. Still, it’s important to understand that your actions during this crucial time can significantly impact your ability to recover fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Once you’ve gotten medical help, consider taking the following steps:
- Document Your Injuries and Losses – Take photographs of any injury and any damage to your bicycle or other personal property in the accident. Make a note of any pain or other symptoms you’re experiencing.
- Notify Your Insurance Provider – If you have auto insurance, you should report the accident to your provider. Remember to stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault or giving more information than necessary.
- Take Notes – If you haven’t already, try to write down as much information about the accident as possible. This includes the driver’s details, anything you remember about the scene, and anyone who might have seen the accident.
- Do Not Discuss the Accident Publicly – Refrain from discussing the accident, especially on social media. Anything you say can potentially be used against you by insurance companies and defense lawyers eager to avoid paying you the compensation you deserve.
- Keep All Receipts – Medical bills, repair costs for your bicycle, and the cost of traveling to and from doctor’s appointments are all compensable losses you can include in your bicycle accident claim. Document all these expenses.
Once you’ve taken these steps, it’s time to consult with a reputable Prince William County bicycle accident law firm. An attorney can help explain your legal rights, gather evidence, build your bicycle injury case, and handle negotiations with the insurance company. Not only is a lawyer more adept at handling accident claims, but by doing so on your behalf, they also give you the time and space you deserve to focus on your health.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Virginia?
In Virginia, the law provides a specific window of time to file a lawsuit for a bicycle accident. This law, known as a statute of limitations, gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This time limit applies to both personal injury claims for bodily harm and property damage claims.
These are general guidelines, and certain circumstances may shorten or extend this period. An experienced lawyer in Prince William County can tell you if anything particular to your bicycle accident case might affect your deadline for filing suit.
