A 2020 survey showed that Charlotte only ranked 435 out of 566 in America's best places for cycling. Charlotte received low marks on safety, acceleration, and network scores. The group that hosted the survey stated that recreational biking could be pretty good in Charlotte, but Charlotte is not doing well for practical purposes or commuting. Charlotte lacks the appropriate infrastructure and has poor street design, making it unsafe for cyclists.
In 2017, a survey showed that the bicycle fatality rate per million in Charlotte was 5.69. This is the third-highest bicycle fatality rate in the country, behind Phoenix and Sacramento. Other surveys have shown that Charlotte is the 12th most dangerous city in the country for biking. With dangerous conditions like these, it is not surprising that a number of people die in bicycle and pedestrian accidents every year in Charlotte.
How an Experienced Attorney Can Help YouAt Arnold & Smith, PLLC, we focus on the driver’s conduct when we handle a bicycle or pedestrian accident. In most cases, bicycle and pedestrian accidents are caused by distracted drivers of passenger cars or trucks. Another major cause of pedestrian and cyclist-related car accidents involves drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians or cyclists at a crosswalk. Many of these types of collisions are caused by the driver's failure to keep a proper lookout for cyclists and pedestrians at all times.
Whether the driver in your case was not keeping a proper lookout, texting while driving, or distracted at the wheel, we will gather evidence making the case to prove their fault. When necessary, we can work with accident reconstruction specialists. These specialists use complex injury illustrations to demonstrate the timing of the accident and how we know the other driver was at fault. We have the experience and skill needed to gather evidence and negotiate aggressively for compensation on your behalf.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian or Bicycle AccidentAfter a bicycle or pedestrian accident, you should try to seek safety. If you can, try to exit the path of oncoming vehicles where you could be struck again by another driver. After you have moved off the street, assess your injuries and situation. Call 911 and request a paramedic and a police officer to come to the scene. The police officer will investigate the accident and assist you in exchanging insurance information with the other party or parties involved. You can obtain a copy of the police accident report several days later. The paramedics can help assess your injuries and determine whether you need to go to the emergency room.
It is also important to exchange information with the other driver. Even if you do not think you are injured, your symptoms and additional pain could be concealed due to the shock of the accident. In the next few days, you may realize that you are injured. Ask the other driver to stay with you while you wait for the police and paramedics to arrive. If the driver tries to flee the scene, take a photo of the vehicle’s license plate so you can inform the police officer later. If you can do so safely, take pictures of the accident scene with your phone. Take photos of any injuries or damage you have.
Insurance Coverage in Pedestrian AccidentsWhen the driver who collides with a pedestrian or cyclist can be identified, their insurance coverage should cover the injuries sustained by the victim. Unfortunately, sometimes drivers flee the scene of the accident. Alternatively, the driver may not have auto insurance, or their insurance may not cover all the victim’s losses. In this case, the victim may have to use uninsured motorist coverage or underinsured motorist coverage. Either way, working with an experienced attorney who can advocate for you and negotiate with the insurance company can be extremely helpful in getting just compensation.
Contact a Charlotte Personal Injury Lawyer TodayIf you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a bicycle or pedestrian accident, it is crucial that you discuss your case with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, we have a proven track record of successfully advocating for bicycle and pedestrian accident victims. After carefully investigating your case, we will determine who is liable for your injuries. Our law firm has the resources needed to pursue compensation for you through an insurance settlement or a personal injury lawsuit. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC, to schedule your free initial consultation with one of our skilled attorneys by calling 704.370.2828.