Lewisburg Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Lewisburg Bicycle Accident Attorney

Riding a bicycle is a wonderful form of exercise and good for the environment, but it carries risks. Bicycle accidents are on the rise in West Virginia, and cyclists may encounter danger due to reckless drivers, unmarked bicycle lanes, and busy roads. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, a Lewisburg bicycle accident lawyer can help.

With over a century of combined experience in personal injury law, Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, knows how difficult it can be to recover from a bicycle accident. West Virginia traffic laws are complex, and knowing your rights is the first step in receiving fair compensation for your injuries, mental and emotional distress, and time lost from work.

Bicycle Accidents in Lewisburg

West Virginia ranks in the bottom ten among US states for bicycle safety, and there are more than 28 fatalities per 10,000 cyclists in the state.

Some of the most prevalent causes of bicycle accidents in West Virginia include:

• Reckless drivers
• Intoxicated drivers
• Drivers who fail to yield to cyclists
• Opening car doors in the path of a cyclist

Drivers and cyclists must obey West Virginia’s codes concerning traffic regulations. It’s the duty of anyone operating a vehicle to be aware of cyclists, for cyclists and motorists to obey all traffic signals, and for everyone to yield the right-of-way according to traffic laws. While these laws exist to protect everyone on the road, accidents are an unfortunate inevitability.

Bicycle accident cases in Lewisburg are generally heard at the Judge Robert E. Richardson Greenbrier County Courthouse, located at 912 Court Street in North Lewisburg.

Common Injuries From Bicycle Accidents

The injuries caused by a bicycle accident are often severe. Cyclists are incredibly vulnerable to vehicular collisions, resulting in broken bones, traumatic brain and spinal injuries, internal bleeding, and fractured vertebrae. Even when a cyclist appears not to be injured during an accident, medical care is still necessary because some injuries are not immediately apparent.

It’s important for all parties involved in an accident to respond to the accident safely and responsibly. Assistance should be given by calling 911, police and insurance reports should be filed, and witness statements taken.

Proper post-accident protocol can help add validity to any future bicycle accident claim, so it’s vital to react to the accident in a responsible manner. Even if no one appears injured, leaving the scene of an accident is a prosecutable act and morally reprehensible.

Comparative Fault in West Virginia

According to West Virginia Code 55-7-13a, motorists and cyclists are subject to a comparative fault standard of liability, which determines the percentage of negligence for both parties in an accident. The rule states that whichever party carries the most fault in an accident is more liable.

To receive a bicycle accident settlement, a plaintiff must prove liability of 49% or less. Evidence, including expert testimony, police reports, and eyewitness statements, all help to inform the degree of liability in comparative fault accidents.

Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

You may have lots of questions and concerns if you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, including whether you are entitled to compensation for your injuries, property damage, or lost wages due to time away from work for recovery.

When you hire a bicycle accident lawyer in Lewisburg, they can determine the validity of your case, gather the necessary evidence to file a claim, and advocate to the courts on your behalf. Many people assume that it’s too complicated to pursue a civil case, but it’s in your interests to know your rights and seek compensation for personal injury due to a bicycle accident.

FAQs

What Happens if You Hit a Cyclist With Your Car Door in Lewisburg?

A dooring accident happens when a passenger or driver opens a car door directly in the path of an oncoming cyclist. These incidents can lead to injuries such as broken bones, concussions, and even life-threatening injuries due to diminished reaction time. Dooring incidents carry a high degree of liability on the part of the driver or passenger, as it is their responsibility to check for oncoming traffic before opening a car door.

Who Is at Fault in Most Bicycle Accidents?

Liability for accidents is determined in West Virginia through modified comparative fault standards. This means that both parties share in negligence for the accident, but the percentage of fault is determined by the degree of culpability in the accident. Both cyclists and motorists are subject to West Virginia traffic laws and have a responsibility to obey these regulations to ensure the safety of all on the road.

How Much Compensation for a Cycling Accident in Lewisburg?

Compensation for bicycle accidents in Lewisburg depends on the extent of the injuries, the amount of financial hardship, cost of living, lost wages due to time away from work during recovery, medical bills and therapy, and intangible damages such as emotional distress or pain and suffering.

Settlements are often negotiated outside the courtroom and are determined on a case-by-case basis. Consulting with an attorney can help you understand the scope of the financial compensation you may be entitled to.

What Should You Do if a Car Hits Your Bike?

Anyone involved in an accident should follow the standard protocol. Call 911 for assistance if you are injured. Remain where you are, collect personal and insurance information from the other party, and ask witnesses to provide testimony to responding police officers. Do not leave the scene of the accident, even if you feel well. You could have internal injuries, and leaving the scene could potentially compromise any future personal injury claims.

Contact Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, for a Free Initial Consultation

If you’re a Lewisburg resident who has been injured in a bicycle accident, it’s important to know your rights. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you in seeking compensation. We are your trusted allies in Greenbrier County, with over a century of experience advocating for victims of personal injury.