Bicycling is a healthy and active way to get around, but there are dangers. If you have been injured in a cycling incident, you may have questions about your legal rights, including who may be liable to pay for your injuries and property damage.
A Louisa County bicycle lawyer could use their experience to help you through this situation. One of our dedicated personal injury attorneys could answer your questions regarding your legal rights and help you deal with any legal proceedings that occur once you file a claim.
Cyclists who get into accidents are often severely injured as there is very little protecting them from other dangers on the road. As a result, bicyclists may suffer fractures, head injuries, and lacerations in the event of a crash. One of the most common causes of bike accidents is careless drivers. Motorists may collide with unassuming bicyclists when they fail to see the cyclist in a blind spot or when they are breaking a traffic law, such as texting and driving. While it may be difficult for an injured party to prove that the driver is responsible for their accident, a Louisa County attorney could help you prove your case by gathering witnesses, police reports, and pictures of the bike wreck to show that the motorist was at fault.
A crash may also occur if a bicycle breaks due to defective or poorly repaired parts. In this case, you may have to show that the bike was defectively made and unreasonably dangerous to claim money from the manufacturer for your injuries.
There are several laws that apply to bicycling in Louisa County. Some of these concern where bicyclists can be and how they must operate. If you were breaking any of these laws at the time of your bicycle accident, you may be partially to blame. This could impact your ability to recover full compensation.
Under Virginia Code Annotated § 46.2-903, bicycles are allowed to be on the sidewalk in certain cases so long as riders follow local regulations and restrictions. You must ride safely on the sidewalk, looking out for other bicycles, pedestrians and wheelchairs.
In addition, you need to follow additional rules under Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-904, which includes yielding to pedestrians and letting them know with a bell or other audible signal when you are passing. Cyclists are also not permitted to park in a way that impedes pedestrian traffic or ride through certain crosswalks.
As a bicyclist, you are also subject to certain laws while on the road. Under Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-905, those on bicycles need to move with traffic and stay to the right so vehicles can pass. Additionally, while on the road, you can use the shoulder when needed. State law provides certain restrictions for cyclists, as well. You may only ride next to one cyclist at a time, and groups need to form a single file line if they are impeding traffic. Additionally, you may not ride between two lanes, unless one lane is separate or a turning lane. Cyclists can pass each other on the right or left, under Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-907, but must be able to do so safely.
In addition to avoiding accidents, following these laws may be able to help in the event of filing a claim for damages. If you can prove you were following all state laws and local regulations before the bicycle accident, a Louisa County lawyer could help you fight for compensation.
If you suffered injuries in an accident while riding your bike, you may wonder what your next steps should be. You should consider contacting a Louisa County bicycle accident lawyer to help you file a claim for compensation. A consultation with an experienced attorney at The Warren Firm may provide the guidance you need to get through this process. Call today to get started on your case.