Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in North Carolina

If you are a motorcyclist, you know that riding can be a lot of fun. But it is also important to be aware of the dangers that come with riding. North Carolina is home to many motorcycle collisions each year.

If you plan on riding a motorcycle in North Carolina, it is important to be aware of the dangers that come with it. By being aware of the common causes of motorcycle accidents, you can help to avoid them. If you find yourself in an accident, be sure to seek medical attention immediately and contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor who can help you handle communication with the insurance company and get the compensation you deserve.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in North Carolina

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), in 2020, 5,579 motorcyclists were killed, with 82,528 motorcyclists suffering injuries. In 2020, there were 3,409 reported motorcycle accidents in North Carolina. The accidents resulted in 2,684 injuries and 192 fatalities. Of the 192 deaths, 172 motorcyclists were not wearing helmets.

As more people relocate to North Carolina, the state continues to grow. With an increase in population and traffic comes an increase in motorcycle accidents. With 266 crashes, Wake County had the most accidents than any other county in the state.

The only counties without motorcycle crashes were Hyde and Tyrell. Warren County reported one accident, and Durham County increased from one motorcycle fatality in 2019 to seven in 2020. Common causes of motorcycle accidents in North Carolina include:

Left-Hand Turns

One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is when a car makes a left-hand turn in front of a motorcycle. This usually occurs when the driver fails to see the motorcycle or cannot tell how fast it is traveling.

Motorcycle Lane Splitting

Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle rider drives between two lanes of traffic, usually when traffic is stopped or moving slowly. This can be very dangerous for motorcyclists as it leaves them vulnerable to being hit by a car. While lane splitting is not illegal in North Carolina, it is strongly discouraged.

Speeding

Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents for all vehicles, not just motorcycles. When motorcycle drivers speed, they are more likely to lose control of their bike or be unable to stop in time if someone else makes an error.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence is dangerous for all drivers, but it can be especially dangerous for motorcycle riders. When a motorcyclist is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they are more likely to be involved in an accident.

Distracted Driving

Many motorcycle accidents occur due to distracted driving. When drivers are distracted, they are more likely to cause an accident.

Weather Conditions

Another danger that motorcyclists face in North Carolina is the weather. North Carolina has severe weather in summer and winter, with summer bringing hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rain, and flooding. This can make it difficult to ride a motorcycle, especially if you are not used to the conditions.

Road Conditions

Riding a motorcycle on North Carolina roads can be dangerous because of the state’s terrain. The state is home to many mountains and hills. This can make it difficult for motorcyclists to see what is ahead of them. Additionally, North Carolina has a lot of rural roads. These roads are often not well-maintained and can have potholes or other hazards.

Blind Spot Collisions

Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is blind spot collisions. These occur when a car changes lanes and hits a motorcycle in its blind spot. Motorcyclists can reduce the risk of being involved in a blind spot collision by using their signals and being aware of other cars around them.

Mechanical Error

Mechanical errors can occur when a tire blows out, or the brakes fail. It is important always to maintain your motorcycle and have it serviced regularly to reduce the risk of a mechanical error.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle crashes often cause more serious injuries than accidents involving other vehicles

The most common injuries that motorcyclists sustain in accidents are:

  • Broken bones can occur when a rider is thrown from their motorcycle or hit by a car.
  • Road rash is a serious injury that can occur when a rider slides across the pavement.
  • Head injuries can occur when a rider hits their head on the pavement or is hit by a car. Wearing a helmet can help reduce the risk of sustaining a head injury in an accident.
  • Spinal cord injuries can occur when a rider is thrown from their motorcycle or hit by a car. These injuries can lead to paralysis.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle crash, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should also contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Motorcycle Helmet Law in North Carolina

North Carolina law requires motorcycle or moped riders and passengers on a highway or public vehicular areas to wear safety helmets with a retention strap that meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218.

