Whether you are riding your bicycle for fun, commuting to work, exercising, or running errands, the reality is that you face the risk of a collision with a vehicle or pedestrian. Although there are many cyclists in the city, the roads are not necessarily designed for cycling activities.

This lack of infrastructure significantly contributes to the bicycle accident rates in the city. If you have been hurt in a serious collision, an experienced Charlottesville bicycle accident lawyer from MichieHamlett can help you seek compensation, navigate the claims process, and fight for the money you need to cover your losses. Our respected personal injury attorneys are ready to advise you on your options.

Leading Causes of Bicycle Collisions

Certain factors often contribute to bicycle accidents that result in severe injuries. These include:

  • Aggressive, distracted, or drunk driving
  • Excessive speeding
  • Motorists’ unwillingness to share the road
  • Minimal dedicated bike paths or lanes
  • Poor road infrastructure, such as blind corners or winding roads
  • Dooring incidents where a vehicle occupant opens a door directly onto the path of a cyclist
  • Tailgating or failure to yield
  • Failure to see the cyclist

Other common contributing factors may include the rider’s lack of visibility—particularly when riding at night without reflective vests or lights—bikers riding in a motorist’s blind spot, or cyclists’ lack of attention while riding.

To recover compensation, it is vital to determine the cause of a bike collision, as the at-fault party largely assumes responsibility for the injuries and damages. An experienced bicycle crash attorney in Charlottesville can review the evidence, identify who or what caused the wreck, and file a claim on the victim’s behalf.

Common Injuries Caused by Bicycle Crashes

In most bicycle accidents, the cyclist often suffers the worst injuries because there is no protective barrier shielding them from the impact during a collision. While other vehicles have airbags, buffers, and frames that absorb the force of the impact, bicycles do not. In bike crash cases, our Charlottesville attorneys often see major injuries including:

  • Road rash
  • Crushed bones or multiple fractures
  • Deep lacerations
  • Severe abrasions or bruising
  • Neck injuries
  • Joint dislocation
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Internal organ damage

Riders may suffer traumatic brain injuries even when they wear helmets, as reported by the American Academy of Family Physicians.

What Damages Are Recoverable in a Bicycle Wreck Claim?

Because of the average cyclist’s lack of protective space or enclosure during a collision, the resulting injuries can translate to prolonged hospitalization and a long recovery time. Extended hospital stays and treatment often mean mounting medical bills, limited or no income (if a victim loses their job or otherwise cannot work), and other financial burdens.

A Charlottesville bike wreck attorney can help an injured person seek recovery for current and future medical expenses (where applicable), property damage, lost income, pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. The court may also award punitive damages against the liable party if they acted recklessly or with a clear intent to harm.

Contact a Charlottesville Attorney About a Bike Crash Lawsuit

An injury claim after a bicycle collision requires experienced legal assistance. At MichieHamlett, our Charlottesville bicycle accident lawyer can help you file the claim, negotiate with the insurance company, and recover a substantial payout, even if it means going to trial. Call now to discuss your case at upfront cost to you.