Were you or a loved one injured in a bicycle accident in Raleigh, North Carolina? Call Bello Law Firm, PLLC at (919) 884-0031 for a free consultation. Our Raleigh bicycle accident lawyers can help you take legal action against the driver or other party responsible for your injuries.
Our law firm has secured millions of dollars for injury victims. We will work diligently on your behalf throughout your case and are confident in our ability to help you pursue a favorable outcome.
Learn more about your legal rights and options by contacting us today. We can answer your questions during your consultation.
Why Choose Bello Law Firm, PLLC After a Bicycle Accident in Raleigh, NC?
Bicycle accident cases in North Carolina carry unique legal risks, making it important to hire the right attorney. North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule, which can prevent an injured person from recovering compensation if they are found partly at fault.
Bello Law Firm, PLLC represents injured clients in Raleigh and throughout North Carolina. We emphasize direct client attention, strategic representation, and the preparation of cases for trial when necessary.
Some of the reasons clients choose our Raleigh personal injury lawyers include:
- A proven record of securing millions of dollars for injury victims
- Hundreds of personal injury cases successfully resolved by Attorney Daniel Bello
- Direct, client-focused representation
- A willingness to prepare cases for trial when necessary
If you were injured while riding your bicycle in Raleigh, North Carolina, contact us today for a free case review.
How Does Contributory Negligence Affect My Bicycle Accident Claim?
North Carolina is one of only a small number of states that still follows a contributory negligence rule. Under this doctrine, if you are found to have been negligent and your negligence contributed to causing the accident or your injuries, you can be completely barred from recovering compensation, even if the other party was primarily at fault.
For example, if a distracted driver ran a red light and struck you while you were riding through an intersection, the defense might argue that you failed to take enough precautions to avoid the collision. If that argument succeeds, you could walk away with nothing, even if the driver was largely responsible for the crash.
Insurance companies are well aware of how powerful this rule is, and they may raise contributory negligence in bicycle accident claims. They may point to anything from a missing headlight to a failure to use a hand signal as evidence that the cyclist shares some degree of blame.
This is exactly why having an experienced attorney matters so much in North Carolina. In many cases, the difference between a successful claim and a denied one can come down to how effectively the contributory negligence defense is addressed.
What Causes Most Bicycle Accidents in Raleigh?
Bicycle crashes in Raleigh can happen when a motorist fails to pay attention to a cyclist or does not leave enough space when passing.
Some of the most common scenarios that can lead to bicycle accidents include:
- A driver making a right turn directly into a cyclist’s path
- A motorist opening a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist
- A driver running a stop sign or red light at an intersection
- Unsafe lane changes without checking for cyclists
- Distracted driving, including texting or using a phone behind the wheel
- Speeding through residential areas or near bike lanes
Road hazards like potholes can also cause serious crashes. In some cases, the cyclist has no contact with a vehicle at all but is forced to swerve or lose control because of a dangerous condition.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for My Bicycle Accident?
Depending on the facts of your case, more than one party may be liable for your injuries. The most common defendant in a Raleigh bicycle accident case is the driver who caused the collision. If that driver was negligent, they may be held financially responsible for the harm they caused.
In some situations, other parties may also share liability:
- A government entity may be responsible in some circumstances if a dangerous road condition or missing signage contributed to the crash
- A vehicle manufacturer could be liable if a mechanical defect, such as faulty brakes, played a role in the accident
- A bicycle manufacturer or, in some cases, a retailer could be liable if a defective component caused you to lose control
An experienced bicycle accident attorney can investigate every angle of your case and identify all parties that may owe you compensation. This is especially important in North Carolina, where contributory negligence can bar your recovery if your own negligence contributed to causing the accident.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Bicycle Accident in Raleigh?
If you can establish that someone else’s negligence caused your bicycle accident, North Carolina law may allow you to recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover your direct financial losses. These may include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses related to your injuries
- Lost wages from missed time at work
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-economic damages account for the personal impact the accident has had on your life. These may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
Punitive damages may also be available in limited cases involving fraud, malice, or willful conduct. North Carolina courts award these damages to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar conduct in the future.
How Much Is My Raleigh Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
There is no single formula for calculating what your claim may be worth, as every case has a unique set of facts and circumstances. Bicycle accident cases involving severe injuries may result in higher compensation, but many other factors play a role.
Some of the things that can influence the value of your case include:
- How serious your injuries are and whether you will make a full recovery
- The total cost of your current and future medical care
- How much time you have missed from work
- Whether the at-fault party’s conduct was willful or wanton
- The strength of the evidence supporting your claim
- The insurance coverage available from the liable party
Working with a qualified bicycle accident attorney can also affect how your claim is handled. A lawyer can document your losses thoroughly, evaluate the potential value of your claim, and push back against lowball offers during settlement negotiations.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Raleigh, NC?
One of the first concerns people have after a bicycle accident is whether they can afford legal help while already facing medical bills and lost wages. Many Raleigh personal injury attorneys do not charge attorney’s fees up front. Instead, they work on what is known as a contingency fee basis.
Under this arrangement, your attorney’s payment is tied directly to the outcome of your case. If no compensation is recovered, you generally owe no attorney’s fees. If your case is successful, a percentage of the recovery goes toward attorney’s fees as outlined in the written agreement you sign at the start of the process. The agreement should also explain how case-related costs and expenses are handled.
How Long Do I Have To File a Bicycle Accident Claim in North Carolina?
Under North Carolina’s statute of limitations, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss that deadline, you may lose your right to recover compensation through the courts.
While three years may sound like plenty of time, evidence in bicycle accident cases can disappear quickly. There are also exceptions that can shorten or extend the applicable deadline. Getting a bicycle accident attorney in Raleigh on your side as soon as possible can help protect your rights and interests.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Raleigh Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Being struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle can leave you with devastating injuries and an overwhelming amount of uncertainty about what comes next. If this has happened to you in Raleigh, NC, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Bello Law Firm, PLLC can help you understand your legal options and what your case may be worth. Call our Raleigh bicycle accident attorneys today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about where your case stands moving forward
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Raleigh, NC
Bello Law Firm Raleigh
530 Hillsborough St Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 884-0031
