Bicycle accidents often involve serious injuries which interrupt the daily life of victims, leading to missed time from work, high medical bills, and other miscellaneous expenses. In addition, insurance companies often claim the bicyclist was partly responsible for their own injuries in an attempt to avoid paying for damages. All of this can quickly cause accident victims to feel overwhelmed and worried about the future.
At the Law Offices of Naomi Ellis, PLLC, we are a boutique law firm that provides our clients injured in bicycle accidents with one-on-one attention from the inception of their case through its conclusion. We fight hard to help our clients hold negligent parties and their insurance carriers accountable. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a bike accident, contact our office today to learn how we can help.
Our Bicycle Accident Practice Areas
Let’s look at the three common types of bicycle accidents.
- Bicycle accidents with motor vehicles. If you were hit by a car, motorcycle, truck, or bus while cycling, we can help you seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
- Bicycle-pedestrian accidents. It may not seem immediately apparent, but pedestrian negligence or road-crossing collisions are common causes of cyclist accidents. We can assist you if you were injured by a pedestrian while cycling.
- Hit-and-run bicycle accidents. Hit-and-run bicycle accidents are motor vehicle accidents where the driver flees the scene after hitting you. If you were hit while cycling and the motorist took off, we could help you locate the responsible party and pursue legal action if necessary.
If you believe another party is responsible for your bicycle accident, contact us to discuss your options. This list is not exhaustive, and many different scenarios can lead to a crash.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents can result in minor to catastrophic life-altering injuries. The severity of the injuries often depends on several factors including the type of collision, the speed of any vehicle involved, the use of safety gear, and the vulnerability of the cyclist. Some common bicycle accident injuries include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Road rash
- Scrapes and lacerations
- Fractures
- Bruises
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal injuries and paralysis
- Facial injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Soft tissue injuries
- Nerve damage
- Emotional trauma
- Wrongful death
While many cycling accidents are caused by a motorist, it is imperative for cyclists to take necessary safety precautions. This includes wearing properly fitted helmets and reflective clothing and following traffic laws to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.
Proving Negligence in a Bicycle Accident Case
If you were injured in a bicycle accident, proving your case will proceed much like any other personal injury case. As the plaintiff, you must prove four essential elements:
- The other party owed you a duty of care
- They breached that duty
- Their breach of duty caused the accident and your injuries
- You suffered damages as a result
In bicycle accident cases, there may be several potentially liable parties, and it is essential to include them all in legal proceedings. In addition to the most apparent responsible parties (i.e., the driver who hit you), other liable parties include:
- Municipalities
- Employers
- Additional drivers or vehicles (e.g., if the car that hit you was hit from behind first)
- Manufacturers
As a seasoned Durham bicycle accident lawyer, I will be able to identify any potentially liable parties.
Evidence Used to Prove Your Case
Every case is unique, and the strength of an individual case can vary depending on the quantity and quality of evidence. Common types of evidence used in bike accident cases include the following:
- Medical bills and records
- Police reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Video surveillance of the accident
- Expert testimony
Proving negligence can be complicated, but we know what to look for. Let us help you build a strong case!
Bicycle & Traffic Laws
Bicycles are subject to North Carolina traffic laws. Cyclists have a right to use most public roads but must do so responsibly and while abiding by the state and local bike laws. Cyclists must do the following:
- Ride on the right side of the road in the same direction as traffic
- Obey traffic signals such as red lights and stop signs
- Use hand signals to indicate the intention to turn
- Be visible at night by using a front and rear lamp
Our team can assist you with understanding the applicable laws.
Durham Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you are looking for a bicycle accident lawyer in Durham, NC, look no further than the Law Offices of Naomi Ellis, PLLC. We are a boutique law firm specializing in serious injury cases. We take each case personally and provide exceptional service from inception to conclusion. We promise to fight for the compensation you need and deserve. Contact us today.