Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Durham, North Carolina
If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash in Durham, NC, you may be facing many challenges: physical pain, emotional stress, and financial burdens from medical bills or time missed from work. Motorcycle accidents can lead to serious injuries, and the recovery process often feels overwhelming. At North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers, we’re here to help you get justice.
Having a trusted Durham motorcycle accident lawyer by your side can make all the difference. We know how to deal with insurance companies, investigate accidents, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our goal is to help you focus on healing while we handle the legal side of things.
Contact us today for a free case review!
What to Do After a Motorcycle Wreck in Durham, NC
After a motorcycle crash in Durham, North Carolina, it’s important to act quickly and carefully to protect your health and legal rights. Here are some important steps to take after a motorcycle accident.
Call 911
Immediately report the accident to local authorities by calling 911. This ensures that police and emergency responders are dispatched to the scene. The police will create an official accident report, which is a key piece of evidence in your case. Even if the crash seems minor, having a documented report can make a big difference when filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Get Medical Attention
Your health should always come first. Some injuries, like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms right away. Getting checked out by a medical professional is essential for your well-being and for your legal case. Medical records provide crucial evidence that links your injuries to the accident.
If emergency responders recommend going to the hospital, follow their advice. If you don’t go immediately, schedule a follow-up appointment with your primary care doctor as soon as possible.
Collect Evidence at the Scene
If you’re physically able and it’s safe to do so, gather as much evidence as you can from the accident scene. Use your phone to take photos or videos of:
- The damage to your motorcycle and any other vehicles involved
- The surrounding area, including road conditions, traffic signs, or debris
- Your injuries
- Skid marks, broken glass, or other physical evidence
This visual evidence can help your lawyer reconstruct the accident and demonstrate what happened.
Get Contact Information
Exchange information with everyone involved in the crash. Make sure to get:
- Full names
- Phone numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- License plate numbers
- Insurance information
If there were any witnesses nearby, ask for their names and phone numbers as well. Witness testimony can support your version of events and may be valuable if there are disputes about fault.
Avoid Admitting Fault
After a crash, emotions can run high, and it’s natural to want to apologize or say something polite. However, be cautious about what you say. Even something as simple as “I’m sorry” could be used against you later as an admission of fault. Stick to the facts when talking to others and avoid speculating about what caused the accident.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Perhaps the most important step is to speak with a qualified Durham motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can protect your rights, deal with insurance companies on your behalf, and help you gather evidence while it’s still fresh. The earlier you get legal help, the better.
How a Durham Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Hiring an experienced Durham motorcycle accident lawyer gives you an experienced advocate.
Building a Strong Case
Our legal team will gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage. We work with accident reconstruction experts if needed to understand how the crash happened and who was at fault.
Settlement Negotiation
Insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible. We know their tactics and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Our Durham motorcycle accident attorneys negotiate directly with insurance adjusters so you can focus on healing.
Representation in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we won’t hesitate to take your case to court. Our team has experience with motorcycle accident trials in Durham, NC, and we will advocate fiercely for your rights before a judge and jury.
Compensation for Injured Motorcycle Riders
Motorcycle accidents can lead to overwhelming costs. A successful personal injury claim can help cover the following
Medical Bills
Motorcycle accident injuries often require emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment. We fight to recover the full cost of your current and future medical expenses.
Lost Wages and Lost Earning Ability
Many motorcycle accident victims are unable to work for weeks or months. If your injuries keep you from returning to your job or force you to take a lower-paying role, you may be entitled to compensation for those lost earnings.
Property Damage
Your motorcycle might be totaled or in need of major repairs. We help you get reimbursement for the cost of repairs or the value of your bike.
Pain and Suffering
Pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life are all considered in your claim. These non-economic damages can be just as impactful as the financial ones.
Permanent Disability or Disfigurement
If your crash caused long-term disability or visible scarring, your compensation should reflect the lifelong impact of those injuries.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving extreme recklessness, such as drunk driving, courts may award additional money to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. Your Durham motorcycle accident lawyer will evaluate if this applies to your case.
Can I File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Motorcycle Collision?
Losing a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident is an unimaginable tragedy. In North Carolina, family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit when a loved one is killed because of someone else’s careless or reckless actions. This legal action can’t bring your loved one back, but it can help ease some of the financial stress and hold the responsible party accountable.
