Father of Four Killed in Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident
Bicycle accidents can cause serious, sometimes fatal, injuries that could result in personal injury lawsuits.
February 16, 2011
The tragic death of a bicyclist in Monroe last month has put the spotlight on the plight of bike riders throughout North Carolina. Everyone has heard that bicyclists and pedestrians have the right of way, but not every driver yields. When the driver is intoxicated -- like the driver who has been charged with second-degree homicide for allegedly killing the bicyclist while driving under the influence of alcohol -- rules of the road are ignored and serious injuries occur.Bicycle Accidents Don't Just Happen in the Summer
This accident proves that bicycling along a major roadway can be hazardous all year long. North Carolina's temperate climate lends itself to year-round pedestrian and bike traffic, so drivers must exercise caution at all times when behind the wheel. That is not to say that bicyclists can ride wherever and however they want -- they also have to follow the rules of the road, riding as far to the right as is feasible, stopping at all traffic signs/signals and riding with traffic, not against it -- but the consequences are far worse when a vehicle operator is careless.
When a car strikes a bicycle, serious, sometimes fatal, injuries happen, including:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain and head injuries
- Concussions
- Internal bleeding
- Road rash/cuts/lacerations
Recovering After a Bicycle Accident
Once you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you have a long road ahead of you. Not only do you have to physically recover from your injuries, you also have to deal with medical bills, lost wages, rehab costs and other expenses. If your injuries were caused by another party (a vehicle driver, fellow bicyclist, careless pedestrian, etc.), you may be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit to collect compensation. In North Carolina, that involves:
- Proving injuries, whether they be physical or emotional
- Showing that the defendant caused the injuries
- Explaining how the injuries have had a financial toll on the victim (proving damages)
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run crash or any other kind of bicycle accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney in your area as soon as possible to learn more about your legal rights.
Article provided by Riddle & Brantley LLP
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