Alexandria Bicycle Accident Lawyer

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Bicycle Accident Lawyer Alexandria, VA

If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident in Alexandria or someplace else in VA, it is recommended that you speak to bicycle accident lawyers Alexandria, VA bicycle accident victims and their families can trust as soon as possible to learn about what your rights are.

When bicycle accidents happen, it can leave the rider with injuries that are excruciating and require medical attention promptly. Many bicyclists have probably had at least a couple close calls while sharing the road with drivers. This may simply be because drivers are too often speeding, distracted, daydreaming or sleepy behind the wheel. Eventually, a rider may come into contact with a car exterior, and may be thrown from their bike onto the ground. Here in the article below, we have talked further about how riders should handle the scene after being hit by a car driver.

A good reason to speak to bicycle accident lawyers that are licensed to protect people in Alexandria and throughout VA is because they can guide you through the the things you should do and say, as well as things that you should not do or say.

When Cyclists Are Harmed

As most bike accident lawyers in Alexandria, VA will tell you, when cyclists are harmed in an accident, it is important for both the cyclist and anyone who may have contributed to the harm to understand the complexities of the situation. For example, if the cyclist harmed is a child and that child lives in a state where helmets are required, that child’s parents may be held liable or comparatively liable for harm done to that child.

Sometimes states or municipalities require adult helmet use, but this is a less common legal standard than helmet use for persons under the age of 18. Nevertheless, cyclists who choose not to wear helmets may be held partially or comparatively liable for that choice, depending on the circumstances of the case.

Comparative Negligence and Other Consequences

A common questions asked to bike accident lawyers in Alexandria, VA is “What does being held comparatively liable mean?” Essentially, it means that fault for harm caused by an accident is dosed out according to how much any affected plaintiff or defendant contributed to that harm. For example, if a distracted driver hits a child cyclist not wearing a helmet, the parents of that child may be held liable for a small fraction of the harm caused to that child, while the distracted driver may be held liable for a greater fraction of harm caused. It is also possible to receive a ticket for failure to wear a helmet (or allowing a child to ride without a helmet) depending on the specifics of local laws.

What if the driver tries to blame me for the bicycle accident?

The driver who hit you may become overwhelmed with stress, when they realize that they may have to face the consequences of their actions. The driver may be acting out and trying to get you to say that you are at-fault, so they can elude responsibility. You may want to disengage with the driver and not make any statements about fault. This can be difficult, as you may be angry towards the driver for hitting you. Call 911 for support and inform the operator that the driver is being hostile towards you.

While you are waiting for authorities to arrive try to get yourself to a safe place to call trustworth Alexandria, VA bicycle accident lawyers so that they can document how the other driver (or drivers) are being. As well, it may make you feel safer to know that the person on the other end of the line is on your side.

Is it always necessary that I call 911?

It is highly recommended that any person hit by a vehicle while on a bike calls 911 for help. You may have sustained injuries that require medical attention. Also, the officer who arrives at the scene can take down an official incident report of the collision. In case you decide to file a lawsuit against the driver down the line, this report can serve as evidence for your case. Ask the officer how you can go about receiving a copy of this report, and be sure to provide your thorough account of what happened.

What if I cannot pay my medical bills due to the accident injuries?

After being hit by a vehicle and suffering injuries, a rider may then be faced with a pile of unpaid medical bills. The costs for being hospitalized, the ambulance ride, treatments, diagnostics, medications and more can add up very quickly. Many riders may decide to file a lawsuit against the driver for compensation in order to pay off these medical bills. It is recommended that Alexandria bicycle accident victims who are trying to get compensation for their bicycle accident, should do this with the help of personal injury lawyers who are experienced at successfully getting compensation for bicycle accident victims.

Is it necessary that I take pictures of the scene?

If you are of stable health enough to take photographs of the scene, it may be in your best interest to do so. Take pictures of any visible wounds you have, bike damage, car damage and any other details (such as a broken windshield and shattered glass). If there were good samaritans who came over to help you, do not be shy in asking for their contact information. In many cases, someone who rushes over to assist during an accident scene just wants to see that everyone is okay. A witness’ intentions are typically good, and their account of what happened may work in your favor during a lawsuit.

Distracted Behavior

It is no secret that distracted driving accidents plague America’s roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving behavior caused the deaths of 3,450 Americans in 2016 alone. Many factors can contribute to distracted driving. Anything from an animal darting into the road to a toddler crying may serve as a distraction to a motorist or cyclist. However, technical distraction is uniquely dangerous because this kind of activity engages all three major forms of distraction. Interacting with a cell phone, for example, causes travelers to take their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel or handlebars and their mind off the task of navigating the road safely.

According to an experienced bike accident lawyer in Alexandria, VA, over the past decade, government at the federal, state and local level has cracked down significantly on distracted driving behavior. As a result, distracted drivers may be held liable for distracted behaviors including texting, having a cell phone conversation and surfing the Internet while driving. If a distracted driver causes harm to another driver, cyclist or a pedestrian, that motorist may face stiffer criminal and civil penalties than he or she would if an accident had resulted in harm but did not involve distraction.

Accidents Involving Distraction

Some jurisdictions even hold cyclists liable for distracted operation of their bicycles. Much like motorists, cyclists may face both criminal and civil consequences for both distracted behaviors and any harm caused to others as a result of those behaviors.

As a good bike accident lawyer Alexandria, VA may warn you, in a motor vehicle accident case involving a cyclist, distraction may ultimately influence the outcome of the lawsuit. If the driver was distracted, he or she may face greater penalties than usual. If the cyclist was distracted, he or she may be held comparatively negligent for the part that distraction played in the accident. For example, a distracted cyclist may be held 30 percent liable for his or her contribution to the harm caused, while a motorist may be held 70 percent liable for running a stop sign and hitting the distracted cyclist.

Each Case Is Unique

Every personal injury case is subject to nuances in circumstance and legal applications. As a result, it is generally a good idea to speak with an attorney if you have been injured in an accident or unintentionally contributed to harm caused by an accident. A bike accident lawyer Alexandria, VA residents count on can help you determine the best course of action under your specific circumstances.

Do not hesitate to call Cohen & Cohen today to set up your free consultation.

If you or someone you love has been in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact the highly rated bicycle accident lawyers Alexandria, VA bicycle accident victims recommend, at Cohen & Cohen for a free case evaluation with no obligation.