A wrongful death claim can seek compensation for both financial and emotional losses, including lost income, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering. A compassionate and experienced Durham motorcycle accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help you fight for justice on behalf of your loved one.
Contributory Negligence in NC Motorcycle Accident Cases
Unlike most states, North Carolina has a strict contributory negligence rule for traffic accident claims. If you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you are disqualified from recovering any compensation.
It’s essential to have an experienced Durham motorcycle accident attorney on your side. Insurance companies look for ways to shift blame onto the victim, and may play into unfair bias against motorcyclists. Our legal team will build a strong case against the driver who hit you.
How Much Does a Durham Motorcycle Accident Attorney Cost?
We believe everyone should have access to quality legal help, no matter their financial situation. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis.
This means there are no upfront costs when hiring a Durham motorcycle accident lawyer. Our fee comes from a portion of the compensation we recover for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay. It’s that simple.
What Is the Deadline for a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, there is a statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident claim. You generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a motorcycle wreck victim dies, the time limit for a wrongful death lawsuit is two years after the death.
If you miss the statute of limitations deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you could lose your chance to recover compensation.
Some exceptions might shorten or extend the timeline, so it’s important to speak with a Durham motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. We can help you understand your rights and make sure your claim is filed on time.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Durham, NC
Motorcycle accidents can happen for many reasons, but some causes are more common than others. Understanding how these crashes happen can help you stay safer on the road—and if you’ve already been hurt, it can help explain who may be responsible for your injuries.
Drivers Failing to See Motorcyclists
One of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents is when drivers simply don’t see motorcycles. Because bikes are smaller than cars or trucks, they can easily be missed, especially in blind spots or at intersections. When a driver fails to check before changing lanes or turning, it can lead to a serious crash.
Speeding
Speeding is dangerous for everyone on the road, but especially for motorcyclists. Drivers who are going too fast may not have time to react to a motorcycle in front of them, leading to rear-end collisions or loss of control. Motorcyclists themselves can also be at risk if they are speeding, as it reduces their ability to stop or swerve to avoid danger.
Distracted Driving
Texting, eating, or adjusting a GPS might seem harmless, but these distractions take a driver’s eyes off the road. When a car driver is distracted, they may drift into another lane or fail to notice a motorcycle nearby, resulting in a crash.
Unsafe Lane Changes
When drivers switch lanes without signaling or checking their mirrors, they may not see a motorcyclist riding beside them. These unsafe lane changes can cause direct collisions or force bikers off the road.
Driving Under the Influence
Drug-impaired and drunk driving remain major causes of accidents in Durham. A driver under the influence has slower reaction times and poor judgment, putting motorcyclists in serious danger.
Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, uneven pavement, and loose gravel might be a minor problem for a car. But for a motorcycle, these hazards can be extremely dangerous. If poor road maintenance contributed to your crash, a government agency or contractor may be partly to blame.
Tailgating
Following too closely behind a motorcycle is risky. Bikes can stop faster than cars in many situations, and if a driver is tailgating, they may not be able to stop in time to avoid a rear-end crash.
Common Motorcycle Crash Injuries
Motorcycle accidents often lead to serious injuries due to the lack of protection. Our Durham motorcycle accident attorneys often handle cases involving:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Road rash and severe lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Burns
- Amputations
These injuries may require surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term medical care. We ensure all your damages are included in your motorcycle crash claim.
Resources for Motorcycle Accident Victims
Check out these informative blogs:
- Determining Liability in Motorcycle Crashes
- North Carolina Helmet Laws
- Why Motorcycle Accident Victims Need an Experienced Lawyer
Why Choose Our North Carolina Accident Lawyers?
Our team has years of experience handling motorcycle accident claims throughout Durham, NC.
- Free initial consultation
- Personal attention
- Aggressive representation
- Available 24/7
We know the roads, local courts, and insurance companies in the area. Most importantly, we understand what you’re going through and are here to fight for your future.
Contact a Durham Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
You don’t have to face the aftermath of a motorcycle crash alone. Let North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers help you get back on your feet. Our dedicated Durham motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to listen, investigate, and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
Call 864-561-6247 or contact us online for a free consultation. Let us take on the legal burden so you can focus on healing. We’re here for you every step of the way.
