Asheville Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle Injury Attorneys in Asheville, NC

Riding a bicycle through Asheville’s vibrant streets offers freedom, exercise, and environmentally friendly transportation. Yet, when a bike ride turns into a tragic incident because of a collision with a motor vehicle, the physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming. 

Asheville’s commitment to cycling, evident through its bike lanes and safety campaigns, underscores the importance of a supportive community and legal system for cyclists injured when hit by a car. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident caused by negligence, know that you have rights, options, and a pathway to compensation. 

The sudden impact, the aftermath of dealing with injuries, and the potential financial strain from medical bills and lost income can make anyone feel helpless. 

A dedicated Asheville bicycle accident lawyer understands these struggles and can provide the guidance and support needed to seek compensation and justice.

Contact an Asheville bicycle accident lawyer to discuss your case, understand your rights, and embark on a path toward recovery and justice. Call (828) 333-5996 today for a free case review and find out how we can help you today.

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Why Choose Lakota R. Denton for Your Bicycle Accident in Asheville?

Selecting Lakota R. Denton for your bicycle accident representation in Asheville brings numerous benefits, thanks to our experience in handling bicycle-related incidents. 

Our team possesses a thorough understanding of bicycle accident laws in North Carolina, with specific knowledge relevant to Henderson County and Asheville.

1. Comprehensive Support. We recognize the profound impact a bicycle accident can have on an individual. The aftermath often includes not just physical injuries, but also the need for specialized medical treatment and potentially long-term rehabilitation. We aim to ease the burden of legal expenses by offering our services on a contingency basis, ensuring you owe us nothing unless we secure a victory in your case.
2. Strategic Settlement Approach. Understanding the nuances of bicycle accident injuries is key, as the full extent of these injuries might not be immediately apparent and could unfold over time. We emphasize the importance of not rushing into settlements to ensure that any delayed health issues that arise are fully accounted for, safeguarding your right to adequate compensation.
3. Record of Success: The worry that a settlement won’t cover all your needs, including medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for your suffering, is legitimate. Our history of success in advocating for bicycle accident victims in North Carolina and achieving favorable settlements, awards, and verdicts demonstrates our commitment to securing the maximum compensation for you.
4. Dedicated Advocacy: We believe that every client deserves exceptional legal representation. Our firm is prepared to tackle the most challenging cases with perseverance and dedication. The positive feedback and testimonials from our clients reflect our commitment to fighting tirelessly for their rights. If you are searching for a bicycle accident lawyer in Asheville, NC, who will fervently advocate for your best interests and strive for the highest settlement, look no further.

Lakota Denton’s dedication to his clients is matched by his accolades, including being named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers, Top 40 Lawyers under 40, and receiving the Avvo Clients Choice award.

In addition to legal advocacy, Mr. Denton’s engagement in community projects like Slow Down Asheville and Serve Safe, Drink Safe, Do the Right Thing showcases his deep commitment to enhancing safety and well-being within the community.

There are many dangers cyclists face on roadways in Western North Carolina. Learn how bicycle accident lawyer Lakota R. Denton and his team in Asheville can help you if a negligent driver hits you as you’re riding your bike. Contact us at (828) 333-5996 today for your free case review.

What Are Some Causes of Bike Accidents in Asheville? 

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers breathtaking views but also presents significant challenges for cyclists. According to the Asheville Citizen-Times, there has been a noticeable rise in motor vehicle and bicycle accidents on the Parkway.

Cyclists encounter the following hazards while riding this scenic route.

