According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, more than 40 million adults rode a bicycle within the past 30 days. Bicycling is considerably safer than other modes of transportation and provides proven health benefits to the cyclist. Unfortunately, every year more than 1,000 bicyclists are involved in police-reported crashes with motor vehicles in North Carolina. Children and young adults are the most frequent victims; however, adult cyclist accidents are on the rise. Bicyclist fatalities account for 2 percent of all traffic fatalities, as well as 2 percent of all traffic injuries.

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Under the law, we each have a duty to act as a reasonable person would be expected to act in similar circumstances. Those who cause injury, property damage or death by their negligent actions are legally obligated (liable) to make good for the damage or losses they have caused. Rich Flexner of The Flexner Law Firm, P.A. is a North Carolina trial attorney with over twenty-five years experience in personal injury and wrongful death cases including bicycle accident cases.

We serve the residents of Wilmington, New Hanover County, Wrightsville Beach, Oak Island, Brunswick County, Kure Beach, Pender County, Carolina Beach, Columbus County, Burgaw, Southport, Bladen County, Elizabethtown, Bolivia, Whiteville, and throughout North Carolina. Whether we're negotiating a fair settlement or fighting for our personal injury and wrongful death clients in the courtroom, we are equipped to help ensure a successful outcome for our clients.

In 2000, the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation (DBPT) reported that 46% of all North Carolina households own bicycles. An estimated 80% of households in the state with four or more members own bikes. A bicycle has the legal status of a vehicle in North Carolina and cyclists have full rights and responsibilities governing motor vehicles on the roadway. A Reportable Accident is an accident or collision involving a motor vehicle that results in either a death or injury, or total property damage of more than $1,000. In 2003, North Carolina had over 900 bicycle crashes - and these are just the reported ones. One of the top ten crash types occurs when a motorist fails to yield to a bicyclist when making a right turn. Other traffic risks to bicyclists come from reckless, belligerent or blindsided motorists; swinging car doors; and jaywalking pedestrians. Bicyclists have also been injured due to poor roadways and railroad crossings and by poor design, construction or repair of the bike. In situations where an injurious accident occurs due to mechanical failure, the manufacturer and their entire sales chain may be held liable for a cyclist's injuries.

While it is impossible to assign a cost to pain and suffering, or lives lost, the law allows a jury to determine the amount of compensation to award in personal injury and wrongful death cases. A qualified attorney who possesses the education, sharp legal skills and demonstrated experience is invaluable to preparing a successful claim. Your attorney should be able to clearly present their recommendations and explain the potential outcome of the decisions you make. The Flexner Law Firm, P.A. is proactive in identifying and responding to client needs.  We understand that our clients are experiencing a traumatic time in their lives and we take pride in offering a responsive, respectful and results-oriented approach to each case.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, it is important to contact us today to protect your rights. Contact The Flexner Law Firm, P.A. today at 1-800-FLEXNER or 910-794-3221, for your free legal consultation. You may also contact us through our online form.

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