Charlotte Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Charlotte Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Any type of auto accident has the potential to be a terrifying and upsetting experience. The consequences can be far more severe because motorcycle riders are more likely to sustain catastrophic injuries in an accident. If you have been in a motorcycle collision and are trying to deal with the fallout, a Charlotte motorcycle accident lawyer can help.

Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC: Why Us?

At Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, we have dealt with a variety of accident-related scenarios, including those involving motorcycles, cars and truck accidents. We can handle every aspect of the legal procedure on your behalf, including gathering relevant evidence, investigating your case, resolving conflicts with insurance companies, negotiating settlements, and providing you with legal representation in court.

Our goal is to ensure that you receive fair compensation for the damages that the accident caused you to suffer. We can provide you with the support you need to navigate the legal system effectively during this difficult time.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle riders are intrinsically more vulnerable to serious collisions than other drivers because they do not have the protection of airbags or the safety of an enclosed vehicle to lessen the force of an accident. In addition, motorcycles are far smaller than most other cars on the road, increasing the risk of catastrophic injuries, such as a brain injury, in the event of an accident. However, there are additional causes for motorcycle mishaps. The most common ones are:

• Head-on crashes. Most motorcycle accidents involving one or more other vehicles are caused by head-on collisions. Motorcyclists who rear-end other people are less common. Regretfully, the most dangerous type of collision that a motorcyclist can encounter is this one.
• Left-hand turns made by a different car. One of the most frequent reasons for motorcycle accidents is vehicles making left turns. Accidents at intersections frequently occur for a number of reasons, including drivers being distracted, misjudging the speed and/or distance of the motorcycle, speeding, or failing to detect the motorcycle at all.
• Hazards encountered while driving. Road dangers have a greater impact on motorcycles than on other types of vehicles. For a motorcycle, even small road bumps might have disastrous consequences. Puddles, recently painted lines, tree limbs, trash, and railroad tracks are a few examples of road dangers.
• Crashes into immovable obstacles. A motorcycle crash could result in serious injuries for the rider as well as damage to the motorcycle. Sometimes, a motorcycle might crash into a stationary object, like a tree or railing, to avoid hitting another hindrance, like a big patch of ice on the road or an unexpected halt in traffic.
• A mistake by the rider. Certain acts may sometimes make the rider accountable for the collision. Running red lights, speeding, driving while intoxicated, and distracted driving (such as texting) are a few of these behaviors.
• Lane splitting. Lane splitting refers to motorcycle riders who move between two lanes, particularly in slow or stopped traffic. Despite the fact that this appears to be typical behavior, accidents are more likely to occur. Since most drivers don’t expect to see a motorcycle next to them, it is easy for them to miss one if they choose to change lanes.

Compensation For Motorcycle Accidents

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the losses you incurred, depending on the details of your case. Damages are often classified into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are those that are easily ascertained by means of measurable monetary losses. Medical expenditures, missed income, motorbike repairs, property damage, and other associated costs—such as home modifications for wheelchair ramps—are a few examples.

Non-economic damages. Compared to economic damages, non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify. Should the case go to trial, the judge may determine the total amount of settlement. An attorney can advise you on how much is reasonable in your particular circumstances.

Pain and suffering, psychological repercussions, emotional trauma, PTSD, and loss of quality of life are examples of non-economic damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the perpetrator, usually for really heinous acts. Punitive damages are an option; however, they are not common.

What Is the Potential Value of My Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Even though it can be challenging to estimate a claim’s value, there are a few things that will influence the settlement sum. Some of the factors include:

• The extent of your injuries
• How much proof you have for your claim
• How much of the accident was your fault
• The amount of insurance you possess

Ways to Handle a Motorcycle Accident

Following a motorcycle accident, your priority should be to ensure both your safety and the safety of the other victims. In case you require emergency medical attention, dial 911 right away. After being dispatched to the location, a police officer will confer with all pertinent parties and issue a report. A skilled attorney can help you collect evidence after an accident. Prior to filing a claim, gather relevant proof, such as:

• The names and phone numbers of each witness
• Images of your wounds and the scene of the collision
• Footage from any surrounding traffic and security cameras
• Information regarding each person’s insurance policy involved in the collision
• If available, a copy of the police report

Making A Claim for a Motorcycle Accident

Establishing culpability in motorcycle accidents typically involves demonstrating negligence. Drivers need to exercise the proper caution when driving in order to prevent harm to others. Drivers who drive recklessly and injure other people can be held liable for their damages and any related expenses.

Motorcycle accidents usually involve the fault of a car or other vehicle driver. Negligence includes things like turning without using your indicators or speeding through a red signal. Furthermore, motorcycle riders are frequently involved in dangerous driving, which entails actions like lane splitting and running stop signs. As a result, they may be held accountable in these situations.

