What to Do After a Bicycle Accident Involving Teenagers in North Carolina

According to the North Carolina highway state patrol, a 13-year-old from Taylorsville, North Carolina, died after a dirt bike crash. The teenager was found suffering from his injuries and was flown to a medical center in Winston-Salem. Eventually, he succumbed to his injuries. According to the initial investigation, the teenager was on the road, drove left of center, and crashed head-on with a pickup truck. This is just one of many fatal bicycle accidents involving teenagers yearly in North Carolina.

If your teenager has been seriously injured in a bicycle accident, it is essential that you take the correct steps after the accident. Taking steps to protect yourself and your child will help you as you pursue compensation in a legal claim. Car accidents are always stressful and scary, regardless of the victim's age. However, dealing with a car accident involving a teenager can be even more stressful.

Teenagers frequently post on social media, and your teenager may be tempted to share their experience on social media. It is crucial that you refrain from sharing information about the accident or accepting an insurance settlement before speaking to an attorney. Helping your child process what has happened, recover from their injuries, and protect their legal rights will increase the likelihood of a successful claim against the at-fault party who caused your accident.

After a bicycle accident involving a teenager, the most important thing you should do is ensure your child receives medical treatment. Ensure your teenager goes to the hospital or doctor immediately after the accident. Bicyclists do not have the same types of external protection as passenger vehicles, and they can suffer more permanent injuries requiring immediate medical attention. For example, they may have undiagnosed brain or spinal cord injuries. These types of damages may take a few hours or even days to appear fully, so getting medical treatment is crucial.

If your teenager does not need to go to the hospital, take them to your family doctor for a comprehensive evaluation. Help your teenager write down all of the symptoms they are experiencing to tell the doctor. By getting immediate medical attention for your teenager, you can protect their health. Having medical treatment documentation can help your teenager link their injuries to the accident and the negligent driver who caused it.

Make sure your teenager attends all of their doctor's appointments, goes to any physical or occupational therapy appointments, takes their medication, and keeps all their medical records. Taking all these steps will help you prove that the bicycle accident caused your teenager's injuries and that their injuries are as severe as you claim them to be.

Your teenager may be experiencing a wide range of emotions after their bicycle accident. They may want to reach out to friends online and discuss what has happened. However, it is crucial that you talk to your teenager and make sure they understand that you were the only person they should speak to about the circumstances of their accident. In addition to talking to you, your teenager can talk to your personal injury attorney.

If your teenager discusses the accident with other parties, including the insurance company or the driver, they could unintentionally undermine their case. Your teenager may intentionally admit fault for the accident. After your teenager has received medical attention, you should immediately contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. Ensure your teenager knows they should not accept a settlement offer from the at-fault party's insurance company.

Sadly, many bicycle accidents that involve teenagers can be fatal. If your teenager was killed in a bicycle accident in North Carolina, you might have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. While nothing can bring back your loved one, a wrongful death lawsuit can help you recover compensation for medical expenses, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering.

Has your teenager been seriously injured in a bicycle accident caused by another person? If so, it is crucial that you reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC, today to schedule your free initial consultation and learn more about your legal rights.