Charlotte Bicycle Accident Attorney
TOP-NOTCH BICYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY IN CHARLOTTE
Charlotte, NC, provides scenic views perfect for biking. Biking has numerous health benefits. As a cyclist, you know that you feel more energized and ready to take on the day after a ride.
However, cycling isn’t without its risks. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, up to 20 bicyclists are killed yearly in collisions with motor vehicles in North Carolina.
If you or someone you love sustained injuries from a bicycle accident, you don’t have to suffer alone. Contact a Charlotte bicycle accident attorney to learn about your options. As Charlotte’s experienced motorcycle accident lawyers, we at Yale Haymond Law PLLC are ready to help you seek compensation for your injuries.
BICYCLE ACCIDENTS VS. CAR ACCIDENTS
The distinction between bicycle and car accidents is important. As a bicyclist, you have very little protection against the force of a motor vehicle. Wearing safety gear like a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads is helpful, but you will still sustain injuries if you collide with a car.
Cyclist injuries range in severity depending on the type of accident. You could walk away with road rash and a broken bone. You could also face paralysis or even death. Regardless of the injuries, a bicycle accident is a traumatic event.
Working with an attorney who understands the unique risks and impact of bicycle accidents, not just vehicle accidents, is essential when pursuing compensation.
Safety Regulations For Bicyclists
Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a bicyclist is vital. Just because you’re not driving a car doesn’t mean you can disregard traffic laws. When bicycling on a road, you should always make yourself as visible as possible. Stay alert, and signal to drivers as you’re maneuvering.
North Carolina requires you to ride with a white light at the front of your bike and a red light and reflector at the back of your bike when riding in the dark. If you’re under 16, you must follow the laws requiring you to wear a helmet at all times.
Obey all traffic signals, signs, and lights. You should ride on the right side of the road unless you cannot do so safely. Generally, the law expects you to practice reasonable care for the other vehicles around you.
Common Causes Of Bicycle Accidents
Why do these tragedies happen? Usually, they occur when a bicyclist or driver makes a mistake. Sometimes, both parties are partially at fault.
As a bicyclist, you should avoid:
- Bicycling while distracted
- Speeding under dangerous conditions
- Riding too close to cars
- Weaving through traffic
- Failing to follow traffic laws
Similarly, drivers must not:
- Drive when distracted or fatigued
- Make unannounced or unsafe lane changes
- Fail to yield for cyclists
- Drift into other lanes or occupied shoulders
Whether the accident results from a cyclist error, driver negligence, or road hazards, contact a bicycle accident attorney to pursue compensation. Determining the cause of the accident is the first step toward filing a claim.
STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A BICYCLE ACCIDENT
Being in a bicycle accident may be your worst-case scenario, but it’s good to be prepared for events like this. If you’re in a bicycle accident, your next actions will impact your personal injury claim.
You or the driver should immediately call 911. If it’s a hit-and-run, try to catch a glimpse of their license plate. If the other driver stops, exchange insurance and contact information. If you can, take note of the exact date, location, and time. Pictures are also useful.
If you’re too injured to collect evidence, seek medical care and ask someone else to take pictures. After treatment, contact a bicycle accident attorney immediately. Taking these steps will help you when it comes to filing compensation claims.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ATTORNEY FOR YOU
How Yale Haymond Law PLLC Can Help
Having a Charlotte bicycle accident attorney from Yale Haymond Law PLLC is instrumental in pursuing compensation for your suffering. Our experienced team will help you:
- Determine the cause of our accident
- Argue the other party’s negligence
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Help you seek non-economic and economic damages for your injuries
LETS GET STARTED
Take The Road Toward Compensation With Yale Haymond Law PLLC
If you’ve been in a bicycle accident, you should focus on what matters: healing. Let our bicycle and car accident lawyer take on the work of filing a personal injury claim. A Charlotte bicycle accident attorney will guide you through this process to make it as seamless as possible.
Contact Yale Haymond Law PLLC at 704-800-HELP (4357) today to schedule a free consultation.
