Bike accidents are quite common in Charlotte, NC. The majority of bicycle accidents involve cars and trucks and tend to occur in urban areas. A bike accident can cause significant pain and suffering to the victim as bikes are much smaller compared to trucks, buses, and cars. While most riders are very careful when they are on the road, accidents can and do happen. If they happen, you should speak to a bicycle accident lawyer immediately.
There are many causes of a bike accident, and deaths are not uncommon. The most common reasons for a bicycle accident include the following:
- Congested roads
- No bike lanes on certain roads
- Cyclists not obeying traffic laws
- Speeding
- Distracted drivers
- Drunk drivers
- Riding a bicycle at night without any bright lights
- Car driver not aware of the bicyclist on the road
In most cases of accidents involving a car and a bike, the cyclist stands to lose since the protection offered by a bike is nothing compared to that of a car. A bicycle is no match for a car and accidents often result in serious injuries that include the following:
- Head trauma
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Fractures
- Penetrating injury to the chest or abdomen
- Injury to the groin, eyes or hand
The fact is that investigation of bicycle accidents is often complex. In general, there is a universal, inherent bias against cyclists not only in Charlotte, North Carolina but all over the country. A general perception is that cyclists ride too fast and don’t obey traffic rules. This results in accidents. While this may be partially accurate, it is wrong to assume that every accident involving a bike is the cyclist’s fault. There are often situations where the drivers are not paying attention and cause a bicycle accident. You could file a personal injury claim if you were injured in a bicycle accident. Talk to a bicycle accident lawyer in this regard.
Overall when you are injured in a bicycle accident, especially if you get hit by a car, a bus or a truck, you are likely to suffer from serious injuries, many of which require hospitalization. While dealing with an accident can be quite challenging, dealing with the sudden onset of unanticipated expenses can be overwhelming. However, the law in Charlotte, North Carolina allows you get compensation by filing a personal injury claim.
What Type of Damages Can a Cyclist Recover in a Personal Injury Claim?
If you are involved in a bicycle accident, and if the fault is not yours, the law in Charlotte allows you to recover any damages you may have incurred after the accident. While money is no substitute for the pain and suffering of the victim and their family, it is still an acceptable form of financial support to account for these unplanned expenditures. Among the damages that you could recover in a personal injury claim include:
- All your medical expenses, even those that may occur in future
- Cost of rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Any funeral expenses
What happens after a bike accident?
Whenever there is a bike accident, it is important to report it to the police. This will start off an investigation. The police will obtain the details about the accident, including obtaining pictures as well as speaking to any witnesses. Then they will determine the fault. If the fault is that of the car driver or tucker, then the insurance company will try and settle with you. Thus, it is very important not to speak to anyone from the other side because the settlement you will be offered is always a minimal amount. The insurance companies have established procedures for handling all bicycle claims and try to avoid a lawsuit.
Because there is no way of knowing if your injuries are permanent or serious, you should consult a bike accident lawyer and ask them to handle your personal injury claim on your behalf. You need to understand that a lawyer will not only know how the system works, they will also know how to approach the case in a manner that would guarantee a positive outcome.
If you were unlucky enough to be injured in a bicycle accident, you should speak to our Charlotte personal injury lawyer at Ted A. Greve & Associates to determine if you have a valid claim. The first consultation is free. Call us today, and we can schedule something that would fit well into your schedule and ours.