Riding Safely in North Carolina

The North Carolina Department of Transportation offers these safety tips for motorcyclists:

  • Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and proper eye protection
  • Make yourself visible with reflective clothing and equipment
  • Obey all traffic laws and speed limits
  • Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Use extra caution when riding at night or in bad weather
  • Inspect your motorcycle before each ride to make sure it is in good working order

Can I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit for a Motorcycle Accident in North Carolina?

Yes, you can file a personal injury lawsuit for a motorcycle accident in North Carolina. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

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Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor

If you follow these safety tips, you can help to avoid being involved in a North Carolina motorcycle accident. However, even if you take all the necessary precautions, accidents can still happen.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, who can help you get the compensation you deserve. We have represented many motorcycle accident victims who have been involved in motorcycle accidents, and we know how to get the maximum amount of compensation for our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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Notice of Data Security Event
Updated March 28, 2025

The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor is providing notice of an event that may affect certain individuals’ information. Although we have no indication of identity theft or fraud in relation to this event, we are providing information about the event, our response, and additional measures individuals can take to help protect their information, should they feel it appropriate to do so.

What Happened? On October 28, 2024, The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor identified suspicious activity related to our email system. We quickly took steps to investigate and determined that an unknown actor may have accessed certain emails within our email system between August 7 and November 7, 2024. We then conducted a comprehensive review of the potentially affected emails and attachments to determine what information was contained therein and to whom the information related, which was completed on February 25, 2025. Unfortunately, we were unable to verify the addresses of certain affected individuals, so we are providing this notice to ensure potentially affected individuals receive information about the event.

What Information Was Involved? The information affected may include individuals’ Social Security number, driver’s license and state ID information, financial account number, and health information.

What We Are Doing. We are notifying individuals about this matter and providing guidance about free resources that are available to assist with monitoring relevant accounts, credit reports, and how to place a fraud alert or security freeze on one’s credit file. Further, as with our typical security practices, we will continue to evaluate our policies, procedures, staff training, and technical security measures to reduce the likelihood of an event like this reoccurring.

What Individuals Can Do. We encourage you to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud by reviewing your account statements and monitoring your free credit reports for suspicious activity and to detect errors. We also recommend you review the below “Steps Individuals Can Take To Help Protect Personal Information”.

For More Information. If individuals have questions about this matter, we have a dedicated assistance line with agents ready to answer their questions. Please contact our toll-free dedicated assistance line at 1-800-939-4170, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. through 9 p.m., excluding holidays. You may also write to us at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, Attn: Compliance, P.O. Box 2688, Hickory, NC 28603.

Sincerely,

The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor

STEPS INDIVIDUALS CAN TAKE TO HELP PROTECT PERSONAL INFORMATION

Monitor Your Accounts

Under U.S. law, a consumer is entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. To order a free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. Consumers may also directly contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below to request a free copy of their credit report.

Consumers have the right to place an initial or extended “fraud alert” on a credit file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a 1-year alert that is placed on a consumer’s credit file. Upon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumer’s credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumer’s identity before extending new credit. If consumers are the victim of identity theft, they are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting seven years. Should consumers wish to place a fraud alert, please contact any of the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below.

As an alternative to a fraud alert, consumers have the right to place a “credit freeze” on a credit report, which will prohibit a credit bureau from releasing information in the credit report without the consumer’s express authorization. The credit freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in a consumer’s name without consent. However, consumers should be aware that using a credit freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in their credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application they make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit. Pursuant to federal law, consumers cannot be charged to place or lift a credit freeze on their credit report. To request a credit freeze, individuals may need to provide some or all of the following information:

1. Full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.);
2. Social Security number;
3. Date of birth;
4. Addresses for the prior two to five years;
5. Proof of current address, such as a current utility bill or telephone bill;
6. A legible photocopy of a government-issued identification card (state driver’s license or ID card, etc.); and
7. A copy of either the police report, investigative report, or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft if they are a victim of identity theft.

