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Bicycle Accidents

In this day and age of mass transit, over crowded highways, as well as society's increased awareness for our own health and well being, everyday there are more and more people that are choosing to ride bicycles to their destinations. This is especially true in larger cities. With this increasing bicycle traffic has come an increasing number of bicycle accidents, some resulting in severe injury and even death. Occasionally these accidents are at the fault of the cyclist, but more often than not, they are the result of careless and reckless behavior on the part of the driver or drivers involved.

The state of North Carolina has enacted a number of strict laws that were to designed to help protect and ensure the safety of all those who travel on our streets and highways. Though most people are careful and considerate, a careless decision on the part of a driver or cyclist can often lead to disastrous consequences.

At the law offices of Brent Adams & Associates, we are here to help those who have been the victim of any kind of bicycle accident. If you have been hurt or injured as the result of someone else's careless negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. We are here to protect your rights! Our experienced team of North Carolina Bicycle Accident Attorneys have the skills and the know how to get you the results you desire and deserve.

Statistics

Over the past several years, there has been a consistent annual increase in the number of reported bicycle accidents resulting in injury of more than 120% per year. Last year alone, there were over 750 bicycling fatalities and more than 51,000 injuries resulting from bicycle accidents in the United States. Though most bicycle accidents are only minor in terms of injury, the number of serious and even fatal bicycle accidents is steadily on the rise.

The majority of bicycle accidents result from either poor judgment, distraction, or lack of attention on the part of either party. This can include a motorist's turning or merging into the path of a cyclist, a motorist's misjudging the amount of space needed to safely pass a cyclist, a bicyclist turning into the path of an on-coming vehicle, or the failure of either party to yield the right-of-way to the other when appropriate.

Though more bicyclists are killed in urban areas as opposed to more rural settings, this is certainly a growing problem that should concern everyone. Statistically, the worst time for bicycle accidents is during the summer months, on Friday and Saturday afternoons, between the hours of 3pm and 9pm. The vast majority of all those injured or killed in bicycle accidents are more than 16 years of age, and 98% of those killed were not wearing a helmet or any other kind of protective gear.

The Law

Bicyclists have the right to access every destination reachable by public road that any automobile does, and this right is protected by the traffic laws of every state in the country. North Carolina law in particular actually defines bicycles as vehicles and assigns bicycle operators all of the rights and duties of motor vehicle operators on the roads. Numerous studies have proven that those cyclists who behave as drivers and follow the general rules of the road are far less likely to be involved in any kind of bicycle accident.

According to the North Carolina Coalition for Bicycle Driving, there are a number of efforts currently underway to help increase awareness of bicycle safety on North Carolina roads and highways. The state-wide "Share the Road" campaign was designed to make automobile drivers more aware of the fact that it is their responsibility to be conscientious and courteous of any cyclist they may encounter on the road.

Statistically, more accidents are caused by motor vehicle operators as opposed to bike riders; yet the coalition also says that it is the responsibility of both parties to ensure the safety of all those using the road. There are a number of simple steps and precautions that can be taken to make sure everyone has a safe trip. North Carolina state law only requires children under the age of 16 to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle; yet it is recommended that anyone's choosing to ride a bike take this very simple precautionary measure, since only 2 percent of those killed in bicycle accidents were reportedly wearing a helmet.

Your Legal Options

At Brent Adams & Associates, our skilled team of North Carolina Bicycle Accident Attorneys has the expertise you need to protect your rights. In legal situations involving bicycle accidents, every instance is different; and it is very important that you have a lawyer that understands the law and other ins and outs of these kinds of cases. We have years of experience dealing with these types of accidents, and can use our vast breadth of knowledge to maximize the outcome of your case and ensure that you receive maximum recovery.

If you or a loved one has been injured, or worse killed, in any kind of bicycle accident, whether you were the driver or the cyclist, give us a call today so that we can begin discussing your rights and legal options. It will cost you nothing to have your case evaluated by one of our highly experienced North Carolina Bicycle Accident Attorneys. After we have all of the necessary information and have clearly explained your options, you can then make the informed decision as to whether or not you wish to continue with your case. Your pain and suffering does not have to go uncompensated. Please give us a call today or fill out our free online case evaluation form.

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