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Hampton Roads / Virginia Beach
Bicycle Accident Attorneys

When Urban Sprawl Causes Increased Bike Accidents

These days, people are turning to bicycling as an alternative mode of transportation that is economical, environmental, and healthy. Virginia, due to its high number of bike paths, growing “green” culture and temperate climate, is experiencing one of the biggest bicycle booms in the nation. Cities throughout the Commonwealth, including it’s largest “bicycle accident city”, Virginia Beach, are making streets safer for bicyclists by renovating roads and implementing designated trails, lanes, and paths. Despite these measures, the annual statistics for bike-vehicle collisions remain significant, meaning bicyclists still need to ride cautiously and look out for negligent motorists along with other crash-causing factors in order to avoid injury, or worse, death.

If you’ve been involved in a bike crash, get in touch with the experienced injury laywers at Breit Law PC. We will help you get the compensation you need to cover medical expenses along with other damages, economic and non-economic. To learn more about our firm and the services we provide, call us today at 757-456-0333 for a free, comprehensive consultation.

What are Common Biking Accident Scenarios?

A motorist makes a left hand turn into a bicyclist

This is one of the most common ways in which both bike-vehicle and motorcycle-vehicle collisions occur. Under Virginia law, drivers are obligated to yield to vehicles coming in the opposite direction until it is safe to proceed, yet this type of collision often occurs because motorists tend to not look for two-wheeled vehicles.

A driver or passenger opens a door without checking for pedaled vehicles, causing a bicyclist to suffer a “dooring” accident

In streets with or without bicycle lanes, bicyclists are encouraged to ride on the right side of the street, usually alongside parked cars. Although the law states that “no person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so,” many people end up opening their car doors right into the pathway of an incoming bicyclist. This can cause a serious or even fatal collision.

Overly aggressive drivers pass bicyclists without giving them enough space

Usually in tight roadways, drivers of cars, trucks, and other types of motor vehicles may get impatient driving behind a bicyclist and attempt to pass them without providing sufficient space, causing the cyclists to get run off the road or hit.

Unsafe roadway conditions, such as potholes or debris, cause a bicyclist to lose control of the bike

Certain government entities are responsible for maintaining roads and addressing any safety issues in a timely fashion. A bicyclist who suffers injuries in this type of accident may sue the government entity responsible for the area in which the incident occurred.

What Injuries are Common in Bicycle Accidents?

The severity and extent of a victim’s injuries may depend on various factors, such as the force of the collision, whether the victim was wearing a helmet or not, and other circumstances. The most common bike crash injuries include the following:

  • injured biker
  • Closed head injuries, like concussions
  • Fractured bones, usually arms, legs, and ribs
  • Spinal injuries
  • “Road rash” contusions and abrasions
  • Internal damage to vital organs

These types of injuries often require extensive medical treatment, surgeries, and/or costly diagnostic procedures, including CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays.

Getting You the Compensation You Need to Recover

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike accident caused by another party’s negligence, you need someone who knows the law on your side. The experienced team at Breit Law PC can help you put your life back together. We have the experience and the resources to give you a fighting chance in your claim case, no matter how strong the opposition may be.

CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION: 757-456-0333

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