Charlotte Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Experienced legal help for injured bicyclists in North Carolina
If you check out Charlotte-area bike maps online, you’ll find hundreds of bicycle routes through the Charlotte area. North Carolina offers bicycling enthusiasts a wide range of rides, and some of these routes may force cyclists to share the road with motorists. This can put them at risk of serious collisions, accidents, and injuries.
Anytime you or a loved one gets on a bicycle, the last thing you think about is being involved in an accident. Unfortunately, even the safest cyclists cannot protect themselves from negligent drivers. At Price, Petho & Associates, our team is here to help when you need a Charlotte bicycle accident attorney. We have the resources necessary to fully investigate your case and help you secure compensation for your losses.
What would you like to know?
How frequent are bicycle crashes in Charlotte?
In its 2020 Crash Facts study, the North Carolina Department of Transportation reports:
- 28 bicyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes, an astounding 55.6% increase from 2019.
- Charlotte in particular saw 77 bicycle accidents, with 4 fatalities and 74 injuries – drastically higher than the majority of North Carolina cities.
As you see, the vast majority of bicycle accidents result in serious injury or fatality for the bicyclist. The simple reality is that cyclists (sometimes called pedal cyclists in police and traffic reports) are incredibly vulnerable when they are in or around motor vehicles.
Even when a bicyclist is wearing a helmet, the human body is not meant to withstand the impact of a vehicle weighing thousands of pounds slamming into it. Additionally, a secondary impact with the ground or asphalt is also likely to cause further injuries.
What types of injuries result from bike accidents?
An unfortunate reality of bicycle accidents is that bicyclists often sustain much more severe injuries than the driver who hits them. A cyclist, even when wearing a helmet, is no match for a vehicle that weighs thousands of pounds. At Price, Petho & Associates, our Charlotte attorneys regularly help clients and their loved ones who have sustained the following life-changing injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Other severe head, neck, and back injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Crush injuries or loss of limb
- Broken and dislocated bones
- Severe lacerations or road rash
- Wrongful death
Our lawyers also regularly help bicycle accident victims who have experienced significant emotional and psychological trauma as a result of the accident and their subsequent injuries.
What should I do after a Charlotte bicycle accident?
Bicyclists will usually be able to recover compensation from the insurance carrier of the at-fault driver in these situations. However, recovering this compensation can be challenging. Just like a car accident, strong evidence builds a strong case.
Some of the evidence to gather in the immediate aftermath of a bicycle accident – if you are able – should include the following:
- Photographs of the vehicle and the bicycle, and damage to both
- The actual bicycle itself
- Video surveillance from any nearby cameras
- Statements from eyewitnesses
- Statements from other drivers or passengers
- The police report
We need to stress how important it is for a bicyclist involved in an accident to seek medical care as soon as possible. Even if you experience no pain immediately following a bicycle crash, remember the adrenaline coursing through your body post-accident can mask the signs and symptoms of injuries. Seeking medical care immediately ensures your well-being and establishes a direct link between the crash and your injuries.
How long do I have to file my accident claim?
If you or a loved one sustained serious injury in a bike accident and wish to take legal action, remember the state of North Carolina has a time limit on these claims. The personal injury statute of limitations for North Carolina is three years from the date the accident occurs. This provides a three-year window in which to file a claim against the negligent party, or you will likely lose the opportunity to secure the proper compensation to which you’re entitled.
However, it is important to note that this statute of limitations does not affect reporting a claim to insurance carriers. Many accident claims can be resolved through settlements with the insurance carriers of the at-fault driver, but these claims must generally be filed within a short amount of time after the crash occurs. This is often only one or two days. Failing to file an insurance claim within a reasonable amount of time could result in your claim being delayed or denied.
Contact the attorneys at Price, Petho & Associates as soon as possible after your accident for a consultation and guidance on the best route to pursue compensation for your injuries.
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What is the value of my Charlotte bicycle accident case?
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a bicycle accident, there may be various types of compensation available for your claim. At Price, Petho & Associates, our Charlotte bicycle accident lawyers dedicate themselves to helping clients recover the following:
- Full coverage of medical bills related to the crash
- Lost wages if they cannot work while recovering
- Any household out-of-pocket expenses they incur
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of personal enjoyment damages
The total amount of compensation available in these cases will vary depending on the facts related to each particular collision. If you lost a loved one to a Charlotte bicycle accident, our attorneys also work to secure funeral and burial expenses, as well as the compensation listed above.
Is there a bicycle accident attorney near me?
You can find Price, Petho & Associates at 1420 Elizabeth Ave in Charlotte. We also maintain offices in Rockingham and Rutherfordton for your convenience. If you are unable to come to us, we can make arrangements to visit you at home or in the hospital.
Strategic Charlotte bicycle accident lawyers on your side
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a bicycle accident because of another’s negligent actions, reach out to the team at Price, Petho & Associates for help. We pledge to investigate every aspect of your claim so we can help you recover the compensation to which you are entitled. This can include coverage of your medical bills, lost income, property damage expenses, pain and suffering damages, and more. To schedule a free consultation, call 704-372-2160 or fill out our contact form. We serve clients in Charlotte, Rockingham, Rutherfordton, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
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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 experience with this law firm
"I have had the BEST experience with this law firm for both my accidents. They work so quickly and so fast! They get you what you deserve and more. Everyone is so polite and happy.
THE BEST LAW FIRM."
- M. W.