A bicyclist was fatally hit, and the driver involved in the crash has been charged. The accident happened in the 1600 block of East W.T. Harris Boulevard in Charlotte. A Ford Focus driven by a 44-year-old woman was traveling east when it struck a bicyclist from behind. The bicycle rider, a 59-year-old man, was hit and died at the scene. The driver of the Ford Focus and her passenger were not injured in the accident. Police cited the driver for driving with a revoked license and failure to have proper liability insurance. Police are investigating the crash.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents
Bicycle and pedestrian accidents continue to increase here in Charlotte and across the country. An increased number of bicycles and e-bikes are on the roads, making it more dangerous than ever. That, coupled with distracted driving, can result in serious accidents. When a vehicle hits a bicycle or a pedestrian, it can result in serious injuries or fatalities. A full investigation will need to be completed to find the cause of the accident and determine the negligent party.
Accident Investigation
When an accident occurs, there needs to be an investigation into the cause. The police may conduct an investigation at the scene. They will make a police report that includes statements from drivers and witnesses, details about the physical aspects of the crash, inspection of the vehicle and road, and other information. Other factors may also need to be reviewed, such as testing results for the driver and victim. In this case, the police did not detect alcohol intoxication in the driver, but tests of both the driver and bicyclist are pending.
What to Do After an Accident
If you are the victim of an accident that was not your fault, you may be owed compensation for your injuries. In order to ensure that you receive what you deserve, you should follow a few basic steps. Always call the police and file a police report. Obtain information from the other driver and immediately seek medical care. Contact your insurance company to report the incident. It may be best to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney to discuss the details of the case. An attorney will help determine how to best proceed with your claim.
What to Expect From a Personal Injury Case
If you were hurt in an accident, the first step is usually to negotiate with the insurance company for a fair payment. You may seek money to cover all damages caused by the negligent party. If the insurance company does not offer a reasonable sum, you may need to file a lawsuit to seek a fair amount of money. Damages may be both monetary and non-monetary and include such things as medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. North Carolina uses the strict negligence rule, so you may only collect money if you were not at all negligent in the accident. It is a good idea to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after the accident to help guide you through the process.
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, we are here to help. Call us today at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 for a consultation.
The skilled personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to maximizing the financial recovery and obtaining justice for every personal injury client injured by another party’s negligence. The issues our personal injury clients may be facing include, but are not limited to, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death, product liability, catastrophic injuries, dog bite claims, car and truck accident injuries, motorcycle injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), nursing home negligence, spinal cord injury, boating accidents, and defective medical device injury. Our personal injury attorneys understand the devastating impact such an injury can have on a person’s life, and that the effects so often go beyond physical pain and suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to helping clients determine the strength of their claims, and to aggressively pursuing the means necessary to achieve the best possible end result for each client’s particular situation.
Source:
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/crime/article312323355.html
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