Bicycle Accident Claims in Virginia

A bicycle rider on a highway has all the rights and duties of a vehicle driver unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. A driver passing a bicycle must pass at a reasonable speed at least three feet to the left, and must change lanes if the lane is too narrow to pass that way. There is no statewide bicycle helmet requirement in the section read: localities may by ordinance require riders 14 and under to wear helmets ($25 fine, suspended for first offenses), and a violation cannot be used as evidence of negligence or to reduce damages. Localities may ban bicycles on designated sidewalks; riders on sidewalks must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing.

For policies effective on or after January 1, 2025, an owner's policy must provide at least $50,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $100,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

Two years after the cause of action accrues for every action for personal injuries, whatever the legal theory.