Charlotte Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Charlotte, NC Bicycle Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured while riding a bike, you may be encountering property damage, large medical bills and other forms of financial loss. That is why it is important to get experienced legal assistance to help you recover the full and fair compensation that you deserve. A Charlotte bicycle accident lawyer can help get you started.

At Elam & Rousseaux, PLLC, our Charlotte personal injury lawyers will work hard to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. Accidents that result in serious injuries need serious legal responses.

Contact us to speak to our personal injury attorneys online or call 704-343-0000

Types of Bicycle Accidents in Charlotte, NC

Bicycles are becoming a more common mode of transportation in Charlotte, especially when the weather is warmer. The more people ride bicycles, the more likely an accident can occur. Bicycles are considered vehicles, and thus, they have the same rules and rights as those who drive cars, trucks, motorcycles, and electronic scooters. Below are some of the most common types of bicycle accidents:

• Accidents at Intersections: A good portion of bicycle accidents happen at intersections. This is because for cyclists, and other drivers, visibility tends to be more limited, making it more difficult to judge speed and distance. One of the most common reasons that these accidents happen is due to stop sign errors. In some cases, the bicyclist has a stop sign, but the other vehicle does not. In this case, the bicyclist will drive into the intersection after stopping, unaware that the oncoming vehicle will not stop. In this case, the bicyclist will likely be held liable. It is also common for the other vehicle to have a stop sign while the bicyclist does not. In this case, if the other vehicle continues after stopping and strikes the bicyclist, the other motorist will be at fault. In the case of the motorist being at fault but the bicyclist is going against the flow of traffic, they may both share fault in the end.
• Cars Turning Left or Right: In the car turning left scenario, both the motorist and the bicyclist approach the intersection from two different directions. The driver turns left, striking the bicyclist either because they did not see them or misjudged the bicyclist’s speed or distance. In this case, the driver would likely be held liable for damages. A collision from a car turning right can happen for a number of reasons, including the car passing the bike, then turning right in front of them, essentially cutting them off; the bicyclist passed another car on the right side of the bike while the car makes a right turn into the bike; or both the bike and car are waiting at a red light and the car turns right, colliding with the bike. In most of these instances, liability would fall on the car driver. However, the bicyclist still maintains a level of responsibility to reduce the likelihood of the collision, including using proper signals, driving on the correct side of the road, and staying alert at all times.
• Road Hazards: In the case of road hazards, the accident does not have to include another vehicle. This could include driving over potholes or cracks in the ground, many of these which have caused bicyclists to lose control of their bike and fall. This could also include driving over sewer grates. Some sewer grates are designed in such a way that they can trap a bike’s wheel inside of it, causing an accident. Fortunately, some cities and states have implemented safer grates for cyclists. Likewise, this can also apply to railroad or trolley tracks.

Ways to Avoid a Bicycle Accident

If you or someone you know regularly rides a bicycle, there are measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of getting into a biking accident. These include:

• Wearing visible equipment: Many bicyclists wear highly visible equipment to increase their visibility while driving. These include bright clothing, bike lights, helmet lights, and reflectors.
• Driving defensively: Many drivers are encouraged to drive defensively on the road to decrease the likelihood of a collision. The same applies to bicyclists. Driving defensively helps to anticipate any oncoming danger and take the proper steps to avoid it.
• Drive predictably: This includes following the rules of the road and diminishing the number of sudden movements on the road.
• Slow down: It is easier to respond to hazards when you are driving at a slower speed in the Charlotte area. You are also more likely to see other drivers, especially when approaching an intersection, and they are more likely to see you.
• Learn emergency maneuvers: If you learn these when you don’t have to use them, you will be better equipped in a situation that arises where you may have to quickly act while driving to avoid a collision.

We Handle All Types Of Bike Injury Cases In Charlotte, NC

When another person’s carelessness or negligence results in a bike accident that causes catastrophic injuries, you may be entitled to financial compensation. With more than 90 years of combined legal experience, the lawyers at Elam & Rousseaux, PLLC, understand how to help you get the compensation that you deserve through shrewd negotiation or litigation, if necessary.

Our team can help you recover compensation that can go toward:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Physical therapy costs
• Pain and suffering

FAQs About Charlotte, NC Bicycle Accident Laws

Is it Illegal to Ride a Bike on the Sidewalk in North Carolina?

Bicycles are allowed to ride their bikes on the sidewalk in North Carolina in most municipalities. They are not, however, allowed to ride on the sidewalk in city center areas. The way to know if you are allowed to ride on your designated path is to check the local ordinances.

What Is the Share the Road Law in NC?

The Share the Road Law in North Carolina states that other motorists must share the road safely with bicyclists. Bicycles are considered vehicles, so they have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers on the road. Other motorists must maintain a safe distance, allow bicycles to have full use of a road lane, and otherwise not harass or intimidate bicyclists.

Are Bicycles Treated as Vehicles in North Carolina?

Bicycles are treated as vehicles on the road. Therefore, bicyclists are required to follow the same rules as other motorists while on the road. They are generally required to obey the same traffic signs and signals. There are a few exceptions and concessions made for bicyclists while on the road. For example, in many cases, there is a designated bike line on the right side of the road specific for bicyclists to ride.

Is it Illegal to Ride a Bike Without a Helmet in NC?

In North Carolina, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to ride a bike without a helmet. This includes passengers on bicycles as well. The helmet must be securely fastened to the minor’s head while riding. While it is not illegal for anyone over the age of 16 to ride without a helmet, it is strongly recommended that all bike riders wear a helmet.

Contact Our Charlotte Injury Team Now

While most bike accidents are caused by negligent and reckless drivers, there are other causes that can lead to serious crashes. Defective bicycle components can fail, and poorly maintained roads can be just as dangerous as a fast-moving vehicle. No matter what led to your crash, we will work hard to hold all responsible parties accountable for their actions. Even if you feel that you were partly to blame, it is important to get experienced legal advice so that you can explore all the options available to you. Schedule your free consultation with our Charlotte personal injury lawyers.