Speaks Law Firm seeks compensation for individuals who have been injured in bicycle accidents in North Carolina.
Do You Need a North Carolina Bicycle Accident Attorney?
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you have likely experienced pain and shock along with continued frustration as you are now dealing with medical expenses and reduced capability following the unfortunate incident. Bike rides can be risky, especially when negligent drivers break traffic laws, fail to pay attention, and cause catastrophic injuries to riders. When these types of tragedies strike, you need a bicycle accident attorney to help you seek compensation for your injuries.
Among dangerous states for riders, North Carolina is ranked 7th, and nearly half of crashes cause significant injuries. With these major injuries come medical bills, missed work, and long-term recoveries that can take months or years. Working with a bicycle accident law firm can alleviate the stress of dealing with the driver’s insurance company, allowing you peace of mind while you mend.
What to Do After a Bike Accident in North Carolina
A person injured in a bicycle accident will typically need to file a claim against the driver who caused the accident. Assuming the driver is at fault for the incident, their insurance company will settle the claim for damages, which may include lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
However, be advised that insurance companies are skilled at finding ways to reduce or deny injury claims. A personal injury attorney experienced in bicycle accident injury cases will be able to negotiate on your behalf, and you should involve them early in the process to avoid being manipulated into compromising your claim.
There are several other important steps to take immediately after the accident, which are important both to your health and your personal injury case:
- Call 911. Phoning the police ensures that there is an accident report to use as evidence. The police can also dispatch an ambulance if necessary.
- Record the driver’s information. Document the driver’s name and license number, contact information (including phone number and email), and vehicle license plate number. If possible, take pictures of the documents with your phone.
- Gather evidence. If you can, document what happened at the scene: Take pictures of relevant signs or obstacles, and collect witness statements. Don’t forget to ask for the witnesses’ contact information.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you think you have minor or zero injuries, consult with a doctor right away. Some injuries take time to manifest, and avoiding the doctor could harm your case.
Contact our legal team at Speaks Law Firm today to schedule a free case review.
The Speaks Law Firm proudly serves people throughout eastern North Carolina, including Wilmington, Fayetteville, Jacksonville, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Bolivia, Burgaw, Whiteville, Lumberton, Leland, Shallote, New Hanover County, Pender County, Brunswick County, Columbus County, and Robeson County.
We Make it Easy
Suffering an injury is incredibly difficult but getting the help you need shouldn’t be. All you have to do is call our office and we’ll start reviewing your claim right away.
You Deserve Compensation
If you’ve been hurt in an accident, you need a fighter in your corner. Our attorneys will fight for the maximum amount of compensation you deserve for your injuries and other damages.
No Hidden Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis. This means you never have to worry about hidden fees or upfront costs. In fact, we don’t get paid at all unless we win for you!
(910) 341-7570
Why Choose Speaks Law Firm?
Accidents can happen at any time. You can be as careful as you can be, but you can never predict the action of others out on the road. When this happens, you need someone to speak on your behalf to fight for your rights. Speaks Law Firm is here for you.
- Our People. Our team is our main differentiator. We hired each one for their solid background and experience in the field. This all-star cast of talented, dedicated, and accomplished legal professionals cares about your case. With over 20 years of experience, we will do our best to fight for your rights.
- Our Process. We have built collaboration into our process. Our legal professionals were selected to work at the firm due to their experience. They work together to build your case and help you reach your goals.
- Our Commitment. You need someone committed to fighting for your rights after an accident that places you in a vulnerable position. At Speaks Law Firm, our team works hard to provide our clients in Wilmington, NC, and the surrounding areas with sound legal service. We speak for you.
- Free Consultation. Our lines of communication are open. You can set up a free consultation if you need to discuss your personal injury case and find the right legal option for your situation.
North Carolina is a Pure Contributory Negligence State
Bicyclists in North Carolina face a legal uphill battle in accident cases. As a pure contributory negligence state, the plaintiff victim could be prevented from seeking any compensation if they were even 1% at fault for the accident.
This standard requires a fact-driven analysis and could entail complex negotiations with the driver’s insurance company. To avoid writing a hefty settlement check, the insurance company will look for any indication that the rider did something that caused the accident. A bicycle injury lawyer at Speaks Law Firm will be familiar with these tactics and ready to argue on your behalf.
