With ample trails running in and around Gastonia, the city is a friendly and inviting place for cyclists. Although cars and trucks are supposed to share the road and maintain safe distances from bikes, they often fail to do so. The results from a bike collision can be catastrophic for bike riders, who can face immediate medical and financial hardships. A Gastonia pedestrian accident lawyer represents injured cyclists through the insurance or civil court claims process.
Reckless and negligent drivers can cause serious emotional and financial hardships for bicyclists. If you or a loved one was hit by a passing vehicle or a passenger who opened their car door into your path, we know how to help you secure the compensation that you are owed. At Bridgman Gantt Law Offices, we bring decades of experience helping injured cyclists secure the compensation and justice that they deserve.
Setting our law firm apart is our track record of success and dedication to providing client-focused services that put the interests of the people we represent first. We won’t rest until you are financially restored following a tragic accident because you should not have to live with the financial consequences of someone else’s negligence.
The City of Gastonia maintains approximately 4.6 miles of linear greenway trails, including the Avon and Catawba Creeks Greenway and the Highland Rail Trail, which often intersect with busy streets. Nearby, George Poston Park offers over 10 miles of single-track mountain biking trails. Even with these enticing routes, there is always the danger of reckless drivers causing serious injuries to cyclists.
Cyclists in Gastonia can face serious dangers every time they share the road with trucks and cars. In 2021, Gaston County reported 20 pedestrian crashes that resulted in 78 injuries and seven fatalities. Many collisions occurred near shared-use roads and bike-accessible areas.
Statewide, North Carolina reported 257 pedestrian fatalities in 2022 and saw a nearly 30% increase in pedestrian fatalities during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. These numbers reflect the growing danger for non-motorists across the state.
Cyclists involved in crashes in Gastonia often suffer serious, sometimes life-altering injuries. Common injuries include broken bones, especially in the arms, collarbone, and legs, as well as head injuries ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries.
Cyclists can still sustain serious injuries or even wrongful death, even when they are wearing a helmet. Collisions can lead to facial fractures, dental damage, and road rash. Potentially life-threatening injuries like spinal cord trauma, internal bleeding, and organ damage are also possible in high-impact collisions. Recovery may require surgery, physical therapy, and long-term medical care, and the emotional wounds and trauma can last long past the physical recovery.
Trying to reach a fair settlement with an insurance carrier following a collision could be a costly mistake. Insurance adjusters are tasked with saving their companies money, not helping injured parties receive what they are owed. The at-fault driver may try to avoid liability by accusing you of causing the collision.
An experienced Gastonia personal injury attorney can investigate the crash, collect traffic footage, interview witnesses, and consult medical doctors to support your claim. They also understand the importance of timing and documentation when it comes to complying with North Carolina’s strict contributory negligence laws.
Whether the crash occurred on the Highland Rail Trail or along a shared roadway near downtown, legal representation ensures your voice is heard, and your losses are fully accounted for.
A: The time it takes to settle a pedestrian accident in North Carolina varies based on injury severity, medical treatment duration, and liability disputes. Some claims resolve in months, while others may take over a year. Prompt documentation and medical follow-up help avoid delays. Settlement timing also depends on insurance cooperation and evidence strength. Strong preparation often shortens the path to resolution.
A: If you hit a pedestrian in North Carolina, the incident must be reported, and emergency care should be provided immediately. Law enforcement will investigate, and the driver may be held responsible depending on the fault. If the pedestrian was injured due to driver negligence, they may recover damages. Clear evidence, such as witness statements and surveillance footage, plays a major role in outcomes.
A: Insurance may cover pedestrian accidents in North Carolina through the driver’s auto liability policy or the pedestrian’s own uninsured motorist coverage. Health insurance may help with medical costs, but auto coverage usually pays first if fault is proven. Policy details vary, so reviewing coverage promptly is critical. Filing insurance claims correctly and early can affect how much is ultimately recovered.
A: When a car hits a pedestrian in Gastonia, North Carolina, it’s classified as a pedestrian-vehicle collision. These incidents are treated as traffic crashes and investigated like any other motor vehicle incident. If negligence is involved, the pedestrian may seek compensation for injuries. Prompt medical attention, an official crash report, and documented evidence are essential to pursue accountability and recover damages effectively.
Being struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian can leave you with painful injuries, emotional stress, and mounting expenses. At Bridgman Gantt Law Offices, we know how overwhelming this experience can be, and we’re here to help. Our team has represented many individuals in your position and helped them hold the responsible party accountable.
We combine over 60 years of experience with a personalized, client-first approach that focuses on results. Whether your injuries involve hospital stays, rehabilitation, or lost income, we will fight to recover what you’re owed. Don’t face this situation alone. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward financial recovery and peace of mind.
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