Grafton Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Bicycling in Grafton, West Virginia, can be a rewarding way to travel. Whether it’s a child riding to school, an adult commuting to work, or a senior enjoying exercise, bicycles offer freedom, affordability, and health benefits. Unfortunately, that freedom can turn into tragedy when drivers fail to share the road, property owners neglect hazards, or local infrastructure falls short of keeping riders safe. Bicycle accidents often cause devastating injuries because riders have little protection from the force of a collision. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC Bicycle Safety estimates that nearly 1,000 bicyclists die and over 130,000 are injured in crashes with motor vehicles in the U.S. each year.

At Kaufman & McPherson, we understand the physical pain, emotional stress, and financial burden that follow bicycle accidents in Grafton and across Taylor County. For more than three decades, we have helped injured West Virginians hold negligent drivers, businesses, and property owners accountable. We approach each case with compassion and determination, working tirelessly to secure the resources clients need to heal and move forward.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Grafton

Bicycle accidents rarely happen by chance; they almost always result from identifiable hazards, driver negligence, or unsafe conditions that could have been prevented with proper care. In Grafton, cyclists often share the road with fast-moving traffic on U.S. Route 50, U.S. Route 119, and busy local streets, where even one careless driver can create a danger. Many crashes occur when motorists fail to yield at intersections, drive too closely to cyclists, or make sudden turns without checking blind spots. Poor infrastructure, such as faded crosswalks, lack of bike lanes, or uneven pavement, can also increase the likelihood of a collision.

Weather and rural road conditions add another layer of risk. Fog, rain, or icy roads can reduce visibility and make it harder for both cyclists and drivers to react in time. Children riding to school, elderly residents using bicycles for independence, and families enjoying recreational rides are all vulnerable when these hazards are combined. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that most fatal bicycle accidents happen in urban and high-traffic areas, but small towns like Grafton face dangers too because drivers may not expect to encounter cyclists.

Understanding the common causes of bicycle crashes is critical, not only for preventing future accidents but also for holding the right parties accountable after one occurs. Whether it is a negligent driver, a trucking company, or a property owner responsible for dangerous road conditions, identifying the root cause allows victims and their families to pursue fair compensation for the injuries and losses they have suffered.

Driver Negligence and Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous threats to bicyclists. In Grafton, where streets often combine local traffic, commuters, and commercial vehicles, a moment of inattention can be deadly. Drivers who text, adjust GPS devices, eat, or engage in conversations divert their eyes and minds from the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in 2022 alone, with bicyclists among the vulnerable road users affected by distracted driving. Even a split second of distraction can result in striking a cyclist, sideswiping a bike lane, or failing to notice a rider crossing an intersection.

Victims of distracted driving crashes often suffer catastrophic injuries, and these cases demand a thorough investigation. Attorneys frequently subpoena cell phone records, review surveillance or dash-cam footage, and consult with accident reconstruction experts to prove negligence. Without strong representation, insurers may attempt to downplay or deny the role of distraction in causing the crash.

Failure to Yield at Intersections

Intersections are among the most dangerous locations for cyclists in Grafton. Drivers often misjudge a bicycle’s speed or assume the rider will stop, leading to left-turn collisions or crashes when rolling through stop signs. Because bicycles are smaller and less visible, many motorists overlook them altogether until impact occurs. Intersections along U.S. Route 50 and neighborhood streets with poor sightlines are particularly hazardous.

Yield-related accidents are preventable. Traffic laws in West Virginia require motorists to give the right of way to bicyclists when appropriate. When drivers disregard these laws, they endanger lives and expose themselves to liability. Establishing faults in these cases often involves collecting witness statements, analyzing traffic camera footage, and reviewing police reports to demonstrate that the cyclist was following the rules of the road.

Poor Road Conditions and Lack of Infrastructure

Road conditions significantly influence bicycle safety. In Grafton, many roads are narrow, uneven, or poorly lit, and few have dedicated bike lanes. Potholes, broken pavement, loose gravel, and inadequate signage create hazards that can throw a cyclist off balance or force them into traffic. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA Bicycle Safety). has emphasized that adding bicycle lanes and improving roadway design reduces collisions and fatalities.

When poor infrastructure contributes to a crash, responsibility may lie with municipal agencies or contractors responsible for maintenance. These cases can be complex, requiring careful review of inspection logs, maintenance schedules, and compliance with state or federal safety standards.

Collisions Involving Parked Cars and “Dooring”

“Dooring” accidents occur when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming bicyclist. These crashes are common on Grafton’s narrow streets, where vehicles park close to traffic lanes. A bicyclist struck by a suddenly opened door may crash into the door itself or swerve into traffic, causing secondary collisions. Injuries from dooring incidents include broken bones, head trauma, and spinal injuries, all of which may require long-term medical care.