• Increased Traffic: The Parkway’s popularity as a tourist spot leads to heavy traffic, particularly on weekends. This congestion can make it challenging for cars to safely share the road with cyclists.
• Blind Curves: The route features numerous blind curves, complicating the ability of drivers to spot cyclists. This risk is heightened for cyclists climbing uphill, where the road’s bend may hide people on bicycles from view.
• Narrow Lanes: With the Parkway’s lanes being quite narrow, cars often try to overtake cyclists, a risk that escalates when faced with oncoming traffic.
• Road Hazards: Cyclists must travel through various obstacles, including potholes, gravel, and debris. When the roads are unrepaired, these hazards can lead to loss of control and accidents.
• Changing Weather: The Parkway’s weather can shift abruptly, posing additional dangers. For instance, fog can severely reduce visibility, while rain can create slippery conditions.

For drivers planning a trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway, drive with care and take appropriate precautions to ensure the safety of cyclists.

What Are Some Important Bicycle Laws in North Carolina? 

In North Carolina, following bicycle laws can ensure the safety of cyclists and promote harmonious sharing of the road with motor vehicles. 

The following is a summary of key bicycle laws in North Carolina.

• Road Rules. Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers and must obey all traffic signals and signs (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-4.01(49)).
• Helmet Law. Cyclists under the age of 16 are required to wear bike helmets on public roads, public paths, and public rights-of-way (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-171.9).
• Riding on the Roadway. Bicycles should ride as far to the right as practicable except when passing, turning left, or avoiding hazards. Riding two abreast is allowed but not more than two side by side in a single lane (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-146).
• Lighting and Reflectors. At night, bicycles must be equipped with a front lamp emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least 300 feet and a rear red reflector or a lamp emitting a red light visible from at least 300 feet (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-129(e)).
• Hand Signals. Bicyclists must use hand signals to indicate turning and stopping (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-154).
• Passing. Motor vehicles passing bicycles must do so at a safe distance of at least two feet and must not re-enter the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken bicycle (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-150(e).
• Sidewalk Riding. The law regarding riding bicycles on sidewalks varies by municipality. Cyclists are not allowed to ride on sidewalks in most areas of Asheville. Some places allow it, so it’s important to check local ordinances.
• Braking System. Bicycles must be equipped with a brake that enables the rider to stop the bicycle within 25 feet from a speed of 10 miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-135.2).

How Can the Asheville Bicycle Accident Attorneys at Lakota R. Denton, PA Help You?

Unfortunately, even after safety campaigns, accidents still happen. After another driver hits your bicycle, resulting in injuries, you may hear from the driver’s insurance company. The insurance adjusters may try to convince you they are working with your best interests in mind.

However, this rarely is the case. The adjusters work for the insurance company, which attempts to maximize its profits by paying bicycle accident victims as little as possible. This means the insurer almost certainly will not offer you the fairest possible settlement.

Attorney Lakota Denton Works for You, Not the Insurer

You deserve to have someone on your side who advocates for you. Our team knows how to defend the rights of cyclists who suffer injuries after a crash with a car.

We fight as hard as we can to help you win the settlement you deserve.

The following are some of the losses you can recover compensation for. 

• – Medical bill costs
• – Prescription drug costs
• – Physical therapy costs
• – Lost income while you recover
• – Long-term health outlook
• – Pain and suffering
• – Emotional trauma.

Seeking Medical Attention After a Bicycle Accident in Asheville

Regardless of whether you perceive your injuries as minor, it’s essential to have a medical professional evaluate any harm resulting from the accident. 

Injuries from a bicycle crash, no matter how slight they may seem, warrant immediate medical examination.

This step is crucial not only for your health but also for strengthening your case when seeking compensation through bicycle accident claims. 

The medical documentation and bills from your care serve as vital evidence in securing damages from the responsible party after an accident.

Here are several advantages of consulting a healthcare provider soon after experiencing a bicycle accident in Asheville:

• – A precise diagnosis of your injuries
• – Appropriate treatment and a strategy for recovery
• – Detailed records of the care received and related medical expenses
• – Estimates for the cost of treating any future injuries linked to the accident
• – Expert testimony in court, if necessary
• – Compensation for lost wages due to time off work for hospital stays or medical appointments related to your injuries.

