Bicycle Accident in North Carolina

In North Carolina, bicycle accidents are the primary cause of personal injury. If you or someone you care about is hurt in a bicycle-car accident, it is very important to get help from an experienced Durham immigrant bicycle accident lawyer.

The Diener Law has handled numerous bicycle accident cases and our team of North Carolina immigrant bicycle accident attorneys will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. We know how cyclists are the most vulnerable commuters on the road, and we’ll do all we can to guarantee that your rights are protected.

If you were injured in a bicycle accident, please call our personal injury law firm in Durham right away.

Immigrants come in search of a better life, some for economic opportunity, and others to escape violence and persecution in their home countries. Regardless of their reason for coming, immigrants are an integral part of the fabric of this country.

Unfortunately, they also face unique challenges, including discrimination, poverty, and language barriers. These challenges can make it difficult for immigrants to obtain the compensation if they are involved in a bicycle accident. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced immigrant bicycle accident attorney on your side. 

Bicycle accidents can happen at any time and in any place, but there are a few things you should know to ensure that you are protected.

The first thing you should do is select a qualified Durham immigrant bicycle accident attorney with prior knowledge of North Carolina’s specific bike accident laws.

Second, it’s also critical to find out whether your immigrant accident lawyer has a track record of winning these sorts of personal injury claims. 

Third, it’s crucial to pick a law firm that is committed to cyclists’ rights protection.

At Diener Law, we are dedicated to helping our clients obtain the compensation they deserve, whether they are documented immigrants or illegal immigrants. We have experience handling cases involving immigrants, and we understand the unique challenges they face. Contact us today for a free case evaluation, and let us help you with your bicycle accident claim.

Bicycle accidents are, unfortunately, all too common in North Carolina. A “bike accident” is defined as “the occurrence of a collision between a bicycle and another vehicle, the impact of which results in personal injury or property damage.” When a bicyclist collides with a motor vehicle, strikes a pothole or other object on the road, or gets hit by a motorist who opens his or her door, they may be injured. 

Bicycle riders who lose control of their vehicle and crash, or are thrown from their bike in a collision, may suffer catastrophic injury. 

Bicycle accidents can have a significant impact on your life. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike accident, it is important to contact an experienced immigrant personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Bicycle accidents often happen because other drivers are careless, and you may be able to get money for your injuries.

A Dooring Bicycle Crash

One of the most common types of bicycle accidents is known as “dooring.” This occurs when a motor vehicle driver or passenger opens their door without looking for incoming bicycles. The bicyclist then has two options: swerve and smash into a passing auto, or crash into the door and fly.

This is a hazardous bike accident since the biker has no time to avoid it. If you are a bicyclist in North Carolina, be sure to always be on the lookout for opening doors. And if you are a driver or passenger, always look out for bikes before opening your door.

Left-turn collision

These sorts of accidents are especially dangerous because they often involve high-speed traffic. Bicycle riders are especially vulnerable in these situations because they are less visible to drivers and because they may not be able to react quickly enough to avoid bicycle crashes. Unfortunately, bicycle accident victims often sustain severe injury, including broken bones, head injuries, and even death.

Right-turn collision

Right-turn collisions are particularly prevalent, and they usually occur when the motorist fails to yield to the cyclist. These incidents can be fatal since the cyclist may be struck by oncoming traffic. The best way to avoid these accidents is for cyclists to be aware of their surroundings and for motorists to yield the right of way to cyclists.

Rear-end Collision

In this scenario, a car hits a bicyclist from behind. These types of accidents are often caused by drivers who are distracted or tailgating. If the bicycle rider is pushed into traffic coming the other way, they can sustain catastrophic injury or wrongful death.

Bicycle accidents can be devastating, but they are often preventable. By paying attention to the road and following the rules of the road, drivers can help to keep cyclists safe.

Hit-and-Run Collision

Bicycle accidents are all too common, and hit-and-runs are unfortunately all too frequent. A motorist who strikes a bicyclist often departs the area, leaving the scene of the accident.

Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, and being discovered will only make matters worse for the driver. As such, it’s important to get medical treatment if you’ve been in a hit-and-run, then contact a personal injury lawyer who can help you with your case. Bicycle accidents can be complicated, especially if the driver who hit you fled the scene.

