INJURED? CALL US TODAY  877-BICE-877

 

Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicycle Accident Attorney

At Bice Law, our experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney is ready to fight for you! The weather in the Carolinas is often perfect for riding a bicycle. Whether you ride for exercise, recreation, or for daily transportation, it is good for the environment, your health, and your wallet. Too many bicyclists can suddenly have their lives disrupted by a bicycle crash, however, such crashes can result in devastating injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 467,000 people in the U.S. reported injuries from bicycle accidents in one year, and more than 1,000 suffered fatal injuries.

While these statistics should not deter you from riding a bike, you should always remain aware of how to keep yourself safe and what to do in the event of a bicycle crash. At Bice Law LLC, our experienced personal injury lawyer has represented many injured cyclists and understands the unique issues that can arise in this type of claim. It only takes a minute to fill out our online contact form or pick up the phone to learn about your important rights as a bicycle accident victim. Consultations are always free, and we are ready to advise you of your options.

Who is Responsible for a Bicycle Accident?

Bicyclists can crash for a number of reasons, many of which involve the negligence of another party. The following are some parties that may be responsible for causing injuries to bicyclists:

  • Drivers – Many bicycle accidents involve a collision between a car and a bike in some way. While cars and bikes are expected to “share the road,” drivers often do not pay close enough attention or may not know how to safely drive near bicyclists. Some drivers become frustrating with slower bicycles on the road, so they may try to dangerously pass a bicycle and may cause a crash, or even tailgate a bicycle to intimidate the rider into moving over. Drivers may fail to look for bicyclists before making right turns, which can result in dangerous right hook accidents. Even parked drivers can injure bicyclists if they open a car door in the path of a bicycle, causing a dooring accident.
  • Bicycle manufacturers – Like any other product or vehicle, bicycles can have defects that lead to dangerous malfunctions on the road. If a bicyclist’s brakes suddenly fail, cables snap, or bolts come loose, a cyclist can lose control and crash, often in traffic. Bicycle manufacturers have the duty to sell bicycles and bicycle parts that are safe for regular use. If a company discovers a defect, it should publicize a recall to repair the problem. However, many bicycles may malfunction before a recall is issued, resulting in injuries to many cyclists.

 

  • Government agencies – Departments of Transportation in both North and South Carolina are in charge of designing and maintaining safe roads. You may not realize that these agencies are also commonly responsible for designing and maintaining safe bike lanes and bike paths throughout the state. Additionally, local municipal agencies may be tasked with local bike routes. When bike lanes or paths fall into a state of disrepair, hazards can cause cyclists to crash. For example, if a bicyclist suddenly hits a pothole with their front tire, it can send them flying forward off their bike, often landing hard on the pavement.

Whether a negligent party was a driver, a company, or a government agency, an injured bicyclist deserves compensation from that party for their medical expenses and other losses. You should not wait to discuss your rights will a committed bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible.

Bicycle Accident Injuries and Damages

Bicyclists are extremely vulnerable to injury, as they have little protection from a collision or fall. Even helmets cannot fully protect a cyclist from head or brain injuries 100 percent of the time, and these are the most common type of bicycle injuries. Bicyclists can sustain the following serious injuries, among others:

  • Head trauma – Even with a helmet, bikers can sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can range from a concussion to a severe and disabling condition. Many bicyclists who do not wear helmets can suffer skull fractures and severe TBIs.
  • Facial injuries – Collisions often cause a bicyclist to fall forward off a bike, which can cause them to land face-first on the pavement. Many cyclists sustain fractures in their noses, jaw, or cheekbones, as well as eye injuries or dental damage.
  • Broken bones – Hitting a vehicle, an obstacle, or the pavement can cause fractures in many parts of the body, including the limbs, pelvis, and ribs. Some particularly severe collisions can crush or shatter a cyclist’s bone.
  • Soft tissue injuries – Whenever the body is jerked or thrown in an unnatural manner, a bicyclist can suffer strains, sprains, or tears in their ligament, tendons, or muscles. These injuries can require extensive physical therapy and can be painful.
  • Spinal cord injury – If a cyclist suffers trauma to the spinal cord, they can experience temporary or permanent paralysis, which including loss of sensation and movement abilities. Paralysis can also affect the functioning of certain organs.

Because bicycle accident injuries can be so severe, the losses of victims can be overwhelming. Legal claims often seek damages for medical expenses, permanent disabilities, pain and suffering, lost income, and more. The compensation in these cases will vary depending on the nature of your injuries and losses, though it can be substantial.

Contact Bice Law LLC for a Free Consultation with a Carolina Bicycle Accident Lawyer

 You should always have legal representation you can trust when it comes to insurance claims and personal injury claims following a bicycle accident. There is too much at stake to try to handle a claim yourself and risk losing the full financial recovery you deserve. If you would like to learn about your rights and the legal process following an accident and injuries, do not hesitate to call our experienced personal injury attorney at Bice Law LLC. To schedule your free consultation, contact us online or call 877-BICE-877.