Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach, VA Bicycle Accident FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Virginia Beach, Virginia?

  Non-emergency matters can be reported to the Virginia Beach Police at (757) 385-5000.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Virginia Beach, Virginia?

  For incident and crash reports, please submit an FOIA Request online with the Virginia Beach Police: https://pd-virginiabeachva.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/supporthome.aspx?LP=7. Note that when the requested documents cost over $200 to reproduce, you might have to make an advance deposit.

• What safety equipment do you need to install on your bicycle so you can ride on a Virginia Beach highway?

  You can ride your bicycle on a highway in Virginia Beach as long as you equip it with working and properly maintained brakes. These brakes must allow your wheels to “skid on dry, level, clean pavement,” according to the Code of Virginia § 46.2-1066. If you will ride on roads with a speed limit requirement of at least 35 mph, you must also install one or more red taillights that can be seen by motorists 500 feet behind you.

• Do you need to report every bicycle accident you get involved in Virginia Beach?

  No, you don’t really have to report each and every accident you encounter in Virginia Beach. But you are required by law to stop your bicycle if it caused any property damage, injury, or death. When this happens, you must exchange information with the concerned parties and wait for the police to arrive. If you have caused property damage while riding on your bicycle but the owner is not around, leave a note on the premises with your contact details.

• When can a bicycle accident claim in Virginia Beach turn into a premises liability case?

  An injury claim can become a premises liability case when negligence on the part of property owners in Virginia Beach has caused the accident. For example, if a restaurant was crowded on the corner of the road and this contributed to a bicycle accident, the establishment can be held liable. Injured cyclists may sue the government if there were barbed wires or debris left on a bike lane, causing them to lose control.

• Who is required to wear bicycle helmets in Virginia Beach?

  Younger bicycle riders aged 14 and below are required to wear helmets in Virginia Beach. This requirement is unique to the city and other counties and incorporated towns; Virginia law does not require the use of bicycle helmets in general. Even without the requirement, adult bicyclists are better off wearing helmets on roads to protect themselves from head injuries in case of an accident.

• What mistakes could you make after a bicycle crash in Virginia Beach?

  Be wary of making mistakes when you get involved in an accident, such as admitting fault or apologizing. Other parties can use your words against you and interpret your apology as an admission of fault, in which case you may lose your right to compensation. Virginia Beach follows the state’s pure contributory negligence doctrine, which prohibits injured parties from collecting damages even if they are only 1% liable for the crash.