Slow Down Asheville Safety Campaign

Our Bicycle Accident Lawyer Is Committed to Making Asheville Safer

Our Asheville bicycle accident attorney believes strongly in helping cyclists and pedestrians remain safe on Asheville roads. 

We teamed with the North Carolina Farm Bureau and Fast Signs of Asheville to create the public safety campaign.

Our campaign works to promote safe driving behavior, using free yard signs to keep drivers alert. The signs remind drivers to watch for pedestrians, children, pets, and bicyclists.

We believe strongly in promoting public safety, and these signs remind drivers of the responsibility they have when traveling on Asheville’s roads.

As the number of car accidents increases in Asheville, so does the hazard for cyclists and pedestrians on our roads. Our bicycle accident lawyer is ready to help those who suffer injuries because of the negligence of an inattentive or distracted driver.

Determining Compensation After a Bicycle Accident in Asheville

Of all the hazards cyclists face, the most dangerous often are impatient or inattentive drivers. Drivers who ride closely behind cyclists or who do not give them enough clearance when passing them often cause accidents through these lapses in judgment.

In addition, a distracted driver may weave out of the lane or onto the shoulder where a cyclist is riding. They may also miss seeing a cyclist signal a lane change or a turn.

In North Carolina, the law aims to ensure that the responsible party or their insurance company compensates the injured individual.

Negligence and Fault

To secure compensation after a bicycle accident in Asheville, injury victims will need to establish that another party was at fault and that their negligence led to their injuries or property damage. 

This involves demonstrating that the individual’s careless or reckless actions were the direct cause of your harm.

Who Pays for Your Injuries? 

Bicycle accidents in Asheville, North Carolina, often lead to considerable physical, emotional, and financial strain.

You need a lawyer who understands the compensation process for serious injuries in these situations.

• Determining compensation: To pursue a personal injury claim following a bicycle accident, you must identify who bears the responsibility for your injuries and damages. State law ensures that the at-fault party or their insurer provides compensation covering medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other related damages.
• Compensation amount: The compensation amount depends on various factors, including injury severity, medical costs, and other related expenses. Typically, severe injuries result in higher compensation compared to minor incidents. The objective is to fully cover all losses stemming from the accident.

Moreover, if you’re initiating a claim against another party’s insurer – for instance, a bodily injury liability claim – remember that North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule. 

This means if you are found to have any responsibility for the accident, you may be barred from receiving compensation from others involved.

Consulting with a lawyer experienced in cyclist accidents in Asheville is highly recommended. An attorney with a thorough understanding of bicycle accident cases and a strong track record can offer the support and representation you need. 

Contact the Asheville Bicycle accident attorneys at Lakota R. Denton Trial Lawyers at (828) 333-5996 for help today.  

Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Asheville Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, whether on the Blue Ridge Parkway or elsewhere in Asheville, the journey to recovery may be long and challenging. 

You might face a lengthy period of physical therapy and other treatments, dealing with anything from soft tissue injuries to the need for surgery and its subsequent recovery time.

During this time, the path back to full health can span months or even years, often preventing victims from returning to work. 

Our Asheville personal injury lawyer recognizes the immense strain and frustration this situation can cause.

For those who have experienced a serious brain injury as a result of their bicycle accident, the uncertainty about your future health and well-being can be particularly distressing. 

Attorney Lakota Denton has helped many bike accident victims with traumatic brain injuries file claims and lawsuits for maximum compensation. 

Insurance companies focus on limiting their payouts and often resist offering insurance policy limits or significant settlement amounts. 

We are dedicated to advocating on your behalf, ensuring the insurance company understands the full extent of your needs and why the compensation we seek is justified.

Reach out to the Asheville bicycle accident lawyers at Lakota R. Denton, PA at (828) 333-5996 or online for a no-cost consultation and compassionate legal guidance.

Lakota R. Denton, P.A. – Asheville Office

36 Orchard St, Asheville, NC 28801

P: (828) 333-5996