Charlotte Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Riding bicycles brings joy to many Charlotte residents. However, motor vehicle drivers do not always respect the presence or rights of bicyclists on North Carolina roads. According to Walk Bike NC, as many as 20 cyclists lose their lives in bicycle collisions across the state every year, with many more suffering serious injuries. When negligent drivers cause bicycle crashes, injured cyclists can file compensation claims for their accident-related losses, such as medical expenses, lost income, and more. Contact a Charlotte bicycle accident lawyer at Stewart Law Offices today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
How an Experienced Charlotte Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help with Your Claim
It is difficult to file a successful bicycle accident claim. North Carolina personal injury law is a complicated field, and some insurance companies deliberately create obstacles to reduce bicycle accident victims’ chances of receiving the full recovery they deserve. As such, working with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer is essential.
A bicycle accident attorney can help to optimize your chances of success by:
- Consulting with you, free of charge, to listen compassionately to your story and begin crafting a robust strategy
- Investigating the accident to determine what happened and who is at fault
- Calculating the total value of your losses
- Hiring medical experts and accident reconstruction experts for additional forensic analysis of your case
- Negotiating aggressively with the insurance company for a fair settlement
- Taking the at-fault party to court if their insurer refuses to offer you the compensation you deserve
The team at Stewart Law Offices has been handling bicycle accident cases for over 25 years. We have recovered millions of dollars* in compensation for our clients. Our Charlotte personal injury lawyers thoroughly understand North Carolina injury law and how to use it in your bicycle injury claim.
We are adept at helping our clients try to avoid reductions in their compensation due to contributory negligence claims. Insurers often attempt to argue that the victim is partially responsible for the crash and should, therefore, not recover any compensation for the accident. Our Charlotte bicycle accident lawyers can use our legal knowledge and negotiation skills to demonstrate that the other party is responsible for your losses and to seek maximum compensation.
North Carolina Bicycle Laws
According to North Carolina law, bicycles are vehicles. As such, bicyclists are afforded full access to all roadways except interstates and other controlled areas. As vehicle operators, cyclists must obey all right-of-way, stop sign, and traffic light laws. They are also required under the law to display clear signals, demonstrating their intentions when turning or changing lanes. Additionally, the law does not require cyclists to use bike lanes where they exist. However, bicyclists are also subject to a few specialized laws.
For example, some sidewalks in Charlotte are available to cyclists, while others are not, so cyclists should pay close attention to signage. Furthermore, under North Carolina law, bicyclists are treated as pedestrians when walking rather than riding.
North Carolina requires bicycle helmets for children under the age of 16. All bicyclists must equip their bikes with front and back lights or reflectors visible from up to 300 feet when riding at night.
Common Causes of Bike Accidents
Bicycle accidents occur for various reasons, many of which involve negligent behavior from motorists. Some common causes of bike accidents include:
- Distracted Driving – Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating, or engaging in other distracting activities may fail to notice bicyclists, increasing the risk of a collision.
- Failure to Yield – Drivers often fail to yield the right-of-way to bicyclists when turning, changing lanes, or entering or exiting driveways or parking lots.
- Impaired Driving – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a motorist’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, putting bicyclists at risk.
- Speeding – Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of any collisions that occur.
- Improper Passing – Drivers who attempt to pass bicyclists without providing sufficient space or checking for oncoming traffic can easily cause accidents.
- Opening Car Doors – Drivers and passengers who open their car doors without checking for approaching bicyclists can cause “dooring” accidents.
- Road Hazards – Poor road conditions, debris, potholes, or construction zones can contribute to bicycle accidents if cyclists are forced to swerve or lose control.
When Do I Have a Bicycle Accident Claim?
You may have a valid bicycle accident claim if another party’s negligence caused your injuries. Common examples include:
- A driver violating traffic laws or operating their vehicle negligently, resulting in a collision with you as a bicyclist
- A business or property owner or government agency failing to maintain safe conditions on their premises, leading to a bicycle accident
- A manufacturer producing a defective bicycle or bicycle component that caused your accident
- Additionally, if you were riding your bicycle during the course of your work duties, you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim, regardless of who was at fault.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Bicycle Accident Case?
If you have a successful bicycle accident claim, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses – This includes costs for emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages – You can seek compensation for the income you lost due to being unable to work because of your injuries, as well as future lost earning potential if you sustained a permanent disability.
- Pain and Suffering – You may be able to recover damages for the physical pain, emotional distress, and overall reduction in quality of life caused by your injuries.
- Property Damage – This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle, clothing, or other personal property damaged in the accident.
An experienced bicycle accident attorney can help you accurately calculate the full extent of your losses and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Bike Accident Lawyers for a Free Case Evaluation Today
The attorneys at Stewart Law Offices understand how challenging the aftermath of a bicycle accident can feel. Our goal is to seek full and fair compensation for your case while you focus on healing. Contact us today for a free consultation with a bicycle accident attorney in Charlotte.