According to a recent analysis by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), cyclists represented 2% of the people injured and 2% of those killed in traffic accidents across the U.S. Almost 70% of the bicycle accidents that ended in death involved head injuries.

Bicyclists are often injured by drivers who act negligently (or worse) by failing to stop at stop lights, driving too fast, opening a car door in a rider’s path, or simply failing to notice bike riders until it’s too late to avoid a crash.

If you were injured in a bicycle accident in North Carolina, you may be able to get compensation for your medical bills, your pain and suffering, wages lost as a result of the injury, and more. If you suffered severe injuries causing long-term or permanent impairment, you may also be able to recover compensation for the cost of future care and treatments, as well as for the injury’s impact on your ability to earn a living.

Our initial consultation in Charlotte bicycle accident cases is free. Contact us to discuss the particulars of your case.

Of course, while drivers have a duty of care toward other people with whom they share the road, bicycle riders are also expected to be careful. North Carolina law follows the doctrine of “contributory negligence,” which holds that if a person is even 1% negligent and partially responsible for causing his or her own injuries, that person cannot recover compensation from others—even if those others were also negligent and played a much greater role in causing the accident and the resulting injuries.

Therefore, if you are interested in pursuing a personal injury case related to a bicycle accident, you should consult an experienced North Carolina personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the accident. Your potential opponent (most likely an insurance company) will be analyzing every aspect of the accident, looking for any evidence to deny your claim. You should have an experienced professional on your side, ready and able to investigate, negotiate, and if necessary present a cohesive case on your behalf.

The attorneys of Myers Law Firm are dedicated to helping injured riders receive the maximum amount of compensation available for the harm they suffered. We also represent clients who are pursuing wrongful death cases after their family members were killed in bicycle accidents. We have decades of cumulative experience in dealing with Charlotte bicycle accident cases, and our initial consultation in all personal injury cases is free.

To schedule your free consultation, please call our Charlotte office toll-free at 1-888-376-ATTY (2889), email us at mattmyers@myerslegal.com, or fill out and submit our online “Contact Us” form.