Content Reviewed By:
John Richmond, Co-Founding Member
- December 18, 2024
Rochester’s busy streets and intersections can be hazardous for bicycle riders. If you’ve suffered a bicycle accident due to another person’s negligence, you need a bike accident lawyer who knows the unique challenges cyclists face. Our Rochester bicycle accident attorneys can navigate local laws and provide the personalized attention you deserve while fighting for full and fair compensation after a crash.
Why Should I Choose Richmond Vona to Represent Me After a Bike Accident?
If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident in Rochester, our skilled personal injury lawyers can help. Our dedicated, people-first firm is committed to providing each client with individualized counsel and representation. Our case results speak for themselves.
We work in small teams to streamline communication, and our attorneys are always easy to reach. With decades of combined experience, we’ve been widely recognized for the high quality of our services. We’re even more honored by the many glowing testimonials we receive from our countless satisfied clients.
We handle complex personal injury cases throughout Rochester and Western New York, including those involving:
Richmond Vona operates exclusively on contingency, meaning we don’t charge up-front fees. If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay us a thing.
Your Case Is Personal to Us
Serving Rochester accident victims isn’t just our job—it’s personal. Founding partner John Richmond, a Rochester native, takes pride in supporting his hometown community. For co-founder Keith Vona, our work with bicycle accident victims is deeply personal, inspired by his love for cycling and dedication as an IRONMAN triathlete.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing a Local Attorney?
When selecting an attorney, the benefits of hiring locally can’t be overstated. We’re knowledgeable about the hazards Rochester bicyclists face and our community. We work hard to give back. We have the localized information you need for your personal injury claim, from major players in the personal injury field to where the best hospitals are. Our Rochester bike accident attorneys know the struggles cyclists experience here in town, and we strive to protect their rights when they are injured due to the carelessness of others.
What Damages Are Available After a Bicycle Accident?
There are normally two types of damages available if you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages compensate accident victims for financial losses such as medical bills, loss of earning capacity, and lost wages. Non-economic damages compensate victims for the subjective impact on their lives that can’t be replaced with money, such as pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Damages vary significantly based on the severity of each victim’s injuries. That said, bicycle accidents often lead to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other severe and potentially disabling conditions. A knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer can help you determine the damages you might recover in your case.
Who Could Be Liable in a Bicycle Accident?
Several parties could potentially be liable for harming you in a bicycle accident. The most common liable party in a bike accident case is a negligent driver. A driver who pulled into a bike lane without paying attention or carelessly opened their car door into a cyclist could be liable for injuries the cyclist suffered.
However, liable parties in a bicycle accident aren’t limited to other individuals. Local governments, such as the city of Rochester or Monroe County, could also be at fault for your injury if it resulted from negligent behavior on their part. This could be conduct like failing to maintain bike lanes or improper upkeep of traffic signs, resulting in a crash. A Rochester bicycle accident lawyer can help identify all possible liable parties in your case.
Important Biking Laws To Be Aware Of
There are some important biking laws to keep in mind any time you’re cycling in New York. Cyclists are required to stay in the bike lane if one is provided. If one is unavailable, they should cycle as close to the right-hand curb as possible. Cyclists must also come to a full stop before entering any roadway.
Another law to be aware of is the New York bicycle helmet law. Helmets are only mandatory for cyclists under 14 in New York. However, even though helmets are otherwise not mandatory, not wearing one can impact your compensation if it contributes to your injury.
Can I Still Recover Damages in My Bike Accident Case if I Was Partially at Fault?
If you were partially at fault for your bike accident, you can still recover damages in New York due to a legal principle known as comparative negligence. However, your damages will be reduced by the percentage of fault you hold for the accident. For example, if you were awarded $100,000 in damages but the court found that you were 20 percent responsible for the accident, you would receive $80,000.
When Should I File a Claim After a Bike Accident?
The New York personal injury statute of limitations is normally three years from the injury date. There are very few exceptions to this rule.
While three years may seem like plenty of time to file a lawsuit for your bike accident, putting together a strong personal injury case gets harder the further out you get from the date the crash occurred. Reaching out to a bike accident attorney as soon as possible after a crash helps ensure you file on time and bring the strongest claim possible.
Hiring an attorney quickly means that you’ll have someone on your side to handle the heavy lifting while you recover from your accident. Our Rochester bicycle accident attorneys can handle court documents and communicate with insurers while you can focus on getting better.
What Can an Attorney Do for Me?
Our bicycle accident attorneys have extensive experience handling these cases and can help you figure out the best strategy for success. We know what evidence is most compelling in court and how to navigate your case through the legal system. We are here to answer your questions and ensure you know your legal rights.
The right attorney will help you through the entire legal process, from your free consultation to settlement or trial. Our lawyers stand by our clients every step of the way, providing services such as:
- Thorough evaluation of your case and legal options.
- Evidence collection and document preparation.
- Meeting filing deadlines.
- Communicating with the opposing party and their insurers.
- Aggressively negotiating a fair settlement.
- Taking your case to trial if negotiations fail.
When the Unexpected Happens, Expect Richmond Vona
If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident in Rochester or elsewhere in Western New York, Richmond Vona can help. Our dedicated Rochester bike accident lawyers prioritize open, easy communication with clients. You can reach out to us 24/7 to discuss your bike accident case. Call (585) 523-2336 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation.
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This law firm goes above and beyond to fight for you. Their entire team treats you with respect and truly cares about your well-being. Look no further if you need a personal injury lawyer.
John Richmond and the team at Richmond Vona did an incredible job with my complicated personal injury case. They made sure no stone was unturned and got me the settlement I deserved for my situation. They treat you well, explain everything you need to know and more so you are always in the loop about the status of your case. John was easy to get in touch with anytime during the process and made signing paperwork easy and understandable. Their entire staff is professional and helpful throughout the process These guys are fair, trustworthy, and will stand up for you!
This firm’s attention to detail is second to none. It’s evident that they are true professionals and really care about their injured clients. This is the firm to call if you have been seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence.
