Ocean View, Delaware Pedestrian, Bike and Car Crash Claims

We don't have an office in Ocean View. Ocean View clients meet with our team at our Lewes injury law office, 19413 Jingle Shell Way Unit 2B, Lewes, DE 19958. You can book a time with the Lewes office at (302) 556-8593 or use the 24/7 helpline, (302) 781-3077.

Atlantic Avenue is Route 26

Delaware Route 26 is the main road through Ocean View. Locally it is Atlantic Avenue, and it cuts through town east to west: eastbound it reaches Bethany Beach, and westbound it passes Millville and Clarksville on the way to US-113 in Dagsboro. A short stretch of Delaware Route 54 Alternate also runs along the southeast edge of town. Because so many trips in and out of Ocean View use one corridor, rear-end collisions, turning crashes at side streets and driveways, and crashes involving people walking or riding along the road all end up on Route 26.

Cyclists, walkers and shared fault

Ocean View residents and visitors ride and walk to the beach towns along Route 26. When a driver hits a cyclist or pedestrian, the insurer often argues the injured person was partly to blame. Delaware uses modified comparative negligence under 10 Del. C. § 8132: your damages are reduced by your share of fault, and recovery is barred only if your fault is greater than the fault of the defendants combined. Photos of the scene, lighting, and witness names help answer that argument. See our pages on bicycle accident claims and pedestrian accident claims.

Ocean View Police and State Police

The Town of Ocean View has a full-service police department with its own chief, and its officers take reports for crashes inside town limits. Outside those limits, or when a crash is serious, Delaware State Police may investigate. The State Police Sussex County troops are based in Georgetown, Bridgeville and Lewes.

Emergency care and the Sussex County courthouse

Beebe's South Coastal Emergency Department on Route 17, just outside Millville, is the nearest ER to Ocean View and never closes. Beebe's full hospital is in Lewes. Lawsuits over Ocean View crashes are heard by Sussex County Superior Court in Georgetown.

Visitors and out-of-state drivers

Summer brings drivers from Maryland, Pennsylvania and beyond, but a collision inside Ocean View is decided under Delaware rules. Our page on Delaware crashes with out-of-state drivers explains insurance and where the case is handled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who investigates a crash on Atlantic Avenue in Ocean View?

Inside town limits, the Ocean View Police Department usually takes the report. Delaware State Police may handle crashes outside town or serious crashes. Ask the officer at the scene which agency is writing the report and keep the report number.

A car hit me while I was riding my bike on Route 26 in Ocean View. Do I have a claim?

You may. The question is who was at fault and by how much. Under Delaware's modified comparative negligence rule, partial fault reduces your recovery but does not end the claim unless your share is greater than the defendants' combined share.

Where is the closest emergency department to Ocean View?

Beebe Healthcare's South Coastal Emergency Department on Route 17 near Millville is open 24 hours. Keep your discharge papers and bills, because they document the injury for the claim.

Do I have to drive to Lewes to meet with the firm?

Meetings are held at our Lewes office by appointment, and much of a claim can be handled by phone.