Alexandria Bicycle Accident Attorney

Cycling through the streets of Alexandria, VA, is an exhilarating experience, but unfortunately, it can also be dangerous. A bicycle accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed, confused, and injured. These accidents can lead to serious injuries, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. But you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our bicycle accident lawyers are ready to guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights. We’ll help you get back on your feet and back on your bike in no time.

Injury Victims Find a Strong Advocate in Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel P.C.

As proud partners of WABA & the local cycling community, the respected law firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel P.C. is dedicated to protecting and defending the rights of bicycle accident victims in Alexandria and throughout Northern Virginia. Our attorneys understand the risks that cyclists face when sharing the roads with careless drivers – and if you’ve been injured in a bike accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to full and fair financial compensation.

Schedule a free consultation with our experienced Alexandria bicycle accident lawyers today.

Do You Need an Attorney for a Bicycle Accident Injury?

Under Virginia law, a driver who acts negligently and causes an accident with a bicyclist is responsible for the injuries sustained by the bicyclist. As a bicyclist, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries by bringing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. If you’ve been injured while riding a bicycle in Alexandria, VA, protect your rights by consulting with experienced bicycle accident lawyers who understand the complexities of this type of case. The attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., understand the issues that bicycle riders face and are experienced litigators who will aggressively fight for you in court if necessary.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire An Alexandria Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., we represent clients on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no fees unless your case is successful and you recover compensation for your injuries. We believe that everyone injured in a bicycle accident should have the opportunity to seek justice without worrying about upfront costs or attorney’s fees.

How to Protect Your Rights at the Scene of a Bicycle Accident

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, there are several steps you should take to protect your rights and the potential of recovering monetary damages from the at-fault party. These include:

Seek medical attention promptly

Even if you don’t think your injuries are serious at first, seek medical care as soon as possible.

Report the accident to the police

Doing this will ensure that an official record is created and can be used if you decide to pursue a claim later on.

Document the scene of the accident

Take pictures, jot down notes about what happened, get contact information from witnesses, etc.

Do not admit fault

Anything you say can be used against you in court, so it is crucial that you avoid admitting fault or apologizing for the accident.

Contact an experienced bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible

A knowledgeable attorney can protect your right to compensation and help you through the claims process.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Often, cyclists collide with motor vehicles, which is why there are many common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are the most common cause of death in bicycle accidents. According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, two-thirds of all bicycle-related deaths are caused by a traumatic brain injury.

The actual number of bicycle-related TBIs may be much higher because brain injuries are not always readily apparent, and injuries from cycling accidents often seem too minor for emergency room treatment.

Other common bike accident injuries include:

• Head injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Neck injury
• Back injury
• Knee injury
• Spinal cord injuries/paralysis
• Facial injuries
• Severe road rash and scarring

These types of severe injuries can have a devastating impact on your life, and you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Recovering Damages in a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit

The types of damages you may be eligible to pursue after a bicycle accident include:

Medical expenses: including past and future costs associated with treatment, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, rehabilitative care, etc.

Lost wages: if your injury prevents you from working or reduces your earning capacity.

Pain and suffering: for the physical and emotional distress of an injury.

Loss of consortium: if you cannot engage in activities or experiences with your spouse due to the injury.

Punitive damages: designed to punish a wrongdoer, these are only awarded in cases involving malicious or grossly negligent behavior.

Determining Fault and Liability in a Bicycle Accident Case

In order to recover compensation for your injuries, you must be able to demonstrate that another party was at fault for the accident.

To prove negligence, many pieces of evidence must be presented, including:

• Evidence that demonstrates wrongful behavior or negligence;

• Proof that the defendant was responsible for the plaintiff’s injuries and losses; and

• Evidence that links any damages incurred directly to the accident.

In some cases, both parties may be liable for contributing to the accident and resulting damages. For example, if a bicyclist is hit by a motor vehicle while not following traffic laws, both the driver and the bicyclist may be found partially at fault.

It is vital to have a Virginia bicycle accident lawyer on your side to help assess fault and establish liability in a personal injury case.

Contributory Negligence in Virginia

In Virginia, a legal doctrine known as contributory negligence can bar an injured person from recovering any compensation for their losses, even if they are only 1% at fault. This means that if a judge or a jury finds that  the plaintiff contributed in any way to their injury or loss, they may not be able to obtain damages. This law makes it imperative that you seek the help of an attorney to build a strong case against the defendant.

Statute of Limitations

In Virginia, personal injury cases ordinarily must be filed within two years of the incident. Usually, if a lawsuit is not brought within this timeframe, bicycle accident victims may be barred from recovering any monetary damages associated with the accident.

Speak with an attorney as soon as possible following an accident or injury to ensure that your rights are protected.

Dealing With Insurance Companies Following A Personal Injury Claim

Insurance companies can be difficult to deal with following a personal injury claim. Remember that their primary goal is not to help you recover compensation but rather to protect their own interests and limit the amount of money they must pay out on your claim.

It is essential that you work with an experienced attorney who can negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company. An attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the claims process and fight to maximize your recovery.

Your attorney will also be able to review any offers made by the insurance company and advise you on whether they are fair and sufficient for your losses. In addition, they can help determine if other parties may be liable and accountable for your damages.

An attorney can also help ensure that you do not fall victim to any of the insurance company’s schemes or tactics, such as offering a quick settlement before you have had an opportunity to fully understand the extent of your losses. You are not required to accept any settlement offered by an insurance company.

The help of an experienced attorney can be invaluable in helping you navigate the insurance claims process and seek a fair settlement for your losses. Contact an experienced bicycle accident lawyer today to get started on your case.

We Get You Results

For more than 50 years, the lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have successfully represented individuals and families who have been injured or lost loved ones as the result of someone else’s negligence. Here is a small sample of some of our successful verdicts and settlements: 

• $3.5 million for a man who suffered a brain injury when a District of Columbia police officer opened his door into traffic and “doored” him. 
• $6 million on behalf of a man who suffered a brain injury as a result of a rear-end collision.
• $5 million medical malpractice settlement on behalf of a 14-year-old client who suffered a severe brain injury as a result of a doctor’s inappropriate use of a chemical product.
• $4.8 million on behalf of a severely injured man when his motorcycle struck a trailer being pulled by a minivan.
• $4.5 million for a woman who was seriously injured in a pedestrian accident after being struck from behind by a transit bus in a crosswalk.

See additional examples of our case victories and settlements on our “Case Results” page.

Contact an Alexandria Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected. The attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have extensive experience representing victims of bicycle accidents and will fight to maximize the compensation you receive for your losses.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help.