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According to the statistics of 2022, there were 2,869 cases of injured motorcyclists and 206 fatalities due to motorcycle accidents in North Carolina. These accidents can lead to more severe injuries in comparison to automobile accidents, even if the speed of both is similar. The victims of these accidents can suffer from a range of injuries including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, damage to internal organs, fractures, and even death. The process of recovering from such accidents can be physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially draining.
Motorcycle accident victims deserve fair compensation from the at-fault driver, but insurance companies often try to pay the least amount possible. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Maginnis Howard are dedicated to securing the best possible settlement or verdict for you.
In the event of a motorcycle accident, the first step is to call emergency services. It is crucial for everyone involved to tend to any injuries and receive medical attention. If the injuries are minor, the victim should gather contact information and as much evidence as possible. We recommend taking photographs and videos of the crash site and its surroundings as this could be helpful in court. If the victim is unable to gather information themselves or has to be taken to the hospital, they should try to request a family member to do so.
Over the next few hours, it’s important that you obtain a copy of the police report and continue to document all the details of the accident. This will help you in your case. Finally, it’s recommended that you hire an experienced personal injury attorney who can advocate on your behalf and help you get the best possible settlement.
Personal injury cases are often complex and challenging to navigate. The primary challenge for victims is dealing with insurance companies whose primary focus is on their profits. When it comes to motorcycle accident cases, there can be additional challenges such as harsh North Carolina laws and juries that may not be sympathetic to the victim’s plight.
Insurance companies often exhibit bias when it comes to motorcycle accidents. People who don’t ride motorcycles may believe that motorcyclists are engaging in an inherently dangerous activity, and, therefore, are partially to blame for any accidents that occur. In personal injury cases that go to trial, a judge may instruct the jury to disregard any preconceived notions they may have about motorcyclists. However, it is challenging to eliminate such biases from legal proceedings.
Our Charlotte motorcycle accident attorneys will demonstrate that you took all necessary precautions to operate your motorcycle safely, including wearing a helmet and protective gear, and that the defendant’s recklessness was the true cause of the accident.
North Carolina has a legal rule called contributory negligence, which can be quite strict. This rule can prevent victims from receiving personal injury compensation, even passengers. The defendant can argue that the victim’s negligence was partly responsible for their injuries. Under contributory negligence, the defense can use evidence proving the victim’s fault to release liability. In other words, if the accident victim is even 1% responsible for the accident, they may lose out on thousands of dollars. It can be difficult to challenge this law in court, so it is important to have a personal injury attorney who can assess the evidence and advocate on your behalf.
Motorcycle accidents can cause life-altering injuries, regardless if the crash is fatal. Some common injuries include:
It’s important to note that there is no standard settlement or verdict in a personal injury case, especially in motorcycle accidents. The amount a victim can recover depends on various factors such as the crash details, the extent of the injuries, the availability of insurance coverage, and more. Generally, a victim can sue for compensatory damages, which is monetary compensation for their losses, and there are different types of compensatory damages that they can claim.
Up to 75% of motorist/motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers. The most frequent causes of accidents are both fatal and non-fatal:
Motorcyclists can reduce the chance of getting injured by adhering to traffic safety guidelines, such as:
The National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in a crash compared to passenger vehicle occupants. Therefore, drivers should remain aware of their surroundings and be especially conscious around motorcyclists.
Maginnis Howard is a proud sponsor of Support Bikers, a national organization dedicated to connecting bikers with biker-owned businesses and legal representation. Our attorneys have decades of experience representing those injured in motor vehicle accidents, especially motorcycle accidents.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s carelessness, you can seek legal assistance from an experienced attorney to file a lawsuit. Our firm’s nationally renowned injury lawyers have recovered millions in compensation for victims of negligent drivers of both private and corporate vehicles.
Our office provides free consultations for personal injury cases and charges only a contingency fee. This means you don’t pay unless we win. To schedule a meeting with one of our personal injury attorneys, visit our contact page. Our Charlotte motorcycle accident attorneys serve clients around the state and South Carolina.
Address: 6842 Carnegie Blvd Suite 100,
Charlotte, NC 28211, United States
Phone: (919) 526-0450
