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North Carolina has some of the best scenery in some of the nicest weather you’ll find anywhere in the country. This combination makes the perfect condition for bicycle riding – something that’s enjoyed by many people all over the state. But sometimes, bicycle rides can turn into bicycle accidents and unfortunately, bicyclists often just aren’t treated fairly by the insurance companies and at times, even in court. Luckily under North Carolina law, bikes are considered to be vehicles, giving them many more options when it comes to collecting compensation for any injuries sustained during a bicycle accident.
Because bicycles are given the same consideration as motor vehicles on the road, they can:
In addition to having a number of rights on the road, bicyclists also have some responsibilities when they’re considered to be a vehicle on the road. These are:
Still, even with all these precautions, on average North Carolina sees more bikes accidents as a state than the national average.
Most often, bicycle accidents are a direct result of another motorist’s negligence or misconduct while driving their own vehicle.
Some of the most common types of bikes accidents are:
Because bicyclists and bicycles are given the same consideration as motor vehicles on North Carolina roads, it’s important to exchange information – especially insurance information – at the scene of the accident. While you may not have insurance as a cyclist, the driver of the motor vehicle most likely does (and will be in bigger trouble if they don’t!) and you need to get all of that information.
Never leave the scene of a bike accident without writing down:
Once you’ve exchanged information and are ready to leave the scene of the accident, seek medical treatment right away for any injuries. You’ll want to document the injuries by taking photographs and keeping medical records, but hold off on phoning the insurance company.
Insurance companies don’t make their money by paying out settlements, and they’ll do everything they can not to give you fair compensation for your injuries. This is where the help of a bike accident lawyer can be very beneficial.
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