Helping Victims of Bicycle Accidents
West Virginia personal injury lawyers fighting for injured bike riders
Bike riding can be a great way to get to work or a nice way just to enjoy the scenery. Cyclists in West Virginia do need to know what laws apply to where they can ride, what equipment they must have and what rules of the road they must above. Vehicle operators must also know the rules of the road that apply to bike riders. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 743 bike riders were killed in West Virginia in 2013 and 48,000 state riders were injured in motor vehicle crashes.
At Paulson & Nace, PLLC, our lawyers know the local traffic laws. We also know how catastrophic a bike accident can be because a bicycle does not protect the rider if he or she falls to the ground. Many victims of bike accidents suffer permanent injuries. Tragically, many bike riders who collide with a four-wheel vehicle die. Our lawyers have been helping West Virginia bike accident victims for 40 years. We have obtained million dollar verdicts and settlements in meritorious personal injury cases. Let our lawyers help you.
Reasons bike accidents happen in West Virginia
To win a personal injury case, it is crucial to know why the accident happened and who is at fault. Some of the common reasons bicycle accidents happen in West Virginia are:
- Failing to follow the motor vehicle laws. All operators of motor vehicles must know and follow the West Virginia motor vehicle laws. They cannot speed, drive recklessly or drive while intoxicated.
- Failing to yield. Vehicle drivers do not have an automatic right of way. They must yield to bike riders in crosswalks and in other applicable situations. Drivers who do not yield and cause an accident should be held accountable.
- Failing to properly signal. Vehicle operators must inform bicycle operators that they are going to pass the bike operator and must pass on the left side. Failure to give an audible signal and failure to pass properly can cause a bike crash.
- Intersection accidents. Accidents at intersections can be especially dangerous because drivers are focused on looking for other cars and not smaller bicycles.
- Door accidents. Drivers should be careful before they open their car door to make sure there are no bike riders nearby. An open door can cause a bike rider to fall and suffer serious harm or die. Door accidents can happen on both sides of the car – when the driver opens the door or when a passenger opens a door.
- Bike path accidents. West Virginia does require that bike riders use bike paths. Cars and motorcycles are not allowed to use these paths. Debris and un-level terrain can cause a bike operator to flip his/her bike and fall. Some locations also have bike lanes. Cars and trucks should not be in bike lanes.
- Bad road conditions. Local and state governments are required to maintain roadways by keeping them safe and clear of debris. Roads should be marked or closed if they are dangerous. A simple pothole or a crack in the road can cause a bike cyclist to spill onto the road and suffer a catastrophic injury or death.
- Dog chase accidents. Some dogs love to chase riding bicyclists. Bike operators should know what paths are available for stopping or avoiding the animals.
Adults and children are both susceptible to bicycle accidents. Children are held to a different standard of riding care than adults depending on their age.
The lawyers at Paulson & Nace know how life-changing a bicycle accident can be. Our lawyers know that many bike accident victims never make a full recovery. We address all the relevant factual and legal issues including when riders must wear helmets, what lights are required and whether any bicycle licenses are required. Our West Virginia lawyers know that many four-wheel vehicle operators and commercial drivers do not drive carefully. We hold other drivers and those responsible for maintaining the roads accountable for these serious injuries.
Our West Virginia lawyers are strong advocates for bike accident victims
If you were hurt while riding a bicycle or a loved one was killed in a bicycle accident, you need experienced personal injury representation. Each personal injury lawyer at Paulson & Nace, PLLC, guide you through each phase of the litigation. We work to get compensation for all reasonable medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. Please call 304-741-8079 or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment with a lawyer. Our office location is at 3501 Maccorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304. Let our family help your family.
We have dedicated our lives to helping personal injury victims and their families. Now, let our family help you and yours.