Petersburg Bicycle Accident Law Firm

At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our personal injury lawyers in Petersburg have represented Virginians for more than 50 years, including clients injured in devastating bicycle collisions. We have recovered millions for accident victims across Virginia, including a substantial $11.5 million settlement for a bicycle accident.

We bring that same determination to protecting the rights of injured cyclists in Petersburg.

When Bicycling Turns Dangerous on Petersburg Roads

According to the 2024 Virginia Traffic Crash Facts, there were 690 crashes involving bicycles statewide, resulting in 25 fatalities and 623 injuries. These accounted for 2.7% of all traffic deaths in Virginia that year, proving how exposed cyclists are compared to drivers surrounded by steel and airbags.

Even low-speed impacts can lead to concussions, broken bones, or internal injuries that carry long recovery times and steep medical bills.

How Tronfeld West & Durrett Strengthens Bicycle Accident Claims in Petersburg

When a cyclist is struck by a vehicle, the legal fight often comes down to evidence. Drivers may deny fault, insurers may argue that injuries were pre-existing, and municipalities may try to shield themselves from liability for unsafe roads. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we build bicycle accident cases in Petersburg with precision and depth.

• Crash scene reconstruction – our attorneys partner with accident reconstruction experts who analyze vehicle speed, impact angles, and driver visibility at key Petersburg intersections and corridors where collisions are most likely.
• Digital and documentary evidence – we secure phone records to establish distracted driving, pull video from nearby businesses or traffic cameras, and preserve detailed police reports before they are lost or overwritten.
• Municipal accountability – when dangerous conditions such as crumbling pavement, inadequate bike lanes, or missing signage contribute, we investigate maintenance schedules and government records to hold public entities accountable.
• Medical documentation and expert input – we work directly with orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and rehabilitation specialists to show how injuries such as spinal damage, traumatic brain injuries, or fractured bones affect a cyclist’s ability to return to work and daily life.
• Full damage projection – beyond hospital bills, our firm develops life-care plans that calculate the cost of therapy, adaptive equipment, and long-term loss of earning capacity so insurers cannot undervalue a cyclist’s claim.

This comprehensive approach has allowed Tronfeld West & Durrett to recover millions for injured Virginians, and it is the same approach we bring to every cyclist in Petersburg seeking justice.

Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Grayson Smith

Associate

Jay Tronfeld

Founder

Joseph Robertson

Associate

Jen Mattingley

Associate

John Newby

Managing Partner

David Durrett

Of Counsel

Elizabeth West

Partner

For answers to your questions about a bicycle accident in Petersburg, call:
804-862-1234

Injuries That Cyclists Often Suffer in Petersburg Accidents

A bicycle provides little protection against the force of a vehicle, which is why even “low speed” collisions on Petersburg streets frequently leave riders with serious or permanent injuries. Our firm has represented cyclists whose lives were changed by injuries that required months of medical care and ongoing rehabilitation.

• Head and brain injuries: Concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries are common even when a helmet is worn, often leading to cognitive difficulties, dizziness, or memory loss.
• Spinal cord trauma: Crashes that throw cyclists onto pavement or into vehicles can cause herniated discs, spinal fractures, or paralysis.
• Fractures and orthopedic injuries: Broken arms, wrists, clavicles, and legs are particularly common, often requiring surgery and hardware implants.
• Internal injuries: Rib fractures, organ damage, and internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent but can become life-threatening without prompt care.
• Soft tissue damage: Severe lacerations, road rash, and muscle tears can result in infection, long-term scarring, and ongoing pain.
• Psychological injuries: Beyond the physical harm, many cyclists experience PTSD, depression, or anxiety that affects their ability to ride or feel safe again on the road.

How We Help Cyclists Assess the Full Scope of Injuries for Fair Compensation

At Tronfeld West & Durrett, an experienced attorney will work diligently to ensure that every aspect of your suffering and loss is properly documented and valued.

Our attorneys ensure that insurance companies and at-fault parties are held accountable for the full scope of damages you’ve suffered. If you or a loved one has been injured while cycling in Petersburg, we invite you to contact Tronfeld West & Durrett for a no-obligation consultation. During this meeting, we’ll listen to your story, review any available evidence, and provide honest feedback about your legal options.

Compensation Options Available to Injured Cyclists in Virginia

When a bicycle crash in Petersburg results from negligence, victims may be entitled to damages that account for both immediate needs and long-term consequences. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we work with medical and financial experts to make sure every category of loss is presented clearly to insurers and, if necessary, to a jury.

During your free consultation, your bicycle accident attorney will outline the types of compensation you may be eligible for in your case. These typically include:

• Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, imaging, prescription medications, and follow-up care.
• Rehabilitation and therapy: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counseling for trauma or adjustment issues.
• Lost wages: Income lost during recovery, including part-time or gig work, plus reduced earning ability if permanent limitations remain.
• Property damage: Repair or replacement of the bicycle and cycling gear damaged in the crash.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the disruption of daily activities.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: The impact of no longer being able to ride, exercise, or engage in activities that once defined your lifestyle.
• Wrongful death damages: In fatal accidents, families may recover for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

Our attorneys do not rely on insurer calculations that often undervalue these categories. Instead, we present detailed evidence—such as life-care plans and vocational assessments—that reflect the true cost of recovery and secure outcomes that align with what our clients actually need to rebuild.

Click to contact us today

Schedule Your Free Initial Consultation Today

There is absolutely no cost for our initial consultation, and if we represent you, we work on a contingency basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Complete our online form to schedule your free consultation. Let our bicycle accident attorneys help you navigate the road to recovery and justice.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

FAQs About Bicycle Accident Claims in Petersburg

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Virginia?

Virginia law generally gives injured cyclists two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit under Virginia Code § 8.01-243. If the claim involves a government entity—such as unsafe road design or poor maintenance—special notice requirements and shorter deadlines may apply. Acting quickly ensures evidence is preserved and deadlines are met.

What if the driver claims I was partially at fault?

Virginia follows a strict contributory negligence rule, meaning if you are found even 1% responsible for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation. Insurance companies often exploit this rule to shift blame onto cyclists. Our attorneys counter by using accident reconstruction, traffic camera footage, and witness testimony to prove liability lies with the motorist or other responsible parties.

Can I recover damages if the driver who hit me was uninsured?

Yes, if the driver is uninsured or underinsured, cyclists may be able to recover through their own auto insurance policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which applies even when you are riding a bike. Our team reviews all available policies to identify every source of recovery.

Call or text 804-862-1234 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form