Drivers are expected to check their surroundings before opening a door, but many fail to look for cyclists. Proving liability in dooring accidents typically involves securing testimony from the cyclist, witnesses, and sometimes video footage from nearby businesses or vehicles.

Who Is Most at Risk in Bicycle Accidents

While any cyclist can be injured, certain groups are especially vulnerable to serious outcomes. Children, older adults, and pregnant women face heightened risks that affect both medical treatment and legal claims.

Children on Bicycles

Kids frequently ride bicycles for recreation, to visit friends, or to get to school. Unfortunately, their smaller size makes them less visible to drivers, and their limited experience with traffic rules increases risk. The  CDC Bicycle Safety highlights children and adolescents as groups with disproportionately high rates of bicycle-related injuries.

When a child suffers a bicycle accident, injuries can affect their physical growth, learning ability, and emotional development. Parents may face overwhelming medical bills, school disruptions, and long-term care needs. Because children have their entire lives ahead of them, compensation must reflect future impacts, including potential educational accommodations and ongoing medical treatment.

School Zones and Neighborhood Safety

Bicycle accidents involving children frequently occur near schools, playgrounds, and residential neighborhoods. These areas are often filled with children who may ride unpredictably, dart into the street, or lose control of their bikes. Poorly marked crosswalks, fading paint on stop lines, and missing signage make it harder for drivers to recognize the presence of young cyclists. Speeding vehicles in school zones, especially during drop-off and pick-up times, significantly increase the risk of collisions. A lack of crossing guards or supervision only compounds the danger. Parents and community members in Grafton often assume that designated school zones are safe, but even one negligent driver can cause life-changing injuries for a child. Documenting the conditions where the crash occurred, whether the crosswalks were visible, whether warning lights were operational, or whether traffic-calming measures like speed bumps were present is critical in showing how negligence played a role. Photographs, witness statements, and even school district maintenance logs can help establish that preventable hazards contributed to the accident.

Elderly Cyclists

Seniors in Grafton often ride bicycles to stay active, maintain independence, or simply enjoy time outdoors. However, elderly cyclists face heightened risks in the event of a crash. As people age, their bones become more brittle, their reflexes slower, and their balance less steady. These physiological changes mean that injuries such as hip fractures, wrist breaks, and concussions are more severe in older adults than in younger riders. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has documented that older adults are hospitalized at higher rates following bicycle accidents and often endure longer recovery periods compared to younger populations. Seniors may also struggle with pre-existing conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, or heart disease, which complicate healing and rehabilitation. Beyond physical challenges, elderly riders may lose confidence in their ability to ride or even to walk safely, which can lead to reduced activity and social isolation. These consequences underline why claims involving older adults must account not just for immediate medical care, but also for the broader impact on their independence, emotional health, and long-term well-being.

Falls After Hip or Knee Surgery

When an elderly rider experiences a fall shortly after undergoing hip or knee surgery, the consequences can be devastating. Revision surgeries are often required, and these procedures are far more complicated than the initial operation. Recovery is significantly slower, with increased risks of infection, implant failure, or blood clots. Many seniors find themselves bedridden for weeks or months, which can lead to additional health problems such as muscle atrophy, pneumonia, or pressure ulcers. Rehabilitation facilities and in-home care become necessary, further adding to the financial strain on families. In some cases, the fall results in permanent disability, forcing the person to rely on walkers, wheelchairs, or full-time caregivers for the rest of their lives. Legal claims in these situations must include the added costs of extended hospital stays, multiple rounds of physical therapy, mobility aids, and modifications to the home environment such as ramps or stair lifts. Testimony from surgeons, physical therapists, and life-care planners is often required to show just how much a fall after surgery derails recovery and reduces quality of life. Families should document every new expense, from prescription costs to medical equipment, to ensure they are not left shouldering the financial burden of someone else’s negligence.

Pregnant Women Riding Bicycles

Cycling during pregnancy can be healthy when performed cautiously, but an accident during this time can create serious medical emergencies. A fall may result in abdominal trauma, placental abruption, preterm labor, or even fetal loss. Obstetricians stress that any trauma during pregnancy requires immediate evaluation, regardless of how minor it may seem.

From a legal perspective, accidents involving pregnant women require careful documentation of medical expenses, hospitalization, and long-term monitoring of both mother and child. Emotional suffering is also a significant component of damages in these cases.

Medical and Legal Considerations

When representing pregnant clients injured in bicycle accidents, attorneys gather obstetric records, ultrasound results, and treatment notes to show the full impact. Claims may seek compensation for medical monitoring, lost income, emotional distress, and, in tragic cases, wrongful death damages for fetal loss. These sensitive cases require both legal expertise and compassion.

