Bicycle Injury Attorney
Were you hit by a car while riding your bike? Let the Goldsboro personal injury lawyers at Riddle & Riddle help you fight for the justice you deserve. Call us at (919) 778-9700 or simply complete the free case evaluation form today.
Bicycle accidents are more than always serious or fatal. It is important to contact us as soon as possible so our experienced and skilled investigators can contact potential witnesses and gather and preserve evidence while it is still fresh. The force of a car, motorcycle or truck hitting an unprotected bicyclist can result in catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Amputations
- Severe concussions
- Contusions and broken bones
- Severe lacerations
North Carolina Bicycle Laws
In North Carolina, bicycles have the same legal status of other vehicles on the road, and bikers have to obey the rules of the road just like operators of motor vehicles. The rider of a bicycle is required to ride on the right side of the lane in the same direction as other vehicles and traffic. However, there is no provision in North Carolina law addressing whether bicycle riders may ride side-by-side in one single lane as with motorcycle riders. We recommend that you do not ride side-by-side for safety purposes.
In addition, we all see bicycle riders wearing headphones and listening to music. Even though there is no law prohibiting this, we strongly recommend not wearing head phones so that you can hear traffic. Since bicycles are not equipped with mechanical turn signals, the rider is required to give hand signals to communicate his intention to turn left or right. The most important part of these rules is that operators of other vehicles must obey the rules of the road as they apply to all bicycles too.
The same jury instruction which applies to minor pedestrians also applies to children on bicycles. This means that drivers owe the same duties to children on bicycles. In other words, “the operator of the vehicle who sees or should see a child on or near the highway or street must exercise that degree of care which a reasonably careful and prudent person would exercise under the same or similar circumstances. Due care requires that the operator maintain a reasonable lookout and, when necessary, to give a timely warning of his vehicle by sounding the horn.”
Our legislature has also determined that head injuries are a leading cause of disability and death from bicycle accidents so it has enacted a law requiring all bicycle operators and passengers under the age of 16 to wear a helmet. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-171.1 We encourage all bicycle riders, regardless of age, to wear helmets in recognition of the dangers associated with injuries which may be prevented or mitigated if helmets are worn. In addition, it is important to note that riders of bicycles must have the biked equipped with a properly lighted front head lamp and reflective mirrors or lamps on the rear while riding the biked during the period from sunset to sunrise. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-129. We also strongly recommend that bikers wear appropriate reflective clothing that makes them visible to passing motorists. Most accidents involving bikes that we have handled have occurred at night or at intersection where motorists did not see our clients. We have found that the operators of the vehicles don’t purposefully hit our clients; they just don’t pay close enough attention to see them. Still, at Riddle & Riddle, our clients are entitled to seek justice and compensation for their injuries and we strive hard to obtain it.
At Riddle & Riddle, we are sensitive to your situation and the effects the injuries have on your life. Our attentive attorneys and staff will work hard and help you through a difficult situation. Call our offices today to speak to a caring professional, that will assist your case.
Over 220+ years Combined Legal Experience
Our skilled bike accident lawyers use their combined experience of more than 160 years to help you take back control of the situation. Do not suffer with your injuries any longer. Consult with one of our knowledgeable attorneys, and learn how we can help you make a claim against the negligent driver.
Our cases involve:
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Drivers failing to accommodate for a bicyclist on the side of the road
- Drivers failing to slow down for pedestrians in the crosswalk
- Cars hitting bicyclists when turning
- And other accidents
Contact a Goldsboro Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
At Riddle & Riddle, our lawyers have great sympathy for all bike accident victims. We believe that when an injury is caused by the careless or negligent actions of another individual, that person should pay for the losses and damages they have caused. Our lawyers will work relentlessly to recover the compensation you deserve.
With four office locations in Goldsboro, Raleigh, Kinston, and Jacksonville, North Carolina, our law firm is able to serve injured victims throughout the entire state, and elsewhere required. In addition, our attorneys will come to your home, or the hospital, to discuss the specifics of your accident if you are unable to come to us.