In a notorious case of hit-and-run in Richmond in 2012, a motorist struck and killed a bicyclist who lawfully was riding on a public road. In 2013, the wrongful death lawsuit of the victim’s family was settled by Richmond lawyers for a mere $100,000.00 – the total auto insurance coverage available.
Since then, Richmond has been exploring dedicated bicycle lanes. There is ongoing debate over the so-called “Floyd Avenue Bike Boulevard” and, more recently, a 15-block “cycle track” is planned from Belvedere Avenue to 9th Street along Main Street and Franklin Street.
The projected cost of the latter “cycle-friendly infrastructure” is $300,000.00: $240,000.00 borne by Virginia Department of Transportation and $60,000.00 by City of Richmond. It is a great long-term investment, which will avoid costly wrongful deaths and other personal injuries due to vehicle accidents.
On January 26, 2015, Virginia Lawyers Weekly reported a $21,000,000.00 settlement for a German bicyclist who was struck from behind by a truck on U.S. 100 in New River Valley. Thrown over 100 feet upon impact, the 40 year-old truck accident victim obtained brain and other catastrophic injuries that disabled him for life and necessitate future medical expenses estimated at $6,700,000.00 – $10,000,000.00. Id. at 1, 21.
An avid cyclist, Mr. Waterman has biked in Richmond a number of times the last few years, including Anthem’s Moonlight Ride, Martin’s Tour of Richmond, and the upcoming 10th Annual Cap 2 Cap. His law practice focuses on victims of vehicle accidents and other wrongful deaths, brain injuries, and other personal injuries.
