Rockingham Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Helping injured riders and their families obtain justice since 1979
Riding a bicycle attracts people of all ages. It’s a rite of passage for young children to learn how to ride a bicycle. For adults, biking is a great form of exercise. There are numerous paths in North Carolina for bicycle riders. There are also numerous roads that bikers use, and intersections that bikers need to cross. When a car strikes a bicycle rider, the rider is likely to suffer catastrophic injuries or die. Victims have the right to full compensation when driver negligence causes a bicycle accident in Rockingham or anywhere in North Carolina.
At Price, Petho & Associates, our dedicated team has the experience and resources to help show how the bicycle accident happened, and who is responsible. In one illustrative case, we recovered $750,000 on behalf of a father of two who suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple orthopedic injuries when his bicycle was struck by a tractor-trailer truck.
What would you like to know?
- Why are bicycle accidents so dangerous?
- Why do bicycle accidents happen in Rockingham?
- What types of injuries do bicycle riders suffer?
- How much is my Rockingham bicycle accident claim worth?
- Who is liable for a Rockingham bicycle accident?
- What precautions should cyclists take when riding in Rockingham?
- How much time do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in NC?
- Do you have a bicycle accident lawyer near me?
Why are bicycle accidents so dangerous?
A bicycle is simply no match for a truck, car, or even a motorcycle. If any vehicle strikes a bicycle rider, the rider will be lucky to survive. Sometimes, the driver doesn’t even have to strike the bicycle rider If a driver comes too close, the bicycle rider could fall just trying to avoid the driver. When accidents occur, bicycle riders usually either fall to the hard concrete or are crushed by the metal of the vehicle that strikes the riders.
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation 28 bicycle riders (called peda-cyclists in the police statistics) died in 2019. More than one-third of these riders were between 50-59 years of age.
Why do bicycle accidents happen in Rockingham?
Drivers often fail to respect the right of a bicycle rider to be on a road. Generally, bicycle riders do have the right to ride on some lower-speed roads. Where possible, bicycle riders should consider using any paths designed just for bicycle riders.
Car, truck, and motorcycle riders may strike a bicycle rider for many reasons including:
- Driving while distracted by electronic devices, eating, or other distractions
- Speeding and other traffic violations
- Driving while intoxicated
- Driving while tired
- Backing into traffic from driveways, parking lots, or streets – without looking to see if there is a bicycle rider
- Improperly driving through an intersection
- Drivers who open a door as a bicycle rider is passing by
What types of injuries do bicycle riders suffer?
Bicyclists do not have much protection from the force of a vehicle slamming into them or from a second impact with the ground. It is common for our bicycle accident attorneys to help clients who have sustained the following injuries:
- Amputations or crush injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken and dislocated bones
- Severe lacerations or road rash
- Open head wounds
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Significant scarring and disfigurement
- Road rash
- Dental injuries
In the most tragic cases, a loved one dies. We file a wrongful death claim when a relative is killed by a negligent driver.
In addition to the injuries listed here, our attorneys also help bicycle accident victims in Rockingham who have sustained significant emotional and psychological trauma due to the crash and their injuries.
How much is my Rockingham bicycle accident claim worth?
Our Rockingham bicycle accident lawyers work aggressively to maximize your damage award. We demand compensation from liable defendants for the following:
- Your medical bills, current and future
- Lost income if you cannot work, current and future
- Pain and suffering damages for as long as you hurt
- Loss of quality of life damages
- Property damage expenses
- Scarring and disfigurement damages
- Possible punitive damages
We file a wrongful death claim if a spouse, child, or parent died in a bicycle accident. The damages can include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- The loss of income the decedent would have earned had they survived
- The pain and suffering your loved one experienced prior to dying
- The value of the care, services, and assistance your loved one would have provided
- Compensation for the loss of companionship, guidance, and comfort the loved one would have provided
In some cases, such as if your loved one was hit by a drunk driver, we seek punitive damages.
Who is liable for a Rockingham bicycle accident?
Drivers are usually liable for any accidents they cause with a bicycle rider if the driver was negligent. The owners of the vehicle, if different than the driver, may also be liable for the negligent actions of the drivers.
