Protect Yourself After a Crash: Speak With a Charlotte Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
More than 3,500 motorcycle accidents occur each year on North Carolina highways, with thousands of riders suffering serious injuries—and many losing their lives. In high-traffic regions like Charlotte, NC, the risks are especially high, making safety and legal awareness critical for every motorcyclist.
Motorcycle crashes often lead to complicated claims, and it’s important to understand your legal rights early. Speaking with a Charlotte, NC motorcycle accident lawyer can help you avoid costly mistakes when dealing with insurance companies and build a strong case for compensation.
According to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, nearly 3,000 of those motorcycle crashes in 2013 resulted in injuries, and 154 were fatal—stark reminders of the importance of safety on the road.
Some tips for safe motorcycle operation include:
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Always wear your helmet.
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Be visible to other vehicles on the road—stay out of blind spots.
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Choose protective clothing. Boots, long pants, gloves, and leather outerwear can mean the difference between life and death in an accident.
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Keep your motorcycle in proper working order with no mechanical defects.
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Wear light-colored and reflective clothing to enhance visibility.
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Don’t weave in and out of traffic.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Charlotte NC
The nature of a motorcycle makes it inherently less stable than a car or truck. Its low profile makes it less visible for the road, while the slim profile makes it less stable when riding on the road. These characteristics contribute to the high rate of injury and death.
Driver error is one of the most common causes of motorcycle & car accidents, sometimes on the part of the motorcycle operator, but largely on the part of other vehicle operators on the street.
Some operator infractions include:
- Not yielding to motorcycles when changing lanes;
- Following too closely behind the motorcycle;
- Failure to carefully navigate around motorcycles; and
- Operating within the motorcycle’s lane of travel.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
For motorcyclists who are victims of a vehicle accident, the injuries can prove substantial and costly. The openness of the motorcycle places its operator at substantial risk for various types of wounds. Some of the most common are as follows:
Traumatic Head Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur when a motorcyclist’s head is struck or jolted during an accident. This may happen from direct impact or from the brain moving violently inside the skull.
TBIs range from mild concussions to severe brain damage that can cause lasting disability or even death. Because motorcyclists lack the protection of a vehicle, they are especially vulnerable to these types of injuries.
Road Rash
This type of injury results from the operator sliding across the pavement. Often, the impact of the crash causes the operator to fly over the handlebars or be thrown from the motorcycle. As the body hits the ground with high velocity, it slides.
The pavement scrapes away the outer clothing and eventually the skin. The resulting injuries are cuts, scrapes, deep abrasions, infections, and even nerve damage.
Bikers’ Arm
Motorcyclists have a high risk of being thrown from the bike. When faced with this terrifying reality, the common instinct is to extend the arm in an effort to lessen the impact.
The result is that the impact largely affects the arm, sometimes causing extensive injury in the form of nerve damage or broken bones.
Leg Injuries
Damage to the leg is also common among motorcycle accidents. This is especially true in regards to the knees and feet. Shattered and fractured bones are common injuries, which can lead to permanent debilitation.
Facial Disfigurement
Approximately 35 percent of motorcycle accidents result in injury to the chin area. This generally occurs when the unprotected face slides across the ground and impacts an object.
The seriousness of these potential injuries can prove challenging when accident victims seek compensation. Financially, the cost of medical expenses and ongoing care can prove devastating and substantially higher than those stemming from an automobile accident.
Multiple surgeries, ongoing rehabilitation and numerous doctors visits can add up, along with possible loss of income and vehicle repair. This large financial burden can prove difficult to collect from an unwilling insurance company.
Actions To Take After A Motorcycle Accident Injury
If you are the victim of a motorcycle accident, consider taking the following steps:
- Seek medical assistance for your injuries – Allow yourself to be treated at the accident scene, even if you do not feel that your injuries are serious. If you do not receive treatment at the scene, be sure to seek out treatment on your own as soon as possible. Failure to immediately document your injuries can negatively impact your credibility when seeking compensation.
- Gather information about every vehicle and individual involved in the accident – If you are able, take pictures with your telephone and request contact information from witnesses. Be sure not to leave the scene of the accident prior to the arrival of law enforcement.
- Speak with officers on the scene – Give a general statement about the incident, but refrain from making any admissions of guilt.
- Contact your insurance company and inform them of the incident. Again, provide general information, but refrain from any admission of guilt.
- If contacted by the insurance company of another driver, refrain from making any statements or giving any interviews without the assistance of your attorney. Their goal is to gather information to use against you in paying your claim. One statement could make the difference in the payment of your claim.
