Gonzalo Torres Perez Injured in Rocky Mount Bicycle Accident
The 70-year-old was airlifted to ECU Health Medical Center following the Tuesday morning collision
Gonzalo Torres Perez, 70, was critically injured in a bicycle crash on Thomas A. Betts Parkway on Tuesday, according to the Rocky Mount Police Department.
The morning collision occurred when an oncoming vehicle struck the cyclist in the 1800 block of the road at approximately 7 a.m. The driver of the vehicle stopped and remained at the scene following the impact.
Paramedics initially transported Perez to UNC Health Nash for emergency treatment. He was later airlifted to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, where he remains in critical condition.
Investigators are working to determine the exact circumstances of the collision. It is not yet clear if the driver will face any charges.
The road was temporarily impacted as emergency crews and police processed the scene.
The investigation remains active.
What factors will investigators review on Thomas A. Betts Parkway?
In bicycle accidents such as this, crash reconstructionists examine skid marks, vehicle damage, and right-of-way rules to determine fault.
While the driver in this incident remained at the scene, securing evidence quickly is a universal priority in traffic investigations.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Distracted driving represents a major cause of serious bicycle crashes, often involving motorists inattentive to roadway hazards. Establishing whether distraction caused the collision requires examining phone records, vehicle data, and witness observations."
"Legal counsel representing injured parties obtains cellular records through subpoena and coordinates forensic analysis to demonstrate driver inattention and strengthen damage claims significantly," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
How common are bicycle collisions in North Carolina?
The collision adds to a significant number of cyclist injuries across the state. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the state recorded 864 bicycle accidents in 2023, resulting in 798 cyclist injuries in non-fatal collisions.
Victims of these collisions often face extensive medical treatment and long recovery periods, prompting many to seek legal guidance.
North Carolina personal injury framework
North Carolina follows a contributory negligence system — one of only 4 states. Under this strict rule, a plaintiff found even 1% at fault may be barred from recovery entirely. The statute of limitations is 3 years.
Damages include economic and non-economic losses.
"Bicycle collision injuries frequently require extensive hospitalization, surgical procedures, and months of rehabilitation, creating enormous medical expenses," said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
"Legal counsel working with injured parties systematically compiles medical records, coordinates with healthcare providers, and creates complete damage documentation for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings," noted Formica, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.