Charlotte Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Whether you are a professional cyclist, or just going for a casual bike ride through Charlotte, bicycle accidents are an unfortunate part of sharing the road with other motorists.
According to statistics released by the United States Department of Transportation, there were a total of 45,000 bicycle riders who were injured in traffic accidents in 2015. And according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, there are more than 900 bicycle related accidents each year.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, contact an experienced Charlotte bicycle accident lawyer. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Charlotte can help address the unique aspects and challenges of your bicycle accident case.
Common Injuries
Bicycle riders are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries because they are unprotected from vehicles and may be difficult for other drivers and motorists to see.
According to a report issued by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, cycling was one of the leading activities contributing to head injuries in hospital rooms across the country.
Injuries a Charlotte bicycle accident attorney can help with include:
- Severe bruising
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Concussions and TBI’s
- Paralysis
Because of the vast difference in speed and weight between a bicycle and a car or other vehicle, and because bicycle riders are exposed to the roads, there are numerous bicycle accidents that result in serious injury and even death. According to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, there were 18 cyclist fatalities in North Carolina in 2015.
A person who has been injured in a bicycle accident in Charlotte or anywhere else in North Carolina should contact an experienced Charlotte bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss their injuries.
Potential Compensation
North Carolina law clearly establishes that bicycle riders have the same rights as any other driver when they are on the roadway, however, as statistics show, drivers often do not see bicycle riders or simply ignore them on the road, which can lead to serious and even catastrophic injuries.
Recovering from a bicycle accident can involve extensive in-patient care or prolonged therapy, and may result in a permanent disability. Types of compensation a person may be entitled to receive following a bicycle accident include:
- Past medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
However, a cyclist who has been injured in an accident should be aware of the strict laws for contributory negligence in North Carolina, which will prevent an injured cyclist in Charlotte from recovering compensation if they are deemed any degree at-fault for an accident.
Time Limit to File a Lawsuit
If a person has been injured while riding on their bicycle, it is important that they contact a bicycle accident lawyer in Charlotte as soon as possible to discuss their injuries and whether or not they have a case.
North Carolina, like most states, has certain time limits wherein a person who has been injured due to another person’s negligence can file a lawsuit. These laws are known as statutes of limitations.
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases gives an injured person three years from the date of the injury to go to civil court and file a lawsuit. (N.C. Gen. Stat. section 1-52).
A cyclist who has been injured in an accident and waits too long to file a case against another driver may find that their lawsuit is dismissed altogether because they did not abide by North Carolina’s statute of limitations.
Contact an Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, do not wait to contact an experienced Charlotte bicycle accident lawyer today. An experienced lawyer can help an individual recover for their medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and much more.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident caused by a driver’s negligence, an attorney can be of assistance immediately.
