Motorcycle Accidents Attorney in North Carolina
Hurt in a motorcycle accident that was someone else’s fault? Don’t struggle under the weight of medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Instead, fight back with the help of a North Carolina motorcycle accident attorney and demand maximum compensation for what you’ve suffered.
The dedicated legal team at Kornbluth Ginsberg Law Group, P.A. is here to pursue your claim and seek the motorcycle accident compensation you deserve. We have extensive experience handling motorcycle accident claims, which are often more complex than other traffic accident cases.
Let us take care of the legal legwork on your behalf so that you can focus on getting better, starting with a free, no-obligation consultation about your options. Contact us today to schedule yours.
Benefits of Hiring a North Carolina Attorney for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
If you get hurt in a motorcycle accident in North Carolina, a seasoned lawyer from Kornbluth Ginsberg can greatly benefit your claim and improve your chances of getting fair compensation by:
- Investigating and evaluating the details of your accident to establish liability
- Gathering evidence like video footage and medical records to support your claim
- Coordinating with medical professionals to obtain expert testimonies about your injuries
- Calculating the full extent of your financial losses resulting from the accident
- Filing all necessary claim paperwork and meeting relevant filing deadlines
- Negotiating with insurance companies to demand a fair settlement
- Protecting you from unfair practices by insurance adjusters
- Representing you in court, if necessary, to defend your rights and interests
- Never charging you any fees unless we secure compensation in your case
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and uncertain after a motorcycle collision, but you can take steps to promote your recovery and protect your legal rights, such as:
- Seeking Immediate Medical Attention – Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt, a doctor can identify any hidden injuries and create a medical record that could be crucial for your claim.
- Documenting the Accident Scene – Take photos of your motorcycle, the other vehicle(s), and the surrounding area. Request names and contact details from anyone who witnessed the accident.
- Contacting a Motorcycle Accident Attorney – A trusted lawyer can guide you through the legal process and maximize the compensation you receive for your personal and financial losses.
- Notifying Your Insurance Company – Inform your insurance provider about the accident, but be cautious about the details you share with them until you’ve spoken with your attorney.
- Refraining from Discussing the Accident on Social Media – Insurers and opposing parties could use any statements or pictures you post online against you in your claim.
How We Investigate North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Cases
At Kornbluth Ginsberg, we meticulously investigate each motorcycle accident case we handle. Our team starts by securing all relevant evidence, including accident scene photos, police reports, and firsthand accounts from witnesses. We also frequently engage with forensic experts to reconstruct the accident and establish fault.
Additionally, we examine your medical records to link your injuries directly to the accident. We also work with your medical providers to determine the potential long-term impacts of your injuries. This thorough process strengthens your claim and enables us to advocate forcefully for your right to comprehensive compensation both in negotiations and, if necessary, in court. Our goal is to get you the resources you need to recover from your losses and suffering.
Compensation You Could Recover in a North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Claim
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in North Carolina, you could be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Bills – The costs of immediate emergency care and any ongoing treatments you require
- Future Medical Costs – Expenses for any long-term rehabilitation, surgeries, or other medical care you might need in the future due to your injuries
- Lost Wages – The value of any income you lose due to your inability to work while recovering
- Lost Earning Capacity – Loss of earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or working in the same capacity as you did before the accident
- Pain and Suffering – The subjective costs of the physical and emotional pain you have suffered
How a Motorcycle Accident Differs from a Car Accident
A motorcycle wreck differs from a car accident in a number of crucial ways. First, motorcyclists face a much higher risk of severe injury or death because they lack the physical protections that cars provide. This makes every collision potentially more dangerous for motorcyclists.
Additionally, motorcycles are smaller and less visible on the road than cars, which increases their risk of being overlooked, especially at intersections or in poor lighting conditions. This visibility issue often leads to accidents when car drivers inadvertently pull out in front of or turn into motorcycles.