- Document the damages to your motorcycle by gathering estimates from reputable repair shops.
- Maintain records of your lost time from work.
- Maintain records of your medical expenses and treatments – Document your appointments, treatments, diagnosis and all costs associated with your care. Don’t assume that any document is too trivial. It is much better to have too much than not enough. Create a medical file and include such items as:
- Receipts of payments;
- Insurance questionnaires;
- Explanations of benefits; and
- Any other documents given to you during the doctor of hospital visits
- The large financial impact of a motorcycle accident adds to the possibility that a court will be required to ensure adequate compensation. Contact an attorney and pursue a confidential evaluation of your case if any of the following exist:
- Significant injuries;
- Questions about your possible fault;
- Significant property damage to your motorcycle; and/or
- Any fatalities.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: Why Having Legal Help Matters
Motorcycle accidents are often life-changing. In addition to physical injuries, you’re suddenly dealing with medical bills, lost income, and the frustration of dealing with insurance companies. A motorcycle accident lawyer steps in to take the pressure off your shoulders.
Unlike car accidents, motorcycle crashes frequently involve more serious injuries—broken bones, road rash, head trauma—and often more legal complexity. Motorcyclists are sometimes unfairly blamed, even when they’re not at fault. A skilled lawyer understands how to push back on these biases and fight for the compensation you’re owed.
Legal representation also signals to insurers that you’re serious. With a motorcycle accident lawyer in your corner, you’re less likely to be lowballed and more likely to get a fair settlement. Whether it’s negotiating with adjusters or preparing your case for court, your lawyer’s job is to protect your best interests—every step of the way.
What a Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyer Can Do for You
Most people think of lawyers as people who go to court—but that’s only a small piece of the puzzle. When you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer, you’re getting an investigator, strategist, and advocate rolled into one.
Your motorcycle accident lawyer will gather evidence from the scene, get accident reports, pull your medical records, and talk to witnesses. They’ll calculate the full extent of your damages, including current and future medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even property damage. This comprehensive approach helps ensure that nothing is overlooked.
And if liability is being disputed? Your motorcycle accident lawyer may bring in expert witnesses—like accident reconstructionists or medical professionals—to support your claim. They’ll also handle all communication with the insurance companies, so you’re not caught off guard by manipulative tactics or pressured into a quick (and low) settlement.
Dealing With Insurance After a Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve already filed a claim, you might’ve noticed how quickly the insurance adjuster called—and how eager they were to settle. That’s not a coincidence. Insurance companies often move fast in motorcycle cases because they know the potential for large payouts is higher.
A motorcycle accident lawyer knows this game well. They’ll review any offers you’ve received, assess whether they cover your real costs, and negotiate for more if needed. They’ll also handle all communications, so you’re not tricked into saying something that could be used against you.
If the insurance company denies your claim, delays payment, or blames you for the accident, your lawyer can escalate the case and, if necessary, take it to court. With legal help, you have someone who knows how to level the playing field.
Do You Really Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident?
It’s a valid question—and the honest answer is: it depends. If your accident was minor, with no injuries and clear fault, you might not need a lawyer. But if you suffered serious injuries, missed work, or are facing high medical bills, having a motorcycle accident lawyer can make a massive difference.
Injured riders are especially vulnerable to under-compensation, and many don’t even realize what their case is worth. Lawyers calculate both economic and non-economic damages, including emotional distress, future medical treatment, and loss of enjoyment of life—things insurers rarely offer up front.
Plus, consultations are often free, and many motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency basis—meaning they don’t get paid unless you do. It costs nothing to ask, and it could save you thousands.
Choosing the Right Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Not all motorcycle accident lawyers are created equal—especially when it comes to motorcycle accidents. You want someone who understands not only personal injury law, but the unique dynamics of motorcycle crashes: how bias affects claims, how injuries differ, and how fault is often contested.
When interviewing lawyers, ask how many motorcycle cases they’ve handled, whether they’ve taken cases to trial, and what kinds of settlements they’ve secured. You’ll also want someone who communicates clearly and treats you like a priority—not just another file in a drawer.
A trustworthy motorcycle accident lawyer will explain your options in plain language, keep you updated, and fight hard—whether it’s across the negotiating table or in the courtroom.
In a Motorcycle Accident? Call 1Charlotte Injury Lawyers Today
Motorcycle accidents often result in more serious injuries than other vehicle collisions—and they require a legal approach tailored to those unique challenges. At 1Charlotte Injury Lawyers, our experienced Charlotte personal injury attorneys understand how to handle motorcycle accident claims with the care and skill they demand.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you fight for the compensation you deserve (704) 706-2689
