Goldsboro Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Bicycle Injury Attorney

Were you hit by a car while riding your bike? Let the Goldsboro bicycle accident lawyer at Riddle & Brantley 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 bicycle accident lawyer can contact potential witnesses from passing motor vehicles and gather and preserve evidence while it is still fresh.

A personal injury received from a bicycle accident typically requires insurance company negotiations. If any medical treatment was required, or lost wages occurred, you may be able to recover compensation. Come in for a free consultation. We’ve helped clients from Roanoke Rapids and New Bern to Chapel Hill and the Blue Ridge Mountains and beyond.

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 as other vehicles on the road, and bikers have to obey the rules of the road just like motor vehicle operators. Bicycle riders are required to ride on the right side of the lane in the same direction as other vehicles and traffic.

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 would recommend that you don’t ride side-by-side for safety reasons.

We all see bicycle riders wearing headphones and listening to music. Even though there is no law prohibiting this, we strongly recommend not wearing headphones so you can hear traffic. Since bicycles are not equipped with mechanical turn signals, the rider must 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, which also apply to bicycles.

The same jury instruction for minor pedestrians also applies to children on bicycles. This means that drivers owe the same duties to children on bicycles.

In other words, the vehicle operator who sees or should see a child on or near the highway or street must exercise that degree of care that 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, sound the horn in a timely manner to warn his vehicle.

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 that may be prevented or mitigated if helmets are worn.

Bicycle riders must equip their bikes with a properly lighted front headlamp and reflective mirrors or lamps on the rear 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 we have handled have occurred at night or intersections 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 & Brantley, our clients are entitled to seek justice and compensation for their injuries and we strive hard to obtain it.

At Riddle & Brantley, we are sensitive to your situation and the effects the injuries have on your life. Our attentive attorneys and staff will work hard to help you through a difficult situation. Call our offices today to speak to a caring professional who 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

What Are the Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries?

The most common bicycle accident injuries that lead to lawsuits include:

Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, skull fractures, and other head injuries are among the most severe and commonly litigated bicycle accident injuries.

Facial injuries: Injuries to the face, such as fractures, dental damage, and lacerations, are common in bicycle accidents, especially when the cyclist is not wearing protective gear.

Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis, loss of sensation, and other permanent disabilities.

Neck injuries: Whiplash, neck strains, and cervical spine injuries can cause chronic pain and limited mobility.

Fractures: Broken bones in the arms, legs, wrists, ankles, and collarbones are common in bicycle accidents, particularly when the cyclist is hit by a vehicle or falls onto a hard surface.

Road rash: Severe abrasions and lacerations can occur when a cyclist skids across the pavement, leading to pain, scarring, and potential infections.

Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, tendons, and ligaments can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.

Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause damage to internal organs, such as the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys.

Psychological trauma: Bicycle accidents can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The severity of these injuries and their long-term impact on the victim’s life often determine the basis and value of a bicycle accident lawsuit.

Factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the need for ongoing care are considered when pursuing legal action.

What Causes Most Bicycle Crashes?

While drivers and bicycle manufacturers can sometimes be at fault for bicycle accidents, it’s important to avoid placing blanket blame without considering the specific circumstances of each case. The causes of bicycle accidents and injuries are often complex and multi-faceted.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted or negligent driving, such as drivers failing to yield the right-of-way, not checking blind spots before turning or changing lanes, or driving while using a phone.
• Poorly designed or maintained roads, bike lanes and intersections that create hazardous conditions for cyclists.
• Faulty or defective bicycle parts like brakes, steering components, pedals, etc. that fail during use. However, many accidents are due to improper bicycle maintenance rather than inherent manufacturing defects.
• Cyclist errors like riding on the wrong side of the road, not following traffic laws, or riding while distracted or intoxicated.
• Hazardous road conditions such as potholes, gravel, slick surfaces, or debris.
• Reduced visibility due to weather, time of day, or obstructions.

While negligent drivers and faulty parts can absolutely cause serious bicycle accidents in some cases, liability depends on carefully examining the totality of the specific situation. Legal cases involving disputed liability require meticulous fact-finding and analysis.

North Carolina Biking Initiatives

There are several bicycle programs and initiatives in North Carolina. Some notable ones include:

NCDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Program: The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has a dedicated program to improve bicycling conditions and safety throughout the state.

BikeWalk NC: This statewide advocacy organization works to promote bicycling and walking for transportation, recreation, and health.

Blue Ridge Bike Plan: This initiative aims to create a regional network of bicycle routes connecting communities in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Watch for Me NC: This program is a collaborative effort to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety through education and enforcement.

Bike Share Programs: Several cities in North Carolina, such as Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham, have bike-share programs that allow residents and visitors to rent bicycles for short trips.

Great Trails State Coalition: This coalition works to create a network of trails, including bicycle trails, throughout North Carolina.

Cycle NC: This organization hosts annual cross-state bicycle tours and advocates for bicycle-friendly policies and infrastructure.

Bicycle Commuter Benefit: Some employers in North Carolina offer benefits to employees who commute by bicycle, such as secure bike parking and shower facilities.

These programs, along with local bicycle clubs and advocacy groups, work to promote bicycling, improve infrastructure, and increase safety for cyclists throughout North Carolina.

Contact a Goldsboro Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

At Riddle & Brantley, 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.