Motorcycles also react differently to road conditions than cars. They are less stable and can more easily lose stability due to hazards such as wet roads, gravel, or debris. This significantly increases the risk of loss-of-control accidents and makes it harder to analyze the factors that contribute to motorcycle wrecks.
Negative biases against motorcyclists can also significantly affect motorcycle accident cases. Some people, including jurors and insurance adjusters, hold stereotypes that portray motorcyclists as reckless risk-takers, which can unfairly influence their judgment. This combination of factors underscores the importance of working with a trusted lawyer after a North Carolina motorcycle crash.
Parties Who Could Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Wreck in North Carolina
Identifying liable parties is essential after a North Carolina motorcycle crash as it can directly affect the outcome of your compensation claim. Here are some examples of the parties who could be responsible:
- Other Drivers – Drivers of cars, trucks, or other vehicles could be liable if they caused the accident through reckless driving, distracted driving, or failing to observe traffic laws.
- Employers – If the person who caused the wreck was working or driving a company vehicle at the time, their employer could be vicariously responsible.
- Motorcycle Manufacturers – If a defect in your motorcycle or its components, such as brakes or tires, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer might be liable.
- Government Entities – If poor road conditions or inadequate signage played a role in the accident, local government agencies responsible for road maintenance might be liable.
Could You Recover Compensation If You’re Partly to Blame for a Motorcycle Accident?
No. North Carolina’s rules for recovering compensation after a motorcycle accident are quite strict due to the state’s “pure contributory negligence” law. If you are even partly to blame for an accident, this law says you cannot recover any compensation for your crash-related losses. This means if you contributed in any way to the cause of the accident, such as by speeding or making an illegal turn, you could not demand compensation.
This is why having a skilled attorney who can accurately assess and defend your case is essential. A North Carolina motorcycle accident lawyer can gather compelling evidence, identify liable parties, and preserve your right to claim compensation by demonstrating that you were not at fault.
How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in North Carolina?
It’s important to act quickly if you plan to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in North Carolina. This is because you have only three years from the accident date to initiate legal proceedings. Failing to file within this period typically means forfeiting your right to seek compensation.
To avoid missing this deadline, it’s best to begin the legal process as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident. Early action allows a motorcycle accident lawyer in North Carolina more time to gather necessary evidence, satisfy all relevant legal requirements on time, and improve your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Common Types and Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Understanding the common types of motorcycle accidents is essential after a wreck, as correctly identifying the crash type can influence the determination of fault in your injury claim. Here are some of the most common types of motorcycle accidents in North Carolina:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Left-turn accidents
- Right-turn accidents
- Sideswipe collisions
- Multi-vehicle pile-ups
- Hit-and-run accidents
- T-bone accidents
- Parking lot accidents
- Accidents at intersections
Motorcycle accidents can result from numerous contributing factors, many of which are entirely preventable. North Carolina motorcycle crashes commonly occur due to:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
- Poor road conditions
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Improper lane changes
- Defective motorcycle parts
- Failure to use turn signals
Typical Injuries Resulting from a Motorcycle Collision
Motorcycle accident injuries can vary greatly in severity, depending on factors like the speed at the time of the accident, the rider’s protective gear, and the nature of the collision. Common injuries include:
- Road Rash – When a rider slides across the pavement, it can strip layers of skin away, resulting in painful abrasions known as road rash.
- Fractures – Blunt-force impacts with the road or other vehicles can easily break bones. Common fractures from motorcycle accidents involve the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis.
- Head Injuries – Even riders wearing helmets can suffer from concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in traffic collisions.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries are particularly devastating and can result in permanent disability.
- Internal Injuries – The force of a collision can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs.
- Limb Amputation – In severe cases, a motorcycle accident can lead to the loss of a limb, either during the accident or as a medical necessity afterward due to extensive damage.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in North Carolina Today
Ready to take your first step to recovering after a motorcycle accident in North Carolina? Contact Kornbluth Ginsberg today for an initial consultation. We can help you understand your options and demand the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and lost wages. Call our motorcycle accident law firm now for more information about how we can assist you.