Troutman Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Troutman Bicycle Accident Attorney

Without the protection of an enclosed space like cars or trucks, bicyclists are more at risk while on the road. In Troutman, bicycle accidents occur frequently due to driver negligence and traffic congestion. If you or someone close to you was involved in a serious cycling crash, a Troutman bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and North Carolina’s unique laws surrounding personal injury cases.

Troutman Bicycle Accident Attorney at The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C.

Our law firm has served the Troutman and Iredell County communities for more than 30 years and has a focus on personal injury cases. Attorney William T. Corbett, Jr., has personally tried over 200 jury trials since 1989 and resides in Mooresville with his wife and three children. Because of his love for his local community, he works hard to keep North Carolina residents safe and protect their rights.

Corbett has seen both sides of the courtroom. He has represented both plaintiffs and defendants and understands how insurers approach accident claims. The insurance industry can be extremely confusing for someone not experienced or informed of their full rights.

Mr. Corbett’s experience and extensive knowledge help give our clients peace of mind while dealing with the recovery from their accident. We offer free consultations to North Carolina residents.

North Carolina Bike Accident Laws

Because of the state’s scenic routes and great weather for year-round riding, bicycling is a common method of transportation for commuters and hobbyists. It can be easy to fall into a cycling routine and forget the high risks involved. In 2023, there were 239 crashes in Troutman. For those involved in a crash, North Carolina’s laws don’t offer an optimistic outlook for any claims opened.

In open cases, the person who filed has to prove the other party was negligent and that it resulted in your accident. To do this, you have to show four things: 

• The other person had a duty to be careful toward you.
• They broke this duty by acting carelessly or recklessly.
• Their careless action directly caused the accident.
• You suffered injuries or damages because of it.

In the United States, there were 1,105 bicyclist deaths in crashes with motor vehicles in 2022. Unlike most states, North Carolina still uses contributory negligence laws. Cyclists are treated the same as drivers and are expected to follow the same traffic laws.

This means if a cyclist is found even 1% at fault for the crash, they may not be able to recover compensation. This can deter those seeking compensation for their crash, and be difficult for those who don’t understand the full extent of state law and their personal rights.

For example, if a driver runs a stop sign at night and hits a cyclist, but the cyclist was not using a front headlight, the insurer might argue the cyclist was partially at fault for the incident. This can mean claim denial. For those with extensive, life-altering injuries, this law can be devastating. A bicycle accident lawyer can help fight for your case and get you the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Us

The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C., has over 30 years of experience helping injury victims in Troutman and surrounding communities. We approach every case with the empathy it deserves. These types of incidents often involve heavy emotional and physical pain, and you deserve an attorney who validates that.

We treat every case with personal attention and give our clients transparent expectations of their claims during their free consultation. One client recently shared, “He was not only voracious when preparing us for court but also primed for all scenarios and outcomes. We always felt confident that Mr. Corbett would diligently fight for our case.”

FAQs

How Much Compensation Can I Receive for a Cycling Accident?

The amount of compensation you can receive after a cycling accident depends on how serious your injuries are and their impact on your daily life. In North Carolina, you must prove the other person was completely at fault to qualify for compensation because if you are found even slightly responsible, you may be denied compensation. This can be incredibly stressful to deal with alone, making contacting an experienced attorney a necessary step.

How Long Do I Have to Open a Case?

Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in North Carolina is three years from the date of the accident. If you don’t take legal action within those three years, you may lose the right to seek compensation, even if you have a strong case. There are a few exceptions, but in general, it’s important to act quickly after an accident to protect your rights.

How to Prove Fault in a Bicycle Accident Case?

Establishing fault is critical to winning your case, given North Carolina’s strict laws on personal injury claims. This makes proper investigation and documentation critical in bicycle accident claims. Having strong evidence is the way to do this. This can include:

• Copies of police reports
• Statements from eyewitnesses
• Surveillance footage
• Professional accident reconstruction
• Copies of medical records

What Do I Do After an Accident to Protect My Rights?

There are several steps to take to ensure your safety:

1. Seek medical attention and copies of all medical reports, even if you don’t feel injured.
2. Contact law enforcement to report the incident and get a copy of the report.
3. Get the contact information of witnesses and all parties involved. Do not admit fault or apologize.
4. Hire a bicycle accident attorney.
5. Contact insurance companies to inform them, but be sure to only make official statements with an attorney present.

Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer You Trust

If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident in Troutman, do not delay seeking legal guidance. The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C., can help you understand your rights, the evidence needed for your case, and what steps must be taken under North Carolina law. Our firm is located near Troutman and serves clients throughout Iredell County.

We want to make sure you and your family feel taken care of during this difficult time. Let us handle the legal side of things so you can focus on your well-being and recovery from trauma. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.