Bicycle accidents are a major cause of personal injury in North Carolina. Each year, many bicyclists are injured when they are hit by a car or an obstacle on the road. Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of damage, from minor to severe. The list includes the following:

• Hand/arm injuries

• Fractured bones

• Dislocated joint

• A head injury

• Spinal cord injury

• Traumatic brain injury

• Jaw and teeth damage

In some situations, bicycle accidents can be deadly. It is critical to get medical attention as soon as possible if you have been injured in a bicycle accident. You may also want to consult with a personal injury lawyer about your choices.

If you’re hurt in a bike accident or vehicle collision, you must act promptly to preserve your legal rights and interests. Make sure to follow these steps if you’re involved in a bicycle accident in Durham:

Be on the lookout for the police

The first thing you should do is ensure that you are safe and, if necessary, get any injuries attended to. If feasible, move your bike off the road so it won’t be struck by other vehicles. After that, call the police so they can file a report.

Even if you believe that you have not been injured, it is still vital to have an accident report on file. In many situations, cyclists are unaware that they have been hurt for hours or even days after the incident. You will almost certainly never be able to identify the at-fault driver if you flee the scene of the accident.

Bicycle accidents can result in costly medical bills, missed work, and a host of other problems. Many drivers will apologize and accept responsibility at the scene of the collision, but they will later accuse you of negligence or irresponsibility. That’s why it’s important to wait for the cops.

This way, you can ensure that you have proof of the accident, which is essential in bicycle accident injury claims.

Fill out the accident report with your version of events

Bicycle accidents can have serious consequences. That’s why it’s important to fill out an accident report with the police officer at the scene.

This will ensure that your version of events is recorded and can be verified later on. Furthermore, even if the damage to your bike appears minor, go see a doctor and have the injury documented. If you want to file a personal injury claim in the future, this paperwork can be helpful.

Bicycle law in North Carolina states that “a person riding a bicycle on a roadway has all of the rights and duties applicable to a driver of a vehicle.” This means that you have the same rights as people who drive cars and should take the same safety measures.

By filling out an accident report, you can help protect yourself and ensure that justice is served. You should then obtain a copy of the report so that you can review it for accuracy.

If you feel that the report does not accurately reflect what occurred, you can request that it be amended. Once you have a copy of the police report, you should talk to an experienced  personal injury lawyer..

Obtain essential information from the driver and any witnesses

Being in a bike accident may be traumatic, and you may lose track of what will help your case later on. As such, it’s imperative to gather as much information as possible right after the collision, such as:

• Witnesses’ and drivers’ contact information

• Your personal information, such as name, address, and phone number (if available).

• Driver’s license details, such as the license number (if applicable), and

• Insurance company details

All of this information should be included in the police report. Bicycle accidents are not that common, but when they occur, you have to know what to do to protect your rights.

Keep track of what happens

If you are in a bicycle accident, you should do everything possible to safeguard your rights. Try to gather as much information as possible following the incident.

Get the contact information for any witnesses and take photographs of the accident scene, taking note of the road, traffic, and weather conditions. Then, as soon as possible, make a list of everything that pertains to the incident.

Keep a log of your injuries, medical expenses, and any time off from work that you have to take. This data will be essential if you need to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Maintain a log of your injuries

You need to seek immediate medical attention if you’re involved in a bicycle or pedestrian collision, even if the injuries appear minor at first. This will help you if you decide to sue or file an insurance claim about the injury you got in the bicycle accident.

It’s also a good idea to keep a daily journal of your symptoms and record your injuries. This could help you keep track of how bad your wounds are and how they’re affecting you.

Because bicycle accidents can be serious, it’s vital to take all appropriate precautions.

Keep all of the evidence

Bicycles are incredibly safe, but they can be dangerous if used improperly. Accidents can happen at any time and without warning, so it’s important to keep all evidence to have the best chance of winning. 

Taking photographs of the environment, your injuries, and saving any receipts related to your accident, such as medical bills or missed income, are all examples of this. After a bicycle accident, you should never toss any material.

A professional bicycle accident lawyer will know which pieces of evidence are most important and how to use them most effectively.

In North Carolina, cyclists are classified as “vulnerable road users” and are given special legal protection. This implies that if you get into a bike accident, the other driver may be held responsible even if there was no malicious intent.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact an experienced North Carolina personal injury attorney. A lawyer with a lot of experience in accident cases can help you keep evidence and make sure your rights are protected during the legal process.

Consult a bicycle accident attorney

Each year, hundreds of people are injured in vehicle accidents throughout North Carolina. These types of incidents can lead to significant legal problems. If you have been in a bike-car accident, contact a Durham bicycle accident lawyer.