Should consumers wish to place a credit freeze or fraud alert, please contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below:

Equifax Experian TransUnion
https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/ https://www.experian.com/help/

https://www.transunion.com/credit-help
1-888-298-0045 1-888-397-3742 1-800-916-8800
Equifax Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 105069 Atlanta, GA 30348-5069 Experian Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016
Equifax Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348-5788 Experian Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094

Additional Information

Consumers may further educate themselves regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, credit freezes, and the steps they can take to protect their personal information by contacting the consumer reporting bureaus, the Federal Trade Commission, or their state attorney general. The Federal Trade Commission may be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The Federal Trade Commission also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. Consumers can obtain further information on how to file such a complaint by way of the contact information listed above. Consumers have the right to file a police report if they ever experience identity theft or fraud. Please note that in order to file a report with law enforcement for identity theft, consumers will likely need to provide some proof that they have been a victim. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should also be reported to law enforcement and the relevant state attorney general. This notice has not been delayed by law enforcement.

For District of Columbia residents, the District of Columbia Attorney General may be contacted at: 400 6th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001; 1-202-442-9828; and oag.dc.gov.

For Maryland residents, the Maryland Attorney General may be contacted at: 200 St. Paul Place, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202; 1-410-576-6300 or 1-888-743-0023; and https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/.

For New Mexico residents, consumers have rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, such as the right to be told if information in their credit file has been used against them, the right to know what is in their credit file, the right to ask for their credit score, and the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information. Further, pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the consumer reporting bureaus must correct or delete inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information; consumer reporting agencies may not report outdated negative information; access to consumers’ files is limited; consumers must give consent for credit reports to be provided to employers; consumers may limit “prescreened” offers of credit and insurance based on information in their credit report; and consumers may seek damages from violators. Consumers may have additional rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act not summarized here. Identity theft victims and active-duty military personnel have specific additional rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. We encourage consumers to review their rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act by visiting www.consumerfinance.gov/f/201504_cfpb_summary_your-rights-under-fcra.pdf, or by writing Consumer Response Center, Room 130-A, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20580.

For New York residents, the New York Attorney General may be contacted at: Office of the Attorney General, The Capitol, Albany, NY 12224-0341; 1-800-771-7755; or https://ag.ny.gov.

For North Carolina residents, the North Carolina Attorney General may be contacted at: 9001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-9001; 1-877-566-7226 or 1-919-716-6000; and www.ncdoj.gov.

For Rhode Island residents, the Rhode Island Attorney General may be reached at: 150 South Main Street, Providence, RI 02903; 1-401-274-4400; and www.riag.ri.gov. Under Rhode Island law, individuals have the right to obtain any police report filed in regard to this event.
STEPS INDIVIDUALS CAN TAKE TO HELP PROTECT A MINOR DEPENDENT’S PERSONAL INFORMATION

Typically, credit reporting agencies do not have a credit report in a minor’s name. To find out if a minor has a credit report or to request a manual search for a minor’s Social Security number each credit bureau has its own process. To learn more about these processes or request these services, consumers may contact the credit bureaus by phone, writing, or online:
Equifax Experian TransUnion
https://www.equifax.com/personal/help/article-list/-/h/a/request-child-credit-report/
https://www.experian.com/help/minor-request.html
https://www.transunion.com/fraud-victim-resources/child-identity-theft

1-800-685-1111 1-888-397-3742 1-800-916-8800
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348-5788 P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013 P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016

To request information about the existence of a credit file in a minor’s name, search for a minor’s Social Security number, place a security freeze or fraud alert on a minor’s credit report (if one exists), or request a copy of a minor’s credit report consumers may be required to provide the following information:
● A copy of their driver’s license or another government issued identification card, such as a state identification card, etc.;
● Proof of address, such as a copy of a bank statement, utility bill, insurance statement, etc.;
● A copy of the minor’s birth certificate;
● A copy of the minor’s Social Security card;
● The minor’s full name, including middle initial and generation, such as JR, SR, II, III, etc.;
● The minor’s date of birth; and
● The minor’s previous addresses for the past two years.

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