Types of Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

The lack of protection for bicyclists means that even minor crashes can cause severe injuries. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and can have long-lasting effects.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Head injuries are among the most devastating outcomes of bicycle crashes. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of serious brain injuries, but they cannot eliminate the danger. The CDC reports that helmets reduce the risk of head injury by nearly 70 percent. Victims of TBIs may experience memory loss, cognitive impairments, mood swings, and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases later in life.

Children and Brain Injuries

Children with brain injuries may struggle with school performance, attention, and social interactions. These difficulties can last for years and may require accommodations such as individualized education plans (IEPs) or ongoing therapy.

Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

Spinal injuries from bicycle crashes can result in herniated discs, vertebral fractures, or even paralysis. These injuries often require surgery, months of physical therapy, and long-term reliance on mobility aids. The financial burden includes not only medical bills but also costs for home modifications, vocational retraining, and loss of income.

ADA Home Modifications

Victims with spinal cord injuries may need ramps, widened doors, or accessible bathrooms. These expenses can be substantial, but they are compensable as part of a personal injury claim. Attorneys frequently work with medical experts and life care planners to calculate these long-term costs.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Fractures are common in bicycle accidents, particularly to the arms, wrists, and legs as riders instinctively try to break their falls. These injuries can require casting, surgical repairs with pins or plates, and rehabilitation. Older adults face heightened risks of complications, including infections and blood clots, after fractures.

Internal Injuries

Impact with a vehicle or pavement can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, or punctured lungs. These injuries may not be visible immediately but can quickly become life-threatening. Victims who experience abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or fainting after a crash should seek emergency care immediately.

Legal Rights and Compensation in West Virginia

Bicycle accident victims in Grafton have legal rights under West Virginia law to pursue compensation when another party’s negligence caused their injuries.

Comparative Negligence

West Virginia applies a modified comparative negligence system. Victims can recover damages if they are less than 50 percent responsible for the accident. If partially at fault, their recovery is reduced by the percentage of their fault. For example, if damages total $100,000 but the cyclist is found 20 percent at fault, the recovery would be $80,000. This rule underscores the importance of thorough investigation to minimize unfair blame.

Economic and Non-Economic Damages

Economic damages cover tangible losses such as medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation, and property damage. Non-economic damages compensate for intangible harms like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. For victims with catastrophic injuries, compensation should also account for future costs, such as long-term therapy and home modifications.

Wrongful Death Claims

When a bicycle crash leads to a fatality, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. Compensation can cover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the financial contributions the deceased would have provided. These cases are emotionally challenging, but they ensure accountability and provide families with much-needed resources.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

Taking the right steps immediately after a bicycle accident is one of the most important ways to protect your health, preserve critical evidence, and strengthen your legal claim. In the shock and confusion following a crash, many people focus only on their pain or the damage to their bicycle. However, what you do in the first minutes, hours, and days can make a lasting difference.

Prompt medical care ensures hidden injuries are not overlooked, careful documentation of the scene preserves proof before it disappears, and early legal advice shields you from insurance company tactics. These steps may feel overwhelming, especially while injured, but they create the foundation for recovery both physically and financially. Families can help by supporting injured loved ones in gathering evidence and seeking timely care. The following measures should be prioritized after any bicycle accident in Grafton.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you believe your injuries are minor, you should seek immediate medical evaluation. Bicycle accidents often involve head trauma, internal injuries, or spinal damage that may not be visible right away. A concussion, for example, may only show symptoms hours later as confusion, dizziness, or sensitivity to light. Internal bleeding may feel like nothing more than abdominal soreness, but it can quickly become life-threatening. By visiting the emergency room or urgent care, you create a medical record that documents the connection between the accident and your injuries, which is essential in any legal claim.

Follow-up appointments are just as important, since ongoing symptoms may require additional imaging or specialist referrals. Never ignore lingering pain, headaches, or difficulty concentrating after a crash; medical records not only protect your health but also provide the strongest evidence that your injuries stem directly from the accident.

Document the Scene

Accident scenes change quickly, especially on busy roads. Skid marks fade, debris is cleared, and weather conditions shift. That is why documenting the scene as soon as possible is vital. If you are able, take photographs of the accident location from multiple angles, capturing road conditions, traffic signs, potholes, or hazards that contributed to the crash. Include close-ups of your damaged bicycle, your protective gear, and any visible injuries such as cuts or bruises. If you cannot do this yourself, ask a friend, family member, or even a bystander to help. Collect the names and contact information of witnesses, as their testimony may prove critical when reconstructing events later. Request a copy of the police report and keep it in your records. This documentation provides a timeline of events that can protect you against claims that you were at fault.