Immigrants who have been involved in a bicycle accident should immediately seek the assistance of an attorney. Immigrants often face unique challenges when it comes to bike accidents, and an experienced bicycle accident lawyer will be able to get you the best possible result. 

At Diener Law, we have extensive experience handling immigrant bicycle accident cases, and we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of our clients. If you or someone you know has been involved in a bike accident, please contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.

In most situations, a court hearing is not required. Most of the time, a skilled bicycle accident lawyer will be able to get you a better result than if you try to handle your own claim.

It’s also critical to deal with a bike specialist who understands bicycle accidents and can assist you with the legal procedure. You improve your chances of winning your case if you follow these steps.

The rules for bicycles in North Carolina are intended to keep both cyclists and pedestrians safe on the road. Bicycles have the same responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers, with a few exceptions.

North Carolina also has a few unique bicycle regulations because bicycle accidents can be very serious, so it’s important to know and follow the rules of the road. By doing so, you can help keep yourself and others safe. The following are:

1. Helmets are required for children

Bicycle accidents are a common occurrence, especially among children. Head injuries are among the most serious of these, and a helmet can be the difference between life and death. For this reason, North Carolina lawmakers have enacted a helmet law for all children under the age of 16.

Parents who allow their children to ride without a helmet can be fined, and the money from these fines helps to fund public safety initiatives like educational campaigns and free helmet giveaways. While some people may view the helmet law as an inconvenience, it is truly a lifesaving measure.

While wearing a helmet cannot guarantee that a bicyclist will not be injured in an accident, it can help to minimize the severity of injuries. All bicyclists should wear a helmet whenever they are riding on the road. By taking this simple precaution, we can help to make North Carolina’s roads safer for everyone.

2. Lighting requirements are needed at night

Poor lighting is one of the main contributing factors in bike accidents in North Carolina. At night, your bike needs a white light visible from 300 feet and a red reflector or light visible from 200 feet. This will help you see obstacles in the road and be seen by drivers.

3. Avoid interstates and other restricted routes

North Carolina law prohibits cycling on completely controlled-access highways, while NCDOT’s website prohibits riding on limited-access highways. By following these simple guidelines, you can help make sure that your next ride is a safe one.

4. Ride in the right-hand lane

Wrong-way cycling causes many bike-car crashes. The only exceptions are:

• Passing and overtaking another vehicle

• Avoiding an impediment

• Making a left turn

Motorists frequently believe that a bicycle rider should be charged with blocking traffic, despite the fact that North Carolina law only applies to cars. Cyclists are entitled to a complete lane.

5. Cyclists are protected from passing vehicles

Drivers must leave at least two feet to the left of a bicyclist when passing. A motorist’s passing is also forbidden at certain times:

• At railroad crossings and intersections,

• At the top of a hill or around a curve in the road, when the motorist can’t see more than 500 feet ahead

• When a No Passing Zone is indicated by signs or markers.

6. Stop when the lights and signs are red

To help keep bicyclists safe, it is important to follow all traffic laws and regulations. This includes coming to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs.

7. Make appropriate lane changes

One way to help make cycling safer is to be aware of the importance of making appropriate lane changes. When turning left, cyclists should approach in the far left lane. And when turning right, they should stay as close to the right-hand curb as possible.

8. Use pre-programmed signs or hand signals to communicate

When making a turn, cyclists should use pre-programmed signs or hand signals to communicate their intentions to other road users. And when an arm signal isn’t possible, good lane positioning, a head tilt, and eye contact can often suffice.

9. Stay at the accident scene

In North Carolina, bicyclists who are involved in a collision that results in injury, property damage, or death must stop and remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives. This lets the police look into the accident and gather information that could be useful for insurance claims or lawsuits over personal injuries.

10. Never ride a bike while drunk

It is also important to not ride a bicycle while drunk. Bicycling on public roadways while under the influence of an impairing substance such as drugs or alcohol can result in a DWI, much like driving a car. Bicycle accidents can be devastating, but by following the proper procedures and taking precautions like not riding while intoxicated, you can help to prevent them.

A bicycle accident can cause significant injury and even death. If you or someone you know has been hurt in a bicycle accident, you must contact a personal injury attorney right away.

The Diener Law firm is dedicated to assisting immigrant bicycle accident victims in Durham and around the country in receiving fair compensation. With over 15 years of expertise, we have the knowledge and tools to tackle even the most complex bicycle accidents.

Please do not hesitate to contact us immediately if you have any comments or questions regarding personal injury laws or even immigration concerns. For a free case evaluation, call our law firm.