CYCLISTS HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS
In Virginia, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as the operators of motor vehicles — and drivers have real duties toward them. State law requires a motorist to give at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist, and most serious crashes trace back to a driver who ignored that space, wasn’t paying attention, or simply didn’t look. Establishing that failure is the heart of a bicycle case, and it starts with preserving the scene, the sightlines, and the driver’s account before they fade.
Those cases can get complicated fast. Insurers lean on the assumption that the cyclist “came out of nowhere,” and Virginia’s pure contributory negligence rule gives that argument teeth — if they can assign the rider even a small share of fault, they can deny the claim. Sometimes fault lies elsewhere entirely: a poorly maintained road can put liability on the municipality responsible for it. We investigate every angle so the right party is held accountable.
CYCLIST INJURIES TOP 600 EACH YEAR
BICYCLE ACCIDENTS: WHAT TO KNOW
What are a cyclist’s rights in Virginia?
Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers, and motorists must give at least three feet of clearance when passing. A driver who crowds, fails to yield to, or doesn’t look for a cyclist can be held liable.
What causes most bicycle crashes?
Driver inattention is the leading cause, followed by low-visibility night riding and poor road conditions. When a road hazard is to blame, the municipality responsible for maintaining it may share liability.
What injuries are common?
Road rash, fractures, and head and neck trauma — including concussions and traumatic brain injuries. Because some injuries surface later, always seek medical care after a crash, even a minor-seeming one.
What should I do after a bike crash?
Call 911, get medical care, photograph the scene and the vehicle, exchange information, and make sure your account is in the police report. Then talk to a lawyer before dealing with the driver’s insurer.
WHY CYCLISTS CHOOSE DECKER
CONTACT DECKER’S BICYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS
If a driver’s carelessness left you injured on your bike, you don’t have to take on their insurer alone. Reach us by text, chat, phone, or email — or call right now at 757-622-3317.