Being hit by a car while riding a bicycle can change your life in an instant. The injuries are often severe, broken bones, brain injuries, spinal damage, and the road to recovery can be long, expensive, and uncertain. While you’re focused on healing, insurance companies are already evaluating how little they can pay you.
Drivers and their insurance companies routinely look for ways to shift blame onto the cyclist, claiming you weren’t visible, were riding incorrectly, or were somehow at fault for what happened to you. Under Virginia’s strict contributory negligence law, even a small finding of fault against you can eliminate your right to compensation entirely.
In some cases, working with an experienced Hampton Roads bicycle accident lawyer isn’t just helpful but essential.
For nearly 40 years, Richard J. Serpe has helped seriously injured accident victims recover compensation throughout Hampton Roads and Virginia. Whether your accident happened in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, Portsmouth, Smithfield, or on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, our attorneys are equipped to help.
We offer free consultations, and you pay no legal fees unless we win your case.
Types of Bicycle Accident Cases We Handle
Cyclists have virtually no protection when struck by a vehicle, and the results can be catastrophic and sometimes fatal. Our attorneys handle all types of bicycle accident cases, including:
- Cyclists struck at intersections
- Accidents caused by distracted or texting drivers
- Drunk driving bicycle accidents
- Dooring accidents involving parked vehicles
- Speeding driver accidents
- Dangerous road conditions
- Commercial vehicles or trucks
- Hit-and-run bicycle accidents
- Wrongful death cases
When negligence causes serious injuries to a cyclist, we build strong cases.
Why Hire the Serpe Firm as Your Bicycle Accident Lawyers
When you’ve suffered serious injuries in a bicycle accident, choosing the right attorney matters.
Our Norfolk-based personal injury law firm combines decades of experience with trusted, client-centered advocacy to help you pursue a fair settlement.
We understand how overwhelming it feels when your injuries prevent you from working, your medical bills are piling up, and the insurance company is pushing you to accept a lowball settlement offer. That’s why we are here to do the heavy lifting and fight for the settlement you deserve.
At the heart of our firm is attorney Richard J. Serpe, a nationally recognized personal injury lawyer with more than 40 years of experience representing seriously injured accident victims. Mr. Serpe has earned repeated recognition from Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers and is known for his meticulous case preparation and advocacy.
Working alongside him is Ashley E. Strandjord, a respected attorney known for her thorough case development, courtroom readiness, and compassionate communication. Ashley handles bicycle accident cases with the same level of care and preparation she brings to every serious injury claim.
Unlike high-volume firms, our legal team carefully selects the cases we accept. This allows us to dedicate substantial time, resources, and personal attention to every client we represent.
At the Serpe Firm, you’ll receive:
- Decades of experience representing the injured
- Personalized attention and responsive communication
- Thorough case preparation to maximize your recovery
- No legal fees unless we win your case
Whether your bicycle accident occurred in Hampton Roads or anywhere in Virginia, our legal team brings the experience and advocacy you deserve during this difficult time.
What Happens After You Contact Us?
When you contact the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC, your case begins with a free, no-obligation consultation. We listen to what happened, review the details of your accident, and determine if we are a good fit for your case.
If we move forward together, here’s what you can expect:
- Investigation and Evidence Collection: We gather police reports, medical records and bills, witness statements, available camera or dash cam footage, and any other crash evidence to build a strong foundation for your claim.
- Handling the Insurance Companies: We take over communication with the insurance adjusters so you don’t have to deal with pressure tactics, delays, or lowball settlement offers.
- Medical Documentation and Damages Evaluation: We work to fully understand your injuries, treatment needs, lost wages, and long-term impact before negotiating a settlement. In bicycle accident cases, that means not rushing to settle before you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
- Negotiation or Litigation if Necessary: Many cases resolve through negotiation. If the insurance company refuses to act fairly, we are prepared to take your case to court.
How Long Will My Case Take?
Some claims resolve in a matter of months, but more complex cases, particularly those involving severe or long-term injuries, can take longer. Our priority is not speed alone, but securing the strongest possible outcome for you.
What Should You Do Today?
- See a doctor for your injuries. Your health comes first.
- Preserve your bicycle, helmet, and any clothing from the crash
- Consult with a Hampton Roads bicycle accident lawyer
The sooner you have legal guidance, the better protected your claim will be.
What is the Deadline to File a Bicycle Accident Claim?
Yes. In most Virginia bicycle accident cases, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may permanently lose your right to pursue compensation.