Notify Insurance Companies Carefully

After a bicycle accident, you may be contacted quickly by insurance companies, both your own and the driver’s. While it is important to notify insurers of the incident, you must be cautious in what you say. Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may use your words against you to argue that your injuries are less severe or that you were partly at fault. Avoid providing recorded statements until you have consulted with an attorney. Even simple comments like “I’m feeling better” can be twisted to suggest you were not seriously injured. Stick to the basic facts when notifying insurers: where the accident occurred, when it happened, and who was involved. Keep records of all correspondence, including emails, claim numbers, and letters.

Let your attorney take over communications so you can focus on healing rather than fighting with adjusters who do not have your best interests at heart.

Consult a Grafton Bicycle Accident Attorney

Legal representation is one of the most effective ways to protect your rights after a bicycle accident. An experienced Grafton bicycle accident attorney understands both West Virginia law and the common tactics insurers use to reduce compensation. Your lawyer will launch a detailed investigation, gathering police reports, medical records, photos, video footage, and expert testimony to build a strong case. Attorneys often work with accident reconstruction specialists to show exactly how the crash occurred, countering any attempt to blame the victim. They also consult medical experts to explain the long-term impact of your injuries, such as chronic pain, loss of mobility, or cognitive impairments.

If negotiations with the insurance company fail, your attorney will be prepared to present the case in court, ensuring your story is heard by a judge or jury. Having legal representation gives you peace of mind during one of the most difficult times of your life, knowing you have someone fighting solely for your justice and recovery.

Why Choose Kaufman & McPherson

At Kaufman & McPherson, we know that choosing the right attorney after a bicycle accident is one of the most important decisions you and your family will make. Injuries from these crashes can affect every part of your life: your health, your finances, your work, and your relationships. Our firm has built a reputation in Grafton and across West Virginia for standing up for injured cyclists and holding negligent drivers, businesses, and insurers accountable. We combine decades of legal experience with a compassionate, client-first approach. From the first consultation, we focus on listening to your concerns, explaining your options clearly, and creating a strategy designed to achieve justice, compensation, and long-term security for you and your family.

Experience That Counts

Our attorneys bring more than thirty years of experience in personal injury law, including complex bicycle accident cases involving children, elderly riders, and pregnant women. We understand the unique medical, financial, and emotional issues these cases present and know how to present them persuasively to insurers, judges, and juries. Over the years, we have developed relationships with trusted medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and life-care planners who help us prove the full impact of an accident. This experience means we can anticipate the defenses insurance companies are likely to raise and prepare evidence to counter them. When you choose Kaufman & McPherson, you gain the advantage of a team that has seen nearly every challenge before and knows how to respond effectively.

Personalized Advocacy

No two bicycle accident cases are the same, which is why we never apply a one-size-fits-all approach. We take the time to understand your story, how the accident happened, what injuries you suffered, and how your life has changed. For a kid injured near a school zone, that may mean working with teachers and doctors to secure academic accommodations. Elderly riders might involve documenting the costs of long-term care or home modifications. For a pregnant woman, it may require consulting obstetric specialists and carefully accounting for both maternal and fetal health. Whatever your situation, we build a legal strategy that reflects your specific needs and goals. Our compassionate approach ensures that you feel supported and informed every step of the way.

Proven Results

Our history of results speaks for itself. Kaufman & McPherson has obtained substantial settlements and verdicts for victims of bicycle accidents, covering not just immediate medical expenses but also long-term rehabilitation, lost earning capacity, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Insurance companies know that we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, and this reputation often leads to stronger settlement offers. When negotiation is not enough, we are ready to present compelling evidence in court, using experts and clear testimony to show the full impact of the accident. Our proven track record gives our clients confidence that they have a team with both the skill and determination to deliver meaningful outcomes.

No Upfront Fees

We believe that financial concerns should never prevent an accident victim from seeking justice. That is why we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront for our legal services. Our fees are only collected if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. This structure ensures that our interests are aligned with yours we succeed only when you do. It also gives families peace of mind, knowing that they can access experienced legal representation without adding more financial stress during an already difficult time. By removing the barrier of upfront costs, we make justice accessible to all residents of Grafton and West Virginia who have been harmed in bicycle accidents.

Call Kaufman & McPherson Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Grafton or Taylor County, you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. Medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress can feel overwhelming, but help is available.

Call Kaufman & McPherson today at (888) 888-8888 or contact us through our online consultation form. We will review your case at no cost and help you pursue justice for your family.

Our attorneys proudly serve Grafton, Taylor County, and communities across West Virginia.

Kaufman & McPherson – Protecting West Virginia Families, One Case at a Time.