Print PDF

A North Carolina Bicycle and Scooter Accident Attorney Representing Those Who Have Been Injured in Scooter and Bicycle Accidents

As gas prices increase and traffic becomes worse, North Carolinians are looking for other ways to travel about their communities. As a result, bicycles and electric scooters have become increasingly popular methods of transportation. Unfortunately, this also means that accidents are on the rise – many of which result in severe injuries and even death. 

Our firm successfully represented two bicyclists that were severely injured by a hazardous cable and wire left across the roadway. After numerous unanswered requests from emergency personnel, a unanimous jury awarded the plaintiffs a verdict of $500,000 against Time Warner Cable to ensure that next time, they take these requests seriously. 

Bicycle and scooter riders have rights, both before and after an accident. If you have been injured in an accident, a North Carolina bicycle and a scooter accident attorney can help you get the compensation you need to pay your medical bills and other losses. 

North Carolina Bicycle Laws

North Carolina has extensive laws regarding the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists. To begin with, bicycles are considered to be vehicles under the law. This means that bicyclists are expected to follow all traffic laws and obey all traffic signs. Bicycle riders must generally ride in the same direction as other traffic and in the correct lane, as close to the right-hand edge of the road as possible. Bicycle riders must also yield the right-of-way to pedestrians when appropriate, as well as other vehicles in certain situations.  

Some laws apply specifically to bicycles.  

• If riding after dark, your bicycle must be equipped with a front light that is visible from a distance of at least 300 feet and a red rear light or reflector that is visible from a distance of at least 200 feet. 
• Bicycle riders cannot take action to prevent another vehicle from lawfully passing them. 
• When passing a bicycle rider, motorists cannot pass unless it is safe to do so and must pass at least two feet to the left of the bicycle. 
• Motorists are also prohibited from following bicycles too closely. 

How these laws apply to your case can be complicated. Evidence that the other driver caused your accident by breaking the law can help your case tremendously. However, you may still be able to prove negligence even if the driver was not cited for a traffic violation. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, the best thing you can do is contact a North Carolina bicycle accident attorney. 

Electric Scooters 

Electric scooters have become a popular means of transportation in urban areas. Able to travel up to 15 miles per hour, electric scooters offer people an inexpensive, non-fossil fuel option to travel shorter distances. Under North Carolina law, electric scooters are considered mopeds and are, therefore, not allowed to be ridden on sidewalks. As a result, these vehicles should be operated on roadways, obeying all traffic laws, signs, and signals, just like bicycles. Many cities have adopted local ordinances governing their operation in order to address their growing popularity. 

Riders of electric scooters face the same hazards that bicyclists face – they are less “visible” than other motor vehicles and are slower than surrounding traffic. In addition, a sudden brake failure or other issues can send the rider into the path of oncoming traffic. Nevertheless, motorists have an obligation to drive safely and take reasonable precautions to avoid accidents. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a driver’s negligence, a North Carolina scooter accident lawyer can help you get fair compensation. 

Common Types of Bicycle and Scooter Accidents

Bicycle and scooter riders face unique hazards that other motorists or even pedestrians do not. These hazards include the following:

• Dooring accidents. This is where a driver opens the door of their vehicle into the path of an oncoming vehicle. This can cause the rider to veer out into traffic to avoid a collision. In other cases, the door of the vehicle knocks the rider to the ground and into the travel lane. 
• Rear-end accidents. Because scooters and bikes move slower than the surrounding traffic, they are at risk of being rear-ended by inattentive drivers. 
• Right-hook accidents. This is when a driver makes a right turn across a bicycle or scooter’s direction of travel. If the rider is unable to stop in time, they may collide with the vehicle and be thrown to the ground. 
• Left-hook accidents. Similar to a right-hook accident, the driver makes a left turn across a scooter or bicycle approaching from the opposite direction. Both right-hook and left-hook accidents are the result of the driver being unaware of the rider’s presence or misjudging their speed and distance. 
• Sideswipe accidents. These occur when drivers change lanes without looking for cyclists or scooter riders. 

Understanding how these accidents occur is essential to proving negligence. If you are injured and need compensation to pay for your medical bills and other losses, a North Carolina bicycle, and a scooter accident attorney can help. 

Bike and Scooter-Sharing Accidents (Cardinal Bikeshare, Lime, Bird, and Others)

Bicycles and scooters that can be rented for a brief period have gained popularity in recent years. Using an app on their smartphones, people can rent them for a few minutes or several hours, riding them from one location and leaving them at their destination. The rise in their popularity has led to an increase in bicycle and scooter traffic on urban, high-traffic streets and sidewalks which has predictably led to an increase in accidents with motor vehicles. 

