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Charlotte Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
At Dewey, Ramsay, & Hunt, P.A., our Charlotte motorcycle accident attorneys represent injured clients and families who have lost their loved ones throughout North Carolina, so they can pursue the negligent driver who caused their crash for justice.
Your first meeting with our law firm will be with a skilled and experienced personal injury attorney, so you can immediately understand your legal rights and options to pursue the negligent party that caused your harm.
Our Mecklenburg County motorcycle accident lawyers customize each case using both personalized attention and expansive resources to pursue maximum results, so our clients can get their lives back.
Your Injury, Our Fight. How can we help you take a stand?
How Many Motorcycle Accidents Occur in North Carolina Each Year?
Last year, there were 3,516 reported motorcycle accidents throughout North Carolina, causing 2,847 injuries, and 183 fatalities.
For those who survived their injuries, their roads to recovery are long and arduous, requiring lengthy medical care, extended time away from work, and rehabilitation needs that can last months, years, or even a lifetime.
Our skilled motorcycle accident lawyers in Charlotte can help those who were injured and the families of those who lost their loved ones to negligence pursue the liable person or parties for the financial recovery they deserve.
Call us now to learn more. There is never a fee to talk to an attorney.
What are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, and across the country, motorcycle accidents can lead to life-changing injuries and tragic deaths on our roadways.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 5,014 motorcycle fatalities across the country last year alone.
The NHTSA also reported that one of the leading causes of traffic collisions in the U.S. is distracted driving. When distracted drivers and motorcyclists meet on our North Carolina roadways, the result is often catastrophic if not deadly usually for the rider.
Other common causes of motorcycle accidents in North Carolina are:
- Speeding
- Failing to obey traffic signs and signals
- Unsafe lane changes
- Dangerous road conditions
- Making left turns in front of a motorcyclist
- Aggressive and reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Opening car doors or reversing a vehicle without checking their surroundings
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident in North Carolina, contact our experienced personal injury lawyers in Charlotte today to discuss your case during a free consultation.
What are the Most Common Injuries Associated with Motorcycle Accidents in North Carolina?
Because of the rider’s vulnerable position atop a motorcycle, they often pay the price for the negligence of other drivers on our North Carolina city streets, highways, and rural rounds.
Even when motorcyclists are wearing protective gear and helmets, they are no match for a two-ton vehicle that did not see the rider traveling alongside.
Motorcycle accidents can result in a range of injuries, and the severity can vary widely depending on factors such as the motorcycle’s speed, the type of collision, protective gear worn by the rider, and more.
In North Carolina, some common injuries associated with motorcycle accidents include:
- Head Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a significant concern in motorcycle accidents, even if the rider is wearing a helmet. Helmets can significantly reduce the risk of severe head injuries but do not eliminate the risk.
- Road Rash
This occurs when a rider’s unprotected skin comes into contact with the road surface during a crash. It can lead to abrasions, infections, and scarring.
- Fractures and Broken Bones
The impact of a motorcycle accident can lead to fractures and broken bones in various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, and ribs.
- Spinal Cord Injuries
Injuries to the spinal cord can have severe and lasting consequences, including paralysis or loss of sensation in certain parts of the body.
- Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma in a motorcycle accident can cause damage to internal organs, leading to injuries like internal bleeding or organ damage.
- Soft Tissue Injuries
Muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries are common soft tissue injuries that occur in motorcycle accidents. These can include sprains, strains, and tears.
- Facial Injuries
Facial injuries, including fractures, lacerations, and dental injuries, can occur due to the impact of a motorcycle accident.
- Psychological Injuries
In addition to physical injuries, motorcycle accidents can also result in psychological trauma, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety.
It is important to note that many of these injuries can be mitigated or prevented with proper safety precautions, including wearing appropriate protective gear like helmets, gloves, jackets, and pants.
Additionally, defensive riding, obeying traffic laws, and staying vigilant can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. If you or someone you know is involved in a motorcycle accident, seeking prompt medical attention and legal advice is crucial. We can help. Contact our skilled Charlotte motorcycle accident attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.
Is the Driver Who Hit Me Still Liable for My Injuries if They “Didn’t See” Me?
Determining liability in a motorcycle accident can be complex and depends on the specific circumstances of the incident. In North Carolina, drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and with reasonable care. If a driver fails to see you and collides with your motorcycle, it may not absolve them of liability.
Several factors are typically considered in determining liability:
- Negligence
If the driver fails to see you due to negligence, like distracted driving, speeding, or disobeying traffic laws, they may be liable for the accident.