Drivers will often claim that the bicycle rider was contributorily negligent. Any contributory negligence could result in your personal injury claim being denied, so contact us as soon as possible so we can help you with your case.
Google Reviews
I reached out to Price, Petho, and Associates after I found myself in need of an attorney for an accident I was in that led to personal injury. This was my first experience with something like this and they guided me through the process every step of the way. Every question I had was answered promptly and I truly feel they had my best interest at heart. I highly recommend them if you should find yourself in need of these services.
- C.P.
BEST ATTORNEYS
Price Petho and Associates are the best Attorneys in Law I’ve ever worked with. I was involved in a car accident last year and since I was injured, they handled my case and did not disappoint, they took care of everything. Also, my wife got rear ended in her car (total loss) about 6 months ago and my insurance company was delaying our claim and payment, we went to Price Petho and Associates again for some advice, Margaret E. Ford welcomed us right away, we explained the situation, she understood and explained to us what options we had. She was extremely knowledgeable about cases like this, she even called our insurance company for us and made them pay us the same day we talked to her. I’m very glad we asked for their help.
- Y. M.
What precautions should cyclists take when riding in Rockingham?
Since bicycle accidents are often deadly or catastrophic, bicycle riders should take every precaution possible to try to protect themselves. Some precautions are mandated by North Carolina law. Some of these laws address the following:
- Lamps on the bicycle
- Hand signals
- The right of way laws
- When riders can and can’t drive on roadways
- Which people must wear helmets (children under the age of 16)
Other safety precautions include:
- Taking steps to ensure the bicycle rider is visible, such as using lights and reflectors on the bike, and wearing bright clothing
- Inspecting the bike on a regular basis
- Routine maintenance of the bike
- Avoiding roads that have gravel or any roads that are not level
- Understanding the traffic laws
- Riding with traffic
- Making eye contact with drivers when possible
- Avoiding busy streets
- Understanding how to use hand signals – and actually using the hand signals
How much time do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in NC?
In North Carolina, you have three years from the date an injury occurs to file your bicycle accident claim. That statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is just two years.
Don’t wait. Contact us as soon as possible. We need to investigate the accident site and speak to the witnesses. Our lawyers will review your medical care. In some cases, we may recommend you see other physicians. We’ll review how your medical bills will be paid, and what bills can be delayed. We’ll be your voice and advocate with your own insurance companies and the defendant’s insurance companies.
Do you have a bicycle accident lawyer near me?
Our Rockingham office is located at 801 E Broad Ave, #17 in Rockingham, NC. Our team also has offices in Charlotte and Rutherfordton. If you are too injured to come to us, we can meet clients at their homes or in a hospital.
Contact our Rockingham bicycle accident lawyers today
If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle crash caused by the careless or negligent actions of another driver, contact the team at Price, Petho & Associates for help with your case today. Our dedicated attorneys use the resources of our office to investigate every aspect of your case, determine liability, and secure the compensation you need. When you need a Rockingham bicycle accident attorney, contact Price, Petho & Associates at (704) 372-2160 or fill out our contact form.
Google Reviews
I reached out to Price, Petho, and Associates after I found myself in need of an attorney for an accident I was in that led to personal injury. This was my first experience with something like this and they guided me through the process every step of the way. Every question I had was answered promptly and I truly feel they had my best interest at heart. I highly recommend them if you should find yourself in need of these services.
- C.P.
BEST ATTORNEYS
Price Petho and Associates are the best Attorneys in Law I’ve ever worked with. I was involved in a car accident last year and since I was injured, they handled my case and did not disappoint, they took care of everything. Also, my wife got rear ended in her car (total loss) about 6 months ago and my insurance company was delaying our claim and payment, we went to Price Petho and Associates again for some advice, Margaret E. Ford welcomed us right away, we explained the situation, she understood and explained to us what options we had. She was extremely knowledgeable about cases like this, she even called our insurance company for us and made them pay us the same day we talked to her. I’m very glad we asked for their help.
- Y. M.