Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Charlotte, NC
On a clear, sunny day, a motorcyclist travels down a moderately empty highway, enjoying the rush of the open air. In a split second, that motorcyclist’s life is forever changed when a speeding vehicle fails to see the bike when changing lanes and sideswipes them. Losing control of their vehicle, the motorcyclist is thrown from their vehicle, sustaining severe injuries. Now, they are struggling to recover and pay their bills. Fortunately, a motorcycle accident lawyer from Edwards Injury Law can help.
If you have been involved in a crash, we are ready to come to your aid. Not only will we explain your legal rights and options, but we can help you determine how best to proceed to protect yourself, your family, and your future. We understand our clients’ challenges and pride ourselves on providing client-focused legal representation for all. Contact us today to learn more.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Charlotte?
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, there were 3,409 motorcycle accidents last reported. Over 2,600 of those accidents resulted in injuries, and 182 were fatal. June saw the highest number of crashes, with 425, while only 93 crashes occurred in February.
Even with state-specific motorcycle laws, crashes are still a daily occurrence. If you have been harmed in a wreck, it is imperative to learn why your crash happened and what you can do to recover the compensation you need to manage your medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
As with any accident, there are numerous ways motorcycle accidents can happen. The majority, however, are the result of a negligent driver. Examples of driver negligence include:
- Distracted Driving. Distractions like cell phones, food, vehicle controls, and passengers are often present for drivers. Motorcycles are typically considerably smaller the cars, trucks, or SUVs, so it is imperative for drivers to be on the lookout to reduce the risk of causing an accident.
- Drunk Driving. No matter what type of vehicle someone is in, drunk driving is always dangerous–and illegal. Alcohol lowers a driver’s inhibitions and reduces their judgment, making it less likely that they will see a motorcyclist or share the road responsibly.
- Fatigue. Fatigued driving is an issue negligent drivers do not take seriously. It only takes a moment for someone to start to fall asleep behind the wheel, which could result in a car colliding with a motorcycle.
- Illegal maneuvers. Drivers who ignore traffic lights or stop signs are more likely to collide with motorcyclists at intersections. This is especially true in heavy traffic or at night.
- Speeding. If a driver disobeys the speed limit and chooses to go faster, they could come upon a motorcycle around a bend, curve, or corner and not have the opportunity to brake fast enough.
What Are Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Motorcycle accident injuries vary; however, they are often more severe than those sustained in a crash between two passenger vehicles. Even with a helmet and other protective gear, a motorcyclist is still exposed to the elements in an accident. Colliding with a moving vehicle or immobile surface can cause severe damage.
Some of the most common injuries we see motorcyclists coping with include the following:
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Spinal cord trauma
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Crushed or amputated limbs
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
No matter the extent of your injuries after a crash, you will benefit from seeking legal guidance from a motorcycle accident lawyer from Edwards Injury Law. We will ensure that your injuries are properly valued when building your claim.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Wreck?
The steps you take after a crash are crucial to your recovery. Depending on the severity of the crash, you may not remember much–and that’s okay. No matter what, you will want to seek medical attention as quickly as possible. Ensuring you have an official evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment will give you the best chance at healing and creating an accurate record of your accident injuries.
If you have the opportunity at the crash site, speak with witnesses and swap contact and insurance information with the other driver involved. If police respond, you can give a statement, but remember to stick to the facts. Avoid speculating, as that could hurt your future claim.
After you’ve returned home and are on the road to recovery, it is time to consider getting in touch with a motorcycle accident lawyer. Edwards Injury Law is well-versed in North Carolina traffic law and personal injury rights.
How Do I File a Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim?
In North Carolina, accident victims who did not contribute to their crash or injuries in any way have the opportunity to seek compensation for their losses. Working with an attorney should you choose to pursue a claim is recommended.
When you reach out to our law firm, we will start by conducting an investigation of your accident. We will collect substantial evidence to determine the cause of the crash. Once we have all the information we need, we can piece your claim together and confront the insurance company. When you work with a lawyer, you won’t have to worry about accidentally saying something that could jeopardize your claim.
While many motorcycle accident claims result in a settlement offer after negotiations, there is a chance that you may need to file a lawsuit to obtain the compensation you need to recover as fully as possible. If that’s the case, we’ll be by your side every step of the way.
How Can Edwards Injury Law Help?
As a veteran- and black-owned law firm, we understand people’s adversities more than most. Built on a history of service, we strive to empower our clients with the information, technology, and resources they need to recover as fully as possible from their accidents. We recognize the unique struggles motorcycle accident injury victims face, and we are prepared to guide you through the claim process and fight for justice on your behalf. Contact us today to learn more.
Auto Accident FAQs
What is the North Carolina statute of limitations for a car accident injury claim?
Should I go to urgent care after a car accident?
How are semi-truck accidents different from car crashes?
Is road rage legally “negligence” in a car accident?
I was injured by a driver on the job. What should I do next?
Are rideshare accidents common in Charlotte?