One must prove negligence in order to convict someone of causing a motorcycle accident. This means demonstrating that:

• It was the other driver’s responsibility to drive defensively
• In the circumstances, the other driver did not drive with sufficient caution
• The other driver’s carelessness resulted in injuries to the claimant
• The plaintiff sustained damages or wounds

Evidence In a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Depending on the circumstances, a motorcycle collision may involve different types of evidence. Evidence is generally defined as any information that establishes the other driver’s negligence. Typical forms of proof consist of:

• Medical documentation
• Statements or accounts from eyewitnesses
• Images of the wreckage and devastation
• Video documentation of the accident
• Reports from autopsies

There are a variety of additional forms of evidence that could be pertinent to your case. It is your attorney’s responsibility to assist you in locating and compiling pertinent evidence so that you can present a strong case to the judge.

How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You

It is essential to have legal counsel supporting you, especially if an insurance company offers you an amount that is less than what you need or if you are seeking to file a separate personal injury claim. If the insurance company disputes an important detail that could affect your compensation, having an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer by your side can be essential as they can help negotiate on your behalf.

If you file a claim and the matter proceeds to court, a lawyer’s understanding of the local court system and the complete legal process—from discovery to potential appeals—is essential. Hiring a lawyer is primarily justified by their experience with legal issues, such as the statute of limitations and specific pleading requirements, which ensures that you are prepared and compliant with all legal requirements.

What Not to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, there are some things you should and shouldn’t do. These things will help to ensure that things go smoothly after the accident. Among the things you should avoid doing are:

• Do not leave the place where the accident happened. Not only is it negligent, but it is also against the law to flee the scene of an accident you were involved in. If you flee the scene of a significant accident resulting in injury, death, or damage to personal property, you may face criminal prosecution.
• Do not assign blame right away. Admitting your guilt at the scene may appear honorable, even if you are entirely or partially to blame. However, this admission may be used against you in the future, particularly if it is determined that the other driver was partially at fault or that you were not at fault as you had initially believed.
• Never put off getting medical attention. Not every injury is readily apparent. Seeking emergency care can help you discover hidden injuries, which will be useful if you need to make a claim.
• Never accept a low settlement offer right away. Some insurance providers may make a lowball offer to you. A lawyer can review the specifics and assist you in getting the payout to which you are entitled.

Negligence In Motorcycle Accidents

When it comes to motorcycle accident claims, negligence is the most important factor. Generally speaking, you and your motorcycle accident attorney are tasked with demonstrating that the defendant’s actions contributed to the accident by demonstrating that they were irresponsible. In order to accomplish this, you need to have an understanding of what constitutes negligent behavior in motorcycle accidents.

When a person fails to fulfill their professional or legal obligations, they are guilty of the crime of negligence. When a driver fails to comply with all of the laws that govern the road, negligence is considered to have occurred in the context of a motorcycle accident. The following are some instances of common forms of vehicular negligence:

• Making phone calls and sending texts
• Speeding
• Disregarding warnings, signals, or signs
• Changing lanes without first checking one’s blind spot
• Involving oneself in road rage
• Being under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or any other restricted substances while operating a motor vehicle
• Allowing oneself to be distracted by other passengers, scenery, etc.

There are a great number of instances of negligence that could be relevant to your claim. An attorney who is experienced with motorcycle accidents will be able to assist you in gathering the evidence that is necessary to demonstrate that negligence has taken place.

FAQs

Q: What Should You Do if You Are a Victim of a Motorcycle Accident?

A: If you are hurt in a motorcycle accident, get medical help right away, even if it seems like you have minor injuries. To register a police report, get in touch with the authorities. At the site, collect photographic and witness information as proof. Inform your insurance provider and speak with a personal injury lawyer about your rights and possible damages. Do not discuss the accident without legal counsel with the other party’s insurer.

Q: What Is the Average Settlement for a Motorcycle Accident in North Carolina?

A: A typical settlement in North Carolina for a motorcycle accident varies based on several criteria. This amount varies according to the victim’s capacity to return to work, the extent of their injuries, medical expenses, and property damage. The contributory negligence statute in North Carolina, which prohibits restitution if the victim is judged to be even somewhat at fault, can have a big influence on settlement amounts.

Q: How Many Motorcycle Crashes Are There Compared to Car Crashes?

A: Accidents involving motorcycles are substantially less common than those involving automobiles, yet they are associated with a significantly higher incidence of serious injuries and fatalities. This is due to a number of reasons, including the fact that there are much fewer motorcycles on the road than cars. Additionally, motorcyclists typically avoid riding in unfavorable weather, unlike those in car accidents, which occur in all conditions.

Contact Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC Today

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, an attorney at Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC can help. Contact us today for more information.