Bicycle Accidents

As bicycling increases in popularity, unfortunately so does the threat of being struck by a car which can lead to severe, catastrophic injuries or even death.  Cyclists are entitled to the same privileges on the roadways as drivers, but many cars do not respect the right of cyclist on the road.  Motorists become impatient waiting to pass the bike or fail to pay attention and strike a bicycle rider.  Drivers who hit cyclists may also be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, texting, tired, or simply not paying attention.  When that collision occurs, the bike rider has little if any protection, usually at most a helmet.  When the impact occurs at high speeds, the chances are even greater that the crash will result in severe injuries or death.  The most common types of injuries from bicycling accidents that we see are herniated discs, back pain, neck pain, severe bruising, road burn, nerve damage, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, broken bones, closed head injuries, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can be life altering for anyone, but are particularly difficult for someone who lives an active lifestyle.

Most bicycle riders enjoy the exercise that riding a bike allows.  Unfortunately, severe injuries for active people who like to spend time outdoors can have devastating consequences.  Even an injury as simple as a broken arm or a broken foot could prevent bicycle riding and other exercise for several months.  Not only do physical injuries result after bicycle accidents, but mental and emotional distress can also arise when victims are no longer able to enjoy physical, outdoor exercise that they enjoyed prior to an accident.

It is important if you’ve been injured while riding a bike to seek competent, skilled legal counsel as soon as possible to make sure all evidence is gathered and used to help prove your case.  Witnesses move, their memory fades, skid marks aren’t as obvious and easy to analyze, police officers change departments, and other factors make it critical to get a lawyer who is experienced with bicycle accidents as soon as possible after an accident.   At the Law Offices of Robert D. Rouse, III, evidence will be carefully examined to determine what caused the crash: whether it was another driver, a defective product, or an unsafe roadway condition.  Then, once liability issues are established, your attorney will gather documentation necessary to prove your damages.  Some of the damages which accidents victims are entitled to recover for include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.  You may have additional damages that the law allows you to recover for, and we will thoroughly discuss all aspects of your claim to ensure we get you fair compensation under the law.

Our knowledgeable bike accident lawyer and staff at the Law Offices of Robert D. Rouse, III, are ready to put their knowledge and experience to work for you.  To discuss your claim following a bike accident, contact our office today for a free consultation and case evaluation.  We have offices in two locations: Greenville and Morehead City and serve all of North Carolina, with most of our cases being in Pitt, Carteret and surrounding counties.  We will send an attorney to meet with you if your injuries or other circumstances prevent you from coming to our office.