The riders of these bicycles and scooters are expected to obey the traffic laws just as any other cyclist. However, accidents involving these bicycles and scooters require special consideration. The companies that supply them have a legal obligation to ensure that they are safe for their customers. Malfunctioning or poorly maintained brakes are an obvious problem. For e-bikes or scooters, problems with the accelerator can cause riders to lose control or speed out into traffic. Missing reflectors or non-functional lights can make riders difficult to see in the dark. 

If your accident was caused by a mechanical malfunction, you might have a claim against the company that supplied the bike or scooter. An experienced North Carolina bicycle and a scooter accident attorney can determine whether you have a claim and identify the party that needs to be held accountable. 

What Your Accident Claim May Be Worth

Many accident victims fail to realize the full value of their claim, only to later discover that they can’t pay all of their bills. If you’ve been injured, you may be able to fight for compensation for the following: 

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Other losses directly related to your accident, such as increased transportation expenses
• Pain and suffering

Your health insurance may cover some of your medical expenses but not your lost income, pain, and suffering, or other losses. Our attorneys will evaluate your case and give you a fair estimate of what your case may be worth to help you make important legal decisions.

Injured in a Bike or Scooter Accident? Contact Martin & Jones

Bicycle and scooter riders are entitled to fair compensation when they are injured by negligent drivers. With 40 years of experience helping people rebuild their lives, a North Carolina bicycle and scooter accident attorney from Martin & Jones will know how to get the results you need.  If you’d like to discuss your case with one of our attorneys, contact us online or call 1-800-662-1234 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.  We have office locations in Raleigh, Durham, and Wilmington, North Carolina.

Hear it from our clients

“We hired Martin & Jones in March 2015 and Steven Corriveau became our personal lawyer. Steven is a true professional who is understanding and easy to communicate with. He clearly explained the legal process to us. We are confident in the specific information, advice and feedback he gives us and know that he always has our best interest in the case. He responds quickly to our questions and concerns being available 24 hours a day. As our legal journey continues we look at the number of contacts we have with Steven. There have been 52 plus phone calls and conversations, 50 plus emails, 3 plus personal meetings, and 18 plus legal documents. We are honored to have such a caring lawyer as Steven in a stressful situation, in which he makes the process less difficult. We highly recommend Steven Corriveau who is great, intelligent, persistent and will deliver to the client. Our expectations are very high and Steven is the best.” 

- Ronnie & Patricia

“We would like to express our gratitude to you (Hunt Willis) for accepting our case. First of all, when I called this law firm, a very sweet and kind lady answered the telephone and gave me assurance by asking and going over the accident with me, while my husband was in the hospital. I felt assured I was doing the right thing for us. She was so helpful in so many ways. What a professional lady. Secondly, we are much pleased that you have settled this case with the insurance company to receive the proper amount to assist us in so many ways. My husband and I are very happy with you and the firm in handling our case. You made us have confidence in your professional and integrity along with your assistant Ms. Routh, when you both came to see us in our home, in which we saw your compassion and thoughtfulness at that time. We will never forget what you have done for us, and we thank the lord for directing me to contact this firm. I’m glad I did.” 

- Linda

“I would like to leave a testimonial thanking Steven and Allison for their care and understanding. Steven’s pursuit and success in getting some compensation for our loss. A final closure of our loss of brother Mike. Thanks to Martin & Jones for looking after Mike’s care since his injury in 2005. You have been there for Mike and his family for a long time. Mike passed in 2016 and you stood for the family up to the present (July 2017). Many thanks.”

- Dan

“Thank you for always making me feel welcome and at ease in your office. I respect the work you do and your enthusiasm for it and am grateful for your talents.”

- Tracy

“Thank you for the work you have done for Carl and our family. We so much appreciate your sincere professionalism and kindness you showed us. I know Carl is smiling right now and the Lord has blessed us through you. May God bless you.”

- Connie, whose husband Carl worked as a brakeman for CSX Transportation and died of mesothelioma

“Thank you for your concern of my well-being every time I spoke with you. It always meant so much. I hear nothing but awful stories of dealing with attorneys and their offices, but I have had nothing but positive experience. You have many special ways of working with people in need of help. Words can never express the way your support has been so helpful. I pray you will continue to help others. I wish you all the best.”

- Mary

View All Testimonials