Bicycle riders have no protection when they are struck by a vehicle, making them very vulnerable to accidents and injuries.
While there are bike lanes in many areas in Arlington and laws that aim to protect riders, drivers sometimes engage in unsafe behavior that causes or contributes to serious bike crashes.
If you or someone you love was hurt or killed in a bike crash, you have legal rights.
You should be able to pursue a claim for compensation to recover for your losses if you can prove the driver or another third party was to blame.
However, you’ll need an experienced Arlington personal injury attorney to help you identify defendants, gather evidence, and navigate the legal system.
Monge & Associates has a long and successful track record in bicycle accident claims and we can put our legal knowledge to work on your case.
Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation with an Arlington bicycle accident lawyer at our firm to learn how we can help you.
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Why Choose Monge & Associates
Choosing the right bicycle accident lawyer can feel impossible with so many options out there, but there are ample reasons that Monge & Associates is the firm you should place your trust in.
You should turn to our legal team because:
- We have been representing bicycle accident victims since 1993
- Our firm has a strong focus on bicycle accident cases, which ensures we know the laws governing bicycling in Virginia inside and out.
- We have recovered millions for bicycle accident victims harmed by both other drivers and faulty roads
- We treat every case with the importance it deserves, and we’re there for you from day one to answer your questions and guide you through your claim.
Monge & Associates has won many awards, earned thousands of five-star ratings, and is one of the largest bicycle accident firms nationwide.
You can trust we will not be afraid to stand up to big insurance companies during settlement negotiations or can go to court to present a successful case to get you the justice you deserve.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents could be caused by unsafe behavior from drivers or from bicycle riders.
Some of the most common causes of bike crashes include:
- Driver distraction: Bikes are smaller and easier to miss, so a distracted driver may not see a rider.
- Speeding: Drivers who are traveling too fast may not be able to react quickly enough when they see a cyclist in their path.
- Intoxication or fatigue: Drivers with impaired reflexes because they are tired, or because they took alcohol or drugs, may not see cyclists or be able to stop in time when they do. They could also veer into bicycle lanes.
- Unsafe lane changes: Drivers who don’t look before they change lanes could strike a bicycle rider.
- Unsafe turns: Drivers who turn in front of a rider could strike the bicyclists.
- Dooring: This occurs when a driver who isn’t paying attention opens the car door in the path of a bicycle rider.
- Unsafe road conditions: Poor road design or maintenance can put cyclists at risk.
These are just some of the many ways that bike crashes can happen.
It will be important to show who was at fault for the crash because a bicycle rider can pursue a claim for damages if they can show another driver’s actions or inactions caused them to be hurt.
Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents in Arlington
Since bike riders don’t have protection from airbags or other vehicle safety features, they are often hurt more severely when a collision occurs.
Some of the most common bike accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Sprains and strains
- Contusions
- Joint damage
- Facial trauma
- Amputation
Bicycle crash victims can be hurt both because of the force of the impact and if they are thrown from their bicycles and strike the road.
These injuries can be severe and sometimes life-changing or fatal.
What To Do After an Arlington Bicycle Accident
After you are involved in a bicycle accident, you should immediately call 911 or the non-emergency police number if the injuries are not serious.
You always want to report the accident to the police so that the police can:
- Conduct an investigation into the crash
- Prepare a report detailing the cause of the accident
- Administer drug or alcohol tests to the involved parties, if there is suspicion of intoxication
- Issue citations or make arrests if appropriate
You should also take pictures from the accident scene, if possible, to document it and obtain the contact details from witnesses to the crash.
The goal is to gather as much evidence as possible about how the incident occurred so you can make a strong case for compensation.
Getting prompt medical help is also important in an accident’s aftermath so you can properly document your injuries.
You want to be able to prove that the damage you are experiencing occurred because of the crash and you want to be able to show the extent of the harm you suffered.
Compensation Available for Injured Cyclists
You should be fully and fairly compensated for your bicycle accident injuries.
This includes getting compensation for economic losses such as medical bills and pain and suffering, as well as for non-economic losses including diminished quality of life, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
If the bicycle crash was fatal, surviving loved ones should be entitled to wrongful death damages including loss of the deceased person’s wages they’d have earned during their life, funeral costs, and lost companionship.
How Long Do You Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Virginia?
The statute of limitations for bicycle accident claims in Virginia is two years from the time of the accident. You shouldn’t wait to pursue legal action, though, as you’ll want to begin building your case from day one.
Contact an Arlington Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
An Arlington bicycle accident lawyer at Monge & Associates can help you to gather evidence, put together a strong claim, and negotiate an out of court settlement or present a strong case in court after a bike crash.
To find out more about how our experienced legal team can help you, give us a call today to schedule your free consultation.