Certain circumstances, like cases involving government-owned vehicles, may have different or shorter deadlines. That’s why it’s critical to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
Your Rights as a Cyclist Under Virginia Law
Virginia classifies bicycles as vehicles, which means cyclists have all the same rights and duties as motor vehicle drivers on public roads. That includes the right to use the travel lane, the right of way at intersections, and protection under every traffic law that applies to drivers.
Drivers have specific legal obligations toward cyclists that are frequently ignored. For example:
- A driver making a left turn at an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway must yield to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction that is close enough to constitute a hazard. Because cyclists are classified as vehicles, a driver who turns left across the path of an oncoming cyclist and causes a crash has violated this law. Left-turn collisions are a common cause of of bicycle accidents.
- When passing a cyclist, a driver must pass at a reasonable speed and maintain at least three feet of clearance to the left of the bicycle. If the lane is too narrow to maintain that clearance, the driver is required to change lanes.
- Virginia law prohibits any driver from opening a car door into the path of moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so. Cyclists struck by a suddenly opened door have a clear legal basis for a claim against the driver.
When a driver violates any of these legal duties and injures a cyclist as a result, that driver is liable.
Bicycle Accident Risks in Hampton Roads
According to VDOT Crash Data, Virginia Beach Boulevard is known for bicycle crashes in Hampton Roads, running through dense commercial areas where cyclists and high-speed traffic are in constant conflict. Jefferson Avenue in Newport News has heavy traffic and limited bike infrastructure making this road dangerous. Warwick Boulevard in Newport News has similar conditions.
In Hampton, Mercury Boulevard and Coliseum Drive are also bicycle crash locations, with fast-moving traffic and commercial access points that create frequent dangerous interactions with cyclists. Settlers Landing Road and Kecoughtan Road also appear in crash records throughout Hampton Roads.
In Virginia Beach, Independence Boulevard, Laskin Road, Princess Anne Road, Dam Neck Road, Great Neck Road, and Tidewater Drive are roads where bicycle crashes occur with regularity. Atlantic and Pacific Avenue at the Oceanfront draws a surge of recreational cyclists during the summer months.
In Norfolk, Granby Street, Little Creek Road, Brambleton Avenue, Colley Avenue, Ocean View Avenue, and Sewells Point Road are all documented bicycle crash areas. Shore Drive, connecting Norfolk and Virginia Beach presents fast-moving traffic, limited lighting, and stretches with no shoulder or bike lane.
In Chesapeake, Battlefield Boulevard, Indian River Road, Military Highway, Chesapeake Boulevard, and Portsmouth Boulevard are among the roads where cyclists face elevated risk due to speed and traffic volume.
Whether your accident happened on one of these areas or on a neighborhood street, our attorneys understand the local conditions and contributing factors that can shape your case and affect your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hampton Roads Bicycle Accident Claims
How much is my bicycle accident case worth?
The value of a bicycle accident claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, lost wages, long-term disability or impairment, and the insurance coverage available. Because cyclists are entirely unprotected in a collision, these injuries are often serious and the damages can be significant.
Will I have to go to court?
Many bicycle accident cases resolve through negotiated settlements. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, your case may need to go before a jury.
What compensation can I recover?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, future medical costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disability or disfigurement, and other accident-related losses.
Our Clients Say It Best!
Selecting a personal injury attorney after a serious accident is a significant decision. We’re honored by the trust our clients place in us and proud of the results we’ve delivered on their behalf.
“Mr. Serpe is a kind, considerate professional I would recommend to anyone who needs legal help recovering from an auto accident or other personal injury. I really enjoyed working with him and felt he had my best interest at heart.” – Google Review
“It was a pleasure to hire Richard as our attorney to help with my mom’s case. Richard was incredibly kind and patient throughout the whole process. He and his team kept us updated every step of the way to ensure we understood everything and were well-prepared. The result was more than we expected. My family highly recommends Richard’s firm.” – Google Review
“Richard is without question the most competent attorney I’ve ever met, and his character is above reproach. When I need legal advice, he is always the first person I call.” – AVVO Review
Contact Our Hampton Roads Bicycle Accident Attorneys
If you or a family member was injured in a bicycle accident in Hampton Roads, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone. The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC is ready to evaluate your case, answer your questions, and discuss your options.
Your consultation is free, and you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Call 757-233-0009, use our chat, or email us to schedule your free case evaluation.
