According to the Census Bureau, many U.S. cities like Raleigh have seen an increase in bicycle commuters. Improvements made to the roadways always help bicyclists’ safety; however, bicycle accidents still occur due to the inattention and negligence of motorists.
If a driver fails to monitor their surroundings or check their blind spots, they could collide with a bicycle, causing catastrophic injuries or even fatalities. If you suffered injuries resulting from another motorist’s negligence in a bicycle accident, learn more about your right to receive justice and compensation by visiting with a Raleigh bicycle accident lawyer. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today at (800) 761-5225 for a free case review with a team member.
Rights of Bicyclists
North Carolina General Statutes (GS) §20-4.01(49) addresses the rights of bicyclists on the roadways, stating that bicycles “shall be deemed vehicles and every rider of a bicycle…shall be subject to the provisions of this Chapter applicable to the driver of a vehicle.”
While bicyclists must follow the rules of the road for their safety, motorists also have traffic laws and regulations that they must follow to ensure the safety of bicyclists. Unfortunately, because motorists often do not follow the rules, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) indicated that 631 crashes involved bicycles and other pedal-powered vehicles in 2018.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Raleigh, call 800-761-5225
Possible Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Every bicycle accident will have a different set of facts and circumstances; however, certain causes of bicycle accidents more often occur between a vehicle and a bicyclist:
- Dooring accidents (motorist opens the door and hits bicyclist).
- Side-swiping accidents.
- Rear-end accidents.
- Motorist inattention or failure to monitor their surroundings and blind spots.
- Motorists failing to obey the rules of the road (e.g., failure to yield, speeding, or crossing in front of a bicycle).
- Motorists operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Distracted driving.
- Driving while fatigued.
- Dangerous road conditions.
- Mechanical failures due to defects or flaws.
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Actions to Take Following a Bicycle Accident
If you suffered injuries resulting from a bicycle accident, it remains important to follow these steps or complete them if you have not already done so.
Contact Law Enforcement
In many cases, someone will contact 9-1-1 or law enforcement at the scene of the bicycle accident. However, if you discover later that you suffered injuries following the accident, or law enforcement did not respond to the crash scene, you should contact the local police department and file an official accident report.
Make sure to provide law enforcement with all the contact information regarding drivers, pedestrians, other accident victims, or witnesses to the accident as well as additional information you might have regarding the accident.
Seek Medical Evaluation and Treatment
If you failed to seek immediate medical evaluation and treatment following your bicycle accident, you should do so as soon as possible. In many cases, bicyclists do not truly realize the extent of their injuries as adrenaline or stress prevents them from identifying serious injuries immediately following a crash.
If you did seek medical evaluation and treatment following your bicycle accident, and any of your injuries worsen, or you develop new symptoms, you should return to your health care provider. You must visit a medical professional to establish that your injuries resulted directly from your bicycle accident instead of a pre-existing condition. Additionally, it is essential always to follow your doctor’s medical advice and plan regarding your injuries suffered from your bicycle accident.
Determine Property Damage
Many bicycles cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Make sure to take your bicycle helmet and bicycle to an official bike shop to receive a full inspection. The shop should note that if your helmet has any cracks on it; if so, you have a greater chance of suffering traumatic brain injury or damage, and you should seek medical evaluation—even if you have no current symptoms.
A professional bicycle shop will have the ability to inspect your bicycle and determine whether you need to repair or replace your bike and the total amount of property damage your bicycle received.
Insurance Company
You will likely receive a phone call from the negligent driver’s insurance company. Make sure to consider very carefully whether to speak with an insurance company representative regarding your bicycle accident case. In certain circumstances, an insurance company will use unscrupulous and deceptive tactics to manipulate a victim into receiving less compensation than they deserve.
If you suffered injuries related to a bicycle accident, consider visiting with the legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC. We’ll explain how a Raleigh bicycle accident lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and protect your rights to recover the compensation you deserve. Call us today to get started.
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Wrongful Death
Unfortunately, 17 times in 2018, a North Carolina bicycle accident ended with a fatality. Bicycles do not offer substantial protection for the rider, often leaving them with serious injuries that result in their death.
No amount of compensation will ever replace a loved one who died in a bicycle crash; however, your family might still have substantial bills and losses resulting from their death, including:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Loss of future wages
- Loss of guidance for a child
- Loss of companionship for a spouse
All these financial and emotional costs can weigh heavily on the family left behind. If your loved one died because of another motorist’s negligence in a bicycle accident, you might have the legal right to hold them responsible for your loved one’s injuries and losses.
Statute of Limitations for Raleigh Bicycle Accident Cases
Keep in mind that as you recover from your injuries or mourn your family member’s death, the statute of limitations has already started on any possible lawsuit. GS §1-52 allows you three years to file a personal injury case, while GS §1-53 limits your family to two years after your loved one’s death.
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How a Raleigh Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You
If you or someone you love suffered injuries resulting from a bicycle accident in The Triangle, you might have the right to receive compensation. Consider visiting with the legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, to learn how a Raleigh bicycle accident lawyer can ensure your legal rights remain protected. Call us today at (800) 761-5225 for your free case review.
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