North Carolina Lawyers Focus on Motorcycle Crashes
Charlotte Attorneys Stand Up for the Rights of Injured Motorcyclists
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 13 cars out of 100,000 become involved in a fatal accident, compared with 72 per 100,000 for motorcycles. Over 80 percent of all motorcycle accidents cause the injury or death of the motorcyclist.
Due to a motorcycle’s comparatively low profile and the lack of external protection it provides, motorcyclists are much more likely than automobile drivers to suffer critical injuries in a crash. Their injuries are likely to be more serious, necessitate emergency medical care, and often require long term treatment. Although riders should always wear protective clothing and utilize safety equipment to help protect themselves, even when they do, this is often not enough to prevent an accident from occurring.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Happen and What to Do
Motorcycle accidents often occur because of the negligent actions of passenger car drivers, such as:
Unpredictable lane changes. Motorcycles are not always be visible to drivers who fail to check for their presence before making quick lane changes.
Speeding. Speeding is a factor in many types of vehicle crashes. Generally, the higher the speed, the greater the impact, and the more severe the injuries.
Careless driving. Weaving, driving erratically, and following too closely are all driving behaviors that can lead to deadly automobile/motorcycle collisions.
Impaired driving. Driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol affects reaction times, making drivers less able to make quick decisions to avoid colliding with other vehicles, including motorcycles.
Illegal turns. The drivers of passenger vehicles who turn in front of motorcyclists often do so because they incorrectly assume that motorcyclists can stop on a dime.
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, the most important thing to do is to remain calm. As soon as you feel ready, you should:
Call for help.
Move the bike safely off the road if possible.
Look for witnesses to the accident and obtain their contact information.
Take pictures of your motorcycle, your injuries, and any other vehicles involved from every angle and viewpoint.
Make detailed notes regarding the time of day, the weather and road conditions, and the events leading up to the crash.
Seek medical attention.
File a claim with your insurance company
Contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
The at-fault party’s insurance company will typically send an adjuster to investigate the crash and might pressure you to sign a settlement agreement. Remember this: An insurance adjuster isn’t your friend. Instead, they are employed by a corporate entity that has trained them to protect the company’s bottom line by getting you to settle for far less than you deserve. While it won’t cost you anything to talk to a North Carolina personal injury attorney about your case, it could cost you dearly if you don’t.
Contact a Competent North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another party, the personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Estwanik and May PLLC are skilled negotiators who will thoroughly investigate your accident and hold the negligent driver finally accountable for your injuries. Call us at 704-817-2004 and schedule your free consultation today.