Raleigh Personal Injury Lawyer: Compensation for a Bicycle Injury

Most bicycling enthusiasts would agree that nothing comes close to the exhilaration of riding a bicycle.

Unfortunately, cyclists are at risk of serious injuries especially when they are involved in a car crash. Such injuries can involve prolonged therapy and extensive in-patient care, and may result in permanent disability or even death.

Recently, a cyclist competing in the Ironman 70.3 race in Raleigh was injured when he ran into a car along the race route. News website WRAL.com had this report…

“It will be a couple more days before doctors can diagnose the full extent of the injuries Jon Segerstrom suffered when he hit an SUV stopped in the middle of the road during Sunday’s Ironman 70.3 race.

According to the state Highway Patrol, Segerstrom, of Raleigh, was competing in the bicycle leg of the triathlon at about 9:15 a.m. on New Hill Holleman Road in New Hill when Sheila Morrison tried to pass the Ironman bicyclists on a double yellow line, which is illegal. Traffic officers and contestants told her to slow down. Instead, she stopped suddenly in the middle of the road near Shearon Harris Road.

Segerstrom was taken to WakeMed with cuts to his face and several missing teeth. He also complained of injuries to his back and neck, troopers said.”

For both Segerstrom and Morrison it would be a day they would both like to forget. Such a short, unexpected series of events creates a maze of complex issues. First and foremost is the medical treatment and recovery. There are also health and auto insurance issues that will have to be dealt with and potentially there could even be litigation that could result in compensatory or even punitive damages.

Kathryn Graham is a seasoned Raleigh personal injury lawyer with Kurtz & Blum, PLLC. She explains the difference be the following types of damages:

Compensatory damages

Compensatory damages are the standard type of damages that might be awarded in a bicycle injury case like this. These are meant to compensate the injured individual for the loss, injury, or harm he or she experienced. This type of damage typically includes existing and future medical bills, emotional suffering, physical pain and lost wages.

Punitive damages

A less common type of damage, punitive damages may be afforded to the injured if the driver was negligent, intoxicated, or driving recklessly. North Carolina awards punitive damages to the injured for two reasons; first, as punishment for negligent conduct, and second, as a deterrent against repeat offenses.

Not every accident will require help from a personal injury lawyer in Raleigh, NC. It just depends upon the type of accident, extent of the injuries and circumstances surrounding the case.

But often an attorney will be a valuable ally during these difficult times. Your lawyer can be with you every step of the way, answering your questions and helping you navigate the myriad of issues that are bound to arise.

If you or someone you know has been injured, please call our attorneys at 919-832-7700 for a personal consultation.

(Source: Bicyclist faces long recovery after injuries in Ironman crash, WRAL.com, Jun. 10, 2014)