What Happened:
An article in The Republic discussed the tragedy that can occur when bicyclists come in contact with much larger and much more dangerous vehicles. Steven Jordan, a father of three from Raleigh, NC, was killed by a semi-truck along a busy six-lane highway over the summer. In response to this death, a friend and fellow cyclist decided to place a “ghost bike” at the scene of the accident.
Friends and families of bicyclists killed in accidents on the state’s roadways have taken to placing these white “ghost bikes” at the location of the accident. The bikes are meant to serve as eerie reminders of the damage a car can do to those just out for a ride. The ghost bike memorials are not just a North Carolina phenomenon, but are popping up all around the world, with one website listing some 600 of them in more than 100 U.S. citizens and nearly two-dozen countries.
Overall, hundreds of cyclists die and thousands more are injured in accidents each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 618 cyclists were killed and 52,000 injured in crashes with motor vehicles in 2010 alone.
In the case of Steven Jordan, his ghost bike remains standing near the busy North Carolina highway where the tragic accident occurred. The truck driver responsible for the crash was charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and failure to reduce speed to avoid a collision.
The North Carolina Injury Lawyer’s Perspective:
Bicycling can be dangerous, but amateur cyclists alike should not have to pay for other people’s mistakes on the road. Another innocent life has been taken thanks to the mistakes of one careless truck driver.
As a personal injury attorney, I’ve done the research and know how to handle bicycle accidents with injuries. First, it’s critically important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Call the police and have an officer complete an official accident report. Try to get digital pictures with a cell phone if not a camera. If you need legal assistance with your bicycle accident case, our experienced attorneys are here to provide confidential free initial consultations.
Helpful Info:
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, it might be helpful to take a look at our firm’s in-depth legal guide to North Carolina bicycle accident claims. To read the guide, click here.
Have Questions?
CA