According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 83,000 people suffered motorcycle accident injuries in a recent year. These injuries range from relatively minor to severe and can be particularly catastrophic when they involve other motor vehicles.
When you’ve suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident that another party’s actions caused, you may be able to pursue the compensation you deserve by taking legal action. A North Carolina motorcycle accident lawyer will review your legal options when you reach out for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in North Carolina
Various factors can cause motorcycle accidents, many of which are outside the rider’s control. While motorcyclists must operate their vehicles with care, they also have to be especially alert to other drivers and what’s going on around them because they’re more exposed and at risk in the event of an accident.
Some common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Reckless vehicle operation — Behaviors like speeding, tailgating, and aggressive or reckless driving can easily cause accidents. These actions reduce a driver’s ability to react quickly and increase their odds of losing control of their vehicle.
- Failure to observe basic traffic laws and safety practices — Drivers who don’t check their blind spots, try to pass motorcyclists while sharing a lane, and fail to stop at traffic lights and stop signs increase the risk of a collision.
- Driver’s impairment — Drivers are more likely to cause an accident when they’re tired, distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Driver’s lack of experience — A driver with little experience is less likely to be aware of the need to watch out for motorcyclists and may not know how to safely drive in their presence.
- Defective motorcycle components — Issues with the motorcycle can also lead to accidents. Faulty parts and errors committed during maintenance or repair can cause motorcycles to malfunction and operate improperly.
- Weather and road conditions — Bad weather, debris on the road, lack of road maintenance, poor intersection design, and lack of signage warning of dangerous conditions can all lead to accidents.
Situations like these can easily result in motorcycle accidents that cause catastrophic injuries and significant property damage.
Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Because riders are less protected than motor vehicle passengers, they’re more likely to suffer serious injuries in the event of an accident. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Facial injuries
- Broken bones
- Joint and soft tissue injuries
- Abrasions
- Burns
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries, including herniated discs
- Nerve damage
- Paralysis
- Internal bleeding
- Injuries to internal organs
- Crush injuries
- Amputation
You must seek medical care immediately after a motorcycle accident. Many of these injuries can lead to long-lasting complications if not addressed right away.
What to Do Right After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents can be traumatic and stressful, even when they’re relatively minor. Knowing what to do when you’ve been involved in one can help make it easier to respond in a way that protects your legal rights:
- Seek medical help — See a doctor right away, even if you don’t believe you were seriously injured. Some severe injuries aren’t immediately apparent. Follow all treatment instructions to the letter, including recommendations to rest and recover.
- Document the scene — Use your phone to take photos at the accident site. Document damage to your motorcycle and any other vehicles involved, as well as any road conditions or hazards that contributed to the accident. Get names and contact info of all parties involved, including any eyewitnesses.
- Keep detailed records — Keep track of all paperwork related to your accident, including the police report, medical records and bills, insurance paperwork and communication, repair bills, and more. All of this can be valuable evidence if you pursue legal action.
- Protect your privacy — Avoid sharing information about the accident through social media. Photos and statements can be used as evidence to discredit your claim, particularly if they appear to contradict what you’re saying about the severity of your injuries.
- Speak with a lawyer — Reach out to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to learn about your legal options. An attorney will listen to the details of your accident and help you understand how the law applies to your case.
Your actions following an accident are crucial because they influence how your case proceeds. Think about your words and actions and be mindful of their potential impact.
Compensation Available in a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
Motorcycle accident injuries can require emergency medical care, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment. Catastrophic accidents may lead to lifelong complications. These expenses can be considerable – and they shouldn’t be your responsibility.
A motorcycle accident lawsuit can help you secure compensation for your losses, including:
- Short- and long-term medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Property damage
The amount you can recover depends on the specific details of your case. Your attorney will identify all potential losses for which you may be able to receive compensation.
Statute of Limitations for North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Claims
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents allows three years from the accident date to file your lawsuit. While this may make it sound like taking legal action isn’t urgent, keep in mind that these processes take time. Your Durham personal injury lawyer needs as much time as possible to build your case. Reach out to an attorney right away after an accident.
Contact the Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Kreger Brodish LLP to Fight for Compensation
If you’ve experienced an injury in a motorcycle accident due to another party’s negligence, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries and other losses. The attorneys at Kreger Brodish LLP will hear your story and review your legal options in a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
Contact us today to benefit from our personalized approach and commitment to fighting for justice on your behalf.
