Roanoke, VA Bicycle & Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Riding bicycles in Roanoke’s Blue Ridge Mountains is an enjoyable pastime. Unfortunately, what should be a relaxing, exhilarating, and safe activity can become dangerous when cyclists must share the roads with passenger vehicles, motorcyclists, and trucks. Consequently, even a low-speed accident can result in disabling injuries, even if a helmet and safety gear are worn.
As with other injury matters, bicycle accident attorney Mark Hurt and our firm represent residents of Roanoke and the surrounding communities on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only receive a fee for our services if compensation is recovered. Further, we offer a free initial consultation and advance all costs of litigation.
Call today to learn how our dedicated bike accident team can seek justice, accountability, and full and fair compensation for you!
Bicycle Safety Facts That Every Virginia Cyclist Should Know.
According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA), there are two main types of bicycle crashes: the most common being falls and the most serious involving vehicle collisions. According to NHTSA:
- Cyclist deaths occur the most often between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
- Severe injuries and deaths occur more often in urban areas (78%) than in rural areas (22%)
- Males are six times more likely to die in a bicycle accident than females
Unfortunately, even if a cyclist takes all safety precautions possible, a cyclist is no match for a collision with a car, truck, or even a motorcycle. As a Roanoke, VA bicycle accident lawyer, Mark Hurt is experienced in crash investigation and identifying all parties that may be legally responsible for a crash.
How Are Bicycle Accidents Commonly Caused?
There are many causes of serious bike accidents, and most of them are preventable. According to the NHTSA, the following are some of the most prevalent causes of crashes with vehicles:
- Speeding
- Driving while intoxicated
- Careless or reckless driving
- Driver fatigue and drowsiness
- Driver failure to obey traffic signs or signals
- Distracted driving (including texting while driving)
- Poorly constructed and unrepaired roads
- Driver failure to check blind spots
Understanding Virginia “Pure Contributory Negligence” Law
When a cyclist is struck by a car, truck, other types of vehicle, or motorcycle, it may seem straightforward to determine the at-fault party. However, when insurance companies are involved, a seemingly simple case can become challenging.
This often happens because Virginia is one of only a few states that follow what is known as the “pure contributory negligence rule.” This rule means that a defendant (like the driver who hit a bicyclist) must be 100% at fault or the victim cannot collect any monetary damages (even if the driver was 99% liable for a crash).
As a result of this rule, insurance companies for a defendant driver and their legal counsel will often work diligently to try to find some reason to pin at least some of the blame on an injured cyclist (or a cyclist who has died in a tragic crash). As a tenacious Roanoke bike accident lawyer, Mark Hurt is experienced with opposing and fighting back against these types of claims and the attempts of defendants to escape liability.
Identifying All Those Responsible for a Crash
In any injury or wrongful death case, a crucial part for obtaining full compensation will be identifying all those who may be liable so that justice can be sought. Often, in bike crash and other injury cases, many people or parties may be liable.
For example, a driver who was texting and hit a cyclist may be liable. If the driver was drunk, a bar or restaurant may be liable if they overserved the driver. A municipality may be liable if bike lanes were not properly lighted at night, or if defective traffic signals contributed to the crash.
With more than 25 years of legal practice, Attorney Mark Hurt is experienced in investigating crashes and identifying all those who may bear legal responsibility. Unless such identification is done, injury victims face the possibility of the “empty chair” defense if a case goes to trial, whereby one defendant may blame another person or entity that has not been sued in order to escape or reduce their own liability.
If You’ve Been Injured in a Roanoke Bike Accident, We Invite You to Call Us Today for A Free Consultation.
Bicycle accidents are challenging and often involve many parties. If you or a loved one was injured in a serious bike crash, or if a family member was killed while biking as the result of someone else’s negligence, you will want an experienced Roanoke bicycle injury lawyer on your side who will fight tenaciously to secure the maximum compensation possible.
Call our office today for a free consultation, and to learn how firm-founding attorney Mark Hurt can help you seek justice and hold all negligent parties responsible for your damages and losses.
