Wilmington Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycles are great means of transportation, however, that doesn’t mean they don’t come with some challenges.

One of the major challenges cyclists have to deal with is the increased risk of interacting with distracted drivers. Bicycles are a fraction of the size of a car, and this often makes it easier for distracted drivers to miss them. In addition to this, it is not uncommon for a cyclist to ride in a driver’s blind spot.

If you were injured in a bicycle accident, you need a reliable personal injury lawyer on your side. Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys have years of experience representing people in bike accident cases. In addition, with our experience as insurance defense lawyers, we know how insurance companies work. We leverage this understanding to help our clients obtain the full value of their claims as quickly as possible. Call us today to schedule a free case evaluation.

What are Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Bicycle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common:

  • Passing on the Right: Drivers wishing to pass bicycles on the right often underestimate their speed. They may cut them off causing the bicyclist to hit the vehicle.
  • Left Turns: Drivers making left turns may underestimate the speed of oncoming bicyclists and turn in front of them when they do not have the clearance to do so.
  • Car Doors: Many drivers get out of their vehicles and fail to look for oncoming traffic before opening their car doors. This causes a real hazard for bicyclists and motorcyclists who drive near the right side of the road.
  • Drive Out: Cars often drive out into the road without looking for oncoming bicyclists. If a bicyclist is coming when a driver decides to pull out, it can result in a serious injury.
  • Debris in the Road: The small size of bicycles makes them especially vulnerable to debris in the road. If they run over debris, riders can get tossed from the bike and become seriously injured. If the debris was caused by a nearby construction site, the city or contractor may be responsible for the accident.
  • Equipment Failure: Equipment failure can occur in either a car or a bicycle to cause an accident. If a car experiences equipment failure, the mechanic or parts manufacturer may be responsible for damages.
  • Unsafe Road Conditions: If there are unsafe road conditions such as poor visibility or slick roadways, drivers and riders must be extra cautious. A pothole is another unsafe road condition that could cause injuries. If road damage causes an accident, the city may be responsible for compensating the victim.
  • Reckless and Negligent Driving Behavior: Any sort of reckless or negligent driving behavior will increase the risk of an accident. This includes speeding, disobeying traffic lights and signs, driving impaired or fatigued and failure to keep a proper lookout.
  • Unsafe Lane Changes: It’s easy for bikes to fall into driver’s blindsides. Drivers often attempt to get over without seeing bicycles that are next to them causing them to run bicyclists off the road.

North Carolina Bike Laws

North Carolina has rules and regulations in place to protect bicyclists on the road. Here are some to be aware of:

  • Motorists must stay alert for bicycles if they are riding on a roadway where bicyclists are permitted to ride. Bicycles are not permitted to ride on freeways.
  • Bicycles have the right to a full lane of traffic but often ride on the right side of the road for safety reasons.
  • Motorists passing bicycles must leave at least two feet of space between the car and the bicycle. They may not move back into their lane until they are completely clear of the bike.
  • Car crashes involving bicycles that result in injury, death, or $1000 or more of property damage must be reported to law enforcement.

What are Common Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries?

Many types of injuries can occur in a bike accident. Here are some serious injuries that can occur due to the lack of protection bicyclists have when involved in a bike accident:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Road burn
  • Amputation
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Internal organ damage
  • Internal bleeding
  • Wrongful death

If you are injured in a bike accident, it’s important to get medical help right away, even if you don’t think your injuries are that serious. A doctor will create a medical record that proves your injury was caused by the accident. This information may prove to be useful to the outcome of your case.

Why Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys Can Help With Your North Carolina Bicycle Accident Claim

A bicycle accident can result in a serious injury. Although this is unfortunate, you do not need to deal with the aftermath of a bicycle accident on your own.

Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys have years of experience representing personal injury victims in Wilmington, North Carolina, and surrounding areas. In addition, our experience as former insurance defense lawyers working for the other side allows us to spot tactics designed to delay and undervalue claims. We will help you get the compensation you deserve.

If you were injured in a bicycle accident, you should contact our law office today. Call Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation and hear more about how we may be able to assist you with your case. We pride ourselves on being there for people in need, and we are standing ready to assist you, so please call us today to learn more.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.

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