- Duty of Care
All drivers have a duty to exercise reasonable care while operating their vehicles. Failing to see a motorcycle, mainly if it results from distracted driving or inattention, may be considered a breach of this duty.
- Visibility
It may strengthen your case if you were legally operating your motorcycle and were clearly visible, and the driver failed to see you despite reasonable visibility.
- Traffic Violations
If the driver violated traffic laws, like running a red light or failing to yield, it could contribute to establishing their liability.
It is essential to gather evidence to support your claim. This may include witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, traffic camera footage, and any available police reports. If the driver’s claim of not seeing you is due to distracted driving, this could be an essential factor in establishing their negligence.
We can help you understand the legal threshold for pursuing a motorcycle accident and injury claim in North Carolina, starting with a free consultation.
Are Motorcyclists Required to Wear Helmets in North Carolina?
Under North Carolina law, all operators and passengers on motorcycles and mopeds must wear a motorcycle safety helmet that complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218.
Our Personal Injury Lawyers In Charlotte Also Focus On The Following Practice Areas:
- Auto Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Boating Accidents
- Bus Accidents
- Commercial Truck Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Drunk Driving Accidents
- Hit & Run Accidents
- Orthopedic Injuries
- Passenger Van Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Premises Liability
- Rideshare Accidents
- Slip & Fall Accidents
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- TBI / Traumatic Brain Injury
- Teenage Driver Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists
- Whiplash Injuries
- Wrongful Death
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in North Carolina, you do not have to face the negligent driver or their insurance company alone. We can help.
Contact our skilled motorcycle accident attorneys in Charlotte today to discuss your case during a free consultation.
What Type of Compensation Can I Pursue After a Motorcycle Accident, Injury, or Fatality in North Carolina?
Pursuing accurate and fair financial compensation from the negligent party’s insurance provider requires an experienced bicycle accident attorney to outline your complete recovery needs.
Those may include:
- Property damage
- Current and future medical care needs
- Lost wages and diminished working capacity
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
If you have lost a loved one in a North Carolina motorcycle accident, we can help give you and your family the time you need to fully heal by pursuing the negligent party for your full financial recovery during a wrongful death claim.
The only eligible party who may file a wrongful death claim in North Carolina is the personal representative, who is often the executor outlined in the will of the deceased person’s estate.
If no will exists, the court will appoint a representative, which is often the spouse, parents, or adult children of the deceased. We can help you determine your eligibility to file a wrongful death claim during a free consultation today.
At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, our Charlotte personal injury lawyer fight for each of our new clients just as we have while recovering millions of dollars for injury victims throughout North Carolina in past cases to ensure they can heal efficiently, and that their expenses are covered, and dignity restored.
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Frequently Asked Questions for Motorcycle Accident in North Carolina
Lane splitting is not legal in North Carolina, and it is considered a violation of traffic laws.
Yes, North Carolina law requires all motorcyclists to wear helmets while riding on public roads.
Immediately after a motorcycle accident, it is essential to prioritize your safety and seek medical attention if necessary. Call the police and exchange information with the other party involved in the accident. Take photos of the scene and collect witness information if possible.
For your initial consultation with a Charlotte motorcycle accident attorney, you should bring any relevant documents, such as police reports, medical records, insurance information, and photographs of the accident scene.
To obtain your medical records for your attorney, you will need to sign a release form authorizing the medical provider to release your records to your attorney. Your attorney can provide you with this form and guide you through the process. You may also be required to pay a fee for the release of your medical records.
Motorcycle accident cases can be more dangerous than car accidents due to the lack of protection for the rider. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to serious injuries such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and broken bones.
If you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the motorcycle accident, it may affect the amount of compensation you can receive. In North Carolina, failure to wear a helmet is considered contributory negligence. This means that if the defendant can prove that your failure to wear a helmet contributed to your injuries, you may be barred from recovering compensation.
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident case is three years from the date of the accident. However, it is recommended to contact an attorney as soon as possible after the accident.
Yes, you need a specific license to drive a motorcycle in North Carolina. The state requires a motorcycle endorsement on a regular driver’s license, which can be obtained by passing a motorcycle knowledge test and a road test or completing a motorcycle safety course.
Road conditions can sometimes contribute to motorcycle accidents, and in some cases, the government or a private party responsible for maintaining the roadway could be held liable. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can review the specifics of your case and determine whether poor road conditions played a role and if legal action can be taken.