Huntersville, NC Bicycle Accident Lawyers Share Essential Information
The potential severity of a bicycle accident cannot be overstated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Bicycle accidents in the US cause approximately 1,000 deaths annually
- Approximately 130,000 people are injured in bicycle accidents in the US every year
- Annual costs in the US associated with bicycle accidents exceed $23 billion
There are numerous reasons bicycle accidents can result in very severe injuries. One factor contributing to the seriousness of bicycle accident injuries is the lack of protection bicyclists enjoy when compared to the occupants of cars and other enclosed vehicles. Without a vehicle’s metal frame, a seatbelt, or airbags, a bicyclist is particularly vulnerable on the road.
Exercising caution when riding a bicycle is critical. Unfortunately, it’s possible for a bicyclist to be harmed in an accident resulting from the negligence of another party.
Avoiding Bicycle Accidents in Huntersville, NC
There are certain steps bicyclists can take to minimize their chances of being harmed in avoidable accidents. One step involves obeying all laws that apply to bicyclists in North Carolina. Specific requirements to be aware of include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Don’t ride a bicycle while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol;
- Do not ride in the direction of oncoming traffic;
- Obey all traffic signs and signals;
- Avoid highways and interstates;
- Wear a helmet if you are under the age of 16 (although it is wise to wear a helmet whenever riding a bicycle);
- Use lights and reflectors to ensure motorists can see you in low-light conditions.
It’s also worth noting that CDC research indicates most bicycle accidents resulting in fatalities occur in urban environments. This does not mean you have to avoid riding a bicycle in these areas entirely if doing so is inconvenient or impractical. However, you should be very careful when riding a bicycle in urban areas. Dense traffic in such environments likely accounts for their high rate of serious bicycle accidents.
How a Huntersville, NC Bicycle Accident Attorney Helps
Many bicycle accident victims are responsible individuals who are nevertheless harmed as a result of someone else’s unreasonable carelessness. Negligent motorists can cause bicycle accidents if they are:
- Speeding
- Intoxicated
- Drowsy
- Distracted
- Aggressive
Other careless parties can also allow bicycle accidents to occur. For example, a cyclist could be harmed if the designer or manufacturer of their vehicle overlooked a defect.
Strongly consider meeting with a Huntersville, NC bicycle accident lawyer if you are ever injured while riding your bike. Our attorneys at Brown Moore & Associates, PLLC have the skills and resources necessary to investigate your case thoroughly.
We will identify the negligent parties who caused your accident, gather evidence proving they were negligent, and provide aggressive representation to optimize your chances of recovering the full amount of compensation for which you may be eligible. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us at 704-335-1500 to schedule your free consultation.
