Last year, a teenager was thrown off his bicycle when a car ran into him in a deadly North Carolina bicycle accident. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a 14-year-old had been riding along N.C. State Highway 72. Another driver going in the same direction collided with him from behind. The teenager died at the scene of the bicycle accident. The teenager who passed away was riding in the proper lane, and his bicycle had reflective equipment, but he was not wearing a helmet. An investigation revealed that the motor vehicle driver did not reduce their speed before colliding with the cyclist. Tragically, this teenager is one of many who have died in a preventable bicycling accident in North Carolina.
Protect Your Teenager After a Car AccidentIf your teenage child has been injured in a bicycle accident, the steps you take after the accident will directly affect your legal claim. Car accidents are scary and stressful, regardless of a person's age. Dealing with a car accident can be overwhelming for a teenager, leading to poor decisions. For example, your teenager may post about the accident on social media or discuss it with the insurance adjuster before talking to an attorney. It is important that you help your child deal with the accident's aftermath to increase the likelihood of a successful claim against the negligent party.
Obtain Medical Attention QuicklyYou should ensure that your teen goes to the doctor or hospital as soon as possible after the accident. In many cases, injuries from bicycle accidents are serious, and your teenager will be taken to the hospital in an ambulance. This is not always the case, however. The injuries may take a few hours or even days to appear.
By getting immediate medical attention, you can protect your teen's health and link the injuries to the bicycle accident. Your teen must also continue attending doctor's appointments, taking prescription medication, and attending any prescribed therapy appointments. Doing so will help you prove that the bicycle accident caused your teen's injuries and the severity of their injuries.
Discuss Your Case With an Attorney Before Discussing Your Case With Anyone ElseIt is important to talk to your teen and ensure that they know that the only person they should speak to about the circumstances of their accident is a personal injury attorney. If your teen talks about the bicycle accident to other parties, including the insurance company or the driver, they could unintentionally say something that undermines their legal case. After your teenager has received medical attention, you should contact a personal injury attorney who can discuss your legal options with you. Your attorney can handle all the communication between you and the other party.
How an Attorney Can Help You and Your Teen Recover CompensationBicycle accidents can cause severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment. The cost of all the medical treatments involved can be extremely expensive. Navigating the claims process to recover the compensation for medical expenses you deserve can be difficult. An attorney can help you navigate obtaining a satisfactory insurance settlement or personal injury settlement.
Additionally, an attorney will be able to gather evidence proving that the driver's negligence caused the accident that resulted in your teenager's injuries. An attorney can also negotiate aggressively with the insurance company, ensuring that they are held responsible for their driver's negligence. When necessary, an attorney can take your case to court.
Wrongful Death LawsuitsBicycle accidents that involve teenagers can be fatal. If you have lost your teenager in a bicycle accident in North Carolina, you may have a right to pursue a wrongful death claim against the party whose negligence caused the accident. Nothing can bring your loved one back, but a wrongful death lawsuit can help you recover compensation for funeral expenses, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Reach Out to a Personal Injury Attorney in CharlotteHas your teenager been injured in a bicycle accident in North Carolina? If so, you are not alone. Paying for your teenager's medical expenses can be challenging, and an attorney can help you navigate the claims process while protecting your rights. Contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, today to schedule your free case evaluation and learn more about your legal rights.