Understanding North Carolina’s Bike Laws
Because of North Carolina’s contributory negligence standard, it is essential to be aware of the critical bike laws that could affect your case. While it is often common sense to follow traffic laws, we are all human, and a misstep could be life-threatening.
Insurance companies will work to verify whether you followed these laws:
- Use of appropriate lights when riding at night
- Adherence to the speed limit
- Riding on the right side of the road
- Stopping and yielding when necessary
- Executing safe lane changes
- Not riding while impaired
- Following helmet laws
- Using arm signals
Our bike accident attorneys at Speaks Law Firm can discuss the details surrounding your injury during your free case review.
Types of Damages for North Carolina Bicycle Accidents
Injured riders can seek compensation for the following if the driver was fully responsible for the accident:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Future lost earnings
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death compensation
Our experienced North Carolina bicycle accident attorneys can assess fault based on the details of your accident and manage your claim to seek compensation for your injuries.
Find Out How Much Your Case is Worth
Every bicycle accident claim is different, but there are formulas that insurance companies and legal teams use to estimate how much your case is worth. The answer depends on a variety of factors, including the accident circumstances, the extent of your injuries, and how the accident affected you economically.
We encourage you to act quickly to consult with an experienced North Carolina bicycle accident lawyer to understand the appropriate steps moving forward. At Speaks Law Firm, we are prepared to estimate the value of your case and manage it, interfacing with the insurance companies on your behalf.
At no cost to you, contact us today to schedule a free case review with our legal team in Wilmington, NC.
For more information about how we can help you avoid costly mistakes after an Auto Accident Injury in North Carolina contact us by filling out the “How can we help you?” form at the top of this page.
I was hurt in a car accident in Wilmington, North Carolina. My medical bills are outrageously high. The driver who caused the accident has the minimum insurance limits ($30,000.00) that are required by law. The adjuster has offered to pay the policy limits ($30,000.00). Should I get an attorney? What should I do?
State law requires each vehicle owner to carry at least $30,000.00 of liability insurance coverage. You can purchase more. Many people carry at least $100,000 in liability coverage per person and $300,000 per occurrence.
The liability insurance policy for the vehicle of the responsible driver is required to pay for the medical and other expenses of those who were not at fault. The policy will pay up to the limits of the policy. In other words, where there is $30,000.00 (or $60,000.00) of liability coverage, the insurance company could be required to pay that entire amount, but no more.
Where the damages are greater than the limits of the insurance policy, the injured person must look for other sources of recovery. These are some of the questions your lawyer will ask in order to comprehensively address this complex issue:
- Does the responsible driver have a different liability policy that you could access?
- Was the responsible driver working for his employer at the time of the accident?
- Does the responsible driver have an umbrella insurance policy?
- Does the injured person have underinsured motorist coverage?
- Does the responsible driver have assets that could be seized and sold in order to pay some or all of the judgment beyond the limits of the insurance policy?*
* This particular analysis can be complicated. Before you reject the insurance companies offer to settle the case for the policy limits and proceed with a lawsuit, you must think clearly and carefully. If you were seriously injured by the negligence of another person, you are probably angry. Who could blame you? I would be. Of course, you want the person responsible for the accident to pay for the damage they caused. In fact, the law requires it.
However, ifthe negilgent driver does not have the assets to pay for damages beyond the limits of the insurance policy, you will be wasting valuable time and money. You may want to perform an asset search in order to determine whether this is a viable option. The process of securing and enforcing a judgment can be expensive. If the responsible person does not have sufficient assets, then you will have wasted time and money for no reason.
Where damages exceed insurance coverage you need an experienced personal injury lawyer more than ever. A good lawyer may be able to find additional sources or recovery. He or she may be able to perform an informal asset search. From that he will be able to determine whether you should you accept the policy limits or fight for more.
Even if there is not enough money to pay all of the medical expenses from the available insurance policy, an experienced personal injury attorney can help. He may be able to negotiate down the amount of the outstanding medical bills. He may be able to use financial leverage and statutory laws to get your bills paid and still put a substantial amount of money in your pocket. Call or contact us now to find out how we can help you maximize your recovery in your auto accident and injury case.