Goldsboro  Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Injured in a Bike Accident in Goldsboro, NC?

If you or someone you love was hit by a vehicle while riding a bicycle, you need a Goldsboro bicycle accident attorney at Strickland Agner Pittman to fight for you. Our compassionate and highly skilled legal team has the experience and resources to effectively represent you. Let us guide you through this difficult time.

Request a free consultation by calling (919) 893-0090 or contacting us online.

Bicycle Accidents in North Carolina

Bicycles are defined as vehicles in North Carolina. This means that bicyclists have the same right to the road as cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles. This also means that motorists have the same responsibilities to bicyclists as they do to other vehicles. If a motorist fails to yield the right of way to a bicyclist, causing an accident, the motorist is liable for any damages.

Here are some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents involving drivers:

• Distracted driving: One of the leading causes of accidents involving drivers is distracted driving. When drivers are engaged in activities such as using mobile phones, eating, or adjusting vehicle controls, their attention diverts from the road, making them more likely to collide with cyclists.
• Failure to yield: Drivers may fail to yield the right-of-way to cyclists at intersections, crosswalks, or when making turns. This can result in accidents where drivers hit cyclists who have the right-of-way.
• Door collisions: Often referred to as "dooring," this type of accident occurs when a driver or passenger opens a car door without checking for approaching cyclists. The cyclist may collide with the open door or swerve into traffic to avoid it.
• Unsafe passing: Drivers sometimes attempt to overtake cyclists without providing adequate space. Insufficient passing distance can result in sideswipes or "right hooks" when drivers turn right across the path of a cyclist.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces the reaction time for drivers and makes it harder to avoid collisions with cyclists. High-speed impacts can cause severe injuries or fatalities for cyclists.
• Impaired driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications significantly impairs a driver's judgment, coordination, and reaction times. Intoxicated or impaired drivers may have difficulty noticing cyclists or properly responding to their presence.
• Lack of awareness: Drivers who are not accustomed to sharing the road with cyclists may be less aware of their presence or have a limited understanding of how to safely interact with them. This lack of awareness can lead to accidents when drivers fail to anticipate or react appropriately to cyclist movements.
• Aggressive driving: Aggressive behavior by drivers, such as tailgating, honking, or deliberately passing too closely to cyclists, can create a hostile environment on the road. This aggression can escalate into accidents if drivers do not give cyclists sufficient space or force them into dangerous situations.
• Inadequate visibility: Drivers may have difficulty seeing cyclists, especially during low-light conditions, inclement weather, or when cyclists are not wearing reflective clothing. Poor visibility can result in drivers failing to notice cyclists or misjudging their distance and speed.

Who is Liable in a Bicycle Accident?

When a motorist fails to yield the right of way to a bicyclist, causing an injury, the motorist is liable for the damages. However, in other cases, multiple parties may share liability for an accident. Some of the parties that may be liable for your damages include:

• The driver of the vehicle that hit you
• The owner of the bicycle that you were riding
• The owner of the property where you were riding
• The manufacturer of the bicycle

The damages you can recover will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident. Our North Carolina bicycle accident attorneys can help you determine who is liable for your damages and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Recovering Damages in a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit

The damages you can recover in a bicycle accident lawsuit will depend on the specific circumstances of the case. The damages you may be able to recover may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

A bicycle accident may result in catastrophic injuries. In these cases, you may be able to recover damages for pain and suffering. Our Goldsboro bicycle accident attorneys can help you fight to get the compensation you deserve.

Schedule a free consultation with our firm by calling (919) 893-0090 or contacting us online.