Hit While Riding Your Bicycle in Durham, North Carolina? What You Need to Know

Durham offers many bike routes for locals and visitors alike, such as the American Tobacco Trail, bike-friendly roads throughout Duke campus, and 30+ miles of multi-use trails and greenways. Unfortunately, whether you ride for recreation, transportation, or exercise, it can be dangerous — and at times fatal — if there are also motor vehicles on the road.

North Carolina personal injury laws are complex, and what you do in the aftermath of a bike wreck caused by a car can have a drastic impact on your case.

If you are a bicyclist who’s been injured in a crash with a vehicle, it’s crucial to:

1. Seek medical treatment right away, even if you don’t notice any injuries immediately after the collision. Bike accident injuries may not always be obvious and can manifest later, especially injuries involving head trauma
2. Speak with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Get a no-obligation, no-cost professional opinion to see what your case may really be worth before you agree to anything

Do I Need a Lawyer After a Bicycle Accident in Durham?

It is a good idea to talk to a lawyer after sustaining a bike accident injury. North Carolina is one of a handful of states that still have an antiquated law called “contributory negligence.” This law states that even if you were just 1% at fault for the collision in Durham, you may not be able to recover compensation from the other party’s insurance to cover the damages you’ve sustained from the crash.

In our experience, some insurance companies may attempt to shift at least some of the fault on to you to try to pay you as little as they can for the injuries you’ve incurred. For-profit insurers make more by paying out less.

Our experienced auto accident lawyers have helped many Durham bicyclists injured by car and truck drivers, and we are familiar with the ins-and-outs of North Carolina’s contributory negligence laws. We know what to look for in your case, what tactics the insurance company may try, and how to advocate for you every step of the way.

Check out our You-First Policy!

How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Durham Bike Accident Attorney?

We do not charge any upfront costs or charge you any hourly fees, so there’s no need to be concerned about the costs of hiring an experienced attorney. In fact, at our firm, we don’t collect an attorney’s fee at all if we don’t recover compensation for you. Guaranteed.²

North Carolina Bicyclists’ Rights and Bicycle Laws

As a bicyclist, there are laws that can help keep you safe – as well as help your case for compensation if you are hit by a vehicle.

Here are the NC bicycle laws you should know if you are riding in Durham:

1. Bicycles are considered vehicles in North Carolina, so generally, bicyclists must obey the same rules on the road and have the same responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers.
2. Bicyclists must travel on the right side of the road, going the same direction as the flow of traffic. They must be as far to the right of the road as possible and as is reasonable.
3. Proper hand signals are required while cycling.
4. Bicyclists must wear bright clothing and properly fitted helmets. They must also comply with proper lighting and reflector equipment requirements.
5. Helmets are required for children under 16.
6. NC’s DWI statute applies to bicyclists.
7. Cyclists must yield to pedestrians.

Seek Maximum Compensation – Durham Bicycle Accident Attorneys on Your Side

If you, or someone you know, were injured in a bicycle accident in Durham, you may be owed significant compensation for your injuries. Possible damages may include:

• medical bills
• pain and suffering
• rehabilitation expenses
• loss of wages
• and overall diminishment in quality of life

Our experienced team at the Durham office of the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin can help you build your case against the driver of the motor vehicle that struck you. Our attorneys have the experience and resources to help protect your rights throughout the case.

Here’s what one of our Durham clients had to say about their experience:

It’s crucial that you don’t delay after being injured by another. The longer you wait, the more your case may suffer. But our attorneys can significantly increase your odds of receiving maximum compensation.

The insurance company is likely already working on their case against you. Let us handle your case so that you can focus on getting better.

Call 1-866-900-7078 or contact us online today. We are here for you every step of the way.

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