Charlotte, NC, is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. Unfortunately, it is also a city with many motorcycle accidents. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, in 2020, there were over 3,000 motorcycle accidents in North Carolina.
Of those 3,000 motorcycle accidents, 270 of them occurred in Mecklenburg County and resulted in 13 fatalities and 254 non-fatal injuries. Most of these accidents were caused by driver error, such as speeding, making an improper turn, or failing to yield the right of way.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Charlotte, NC, it is important to know your rights and options. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Charlotte motorcycle accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today to schedule a free consultation.
Seven Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Charlotte, NC
If you are in an accident while riding a motorcycle in Charlotte, NC, you may wonder what to do next. You are likely feeling overwhelmed and confused, and that is entirely normal. The steps you take after a motorcycle accident can be critical to the outcome of your case.
Step One: Call the Police
The first step you should take after a motorcycle accident is to call the police. This is important for several reasons. First, the police will create an official report of the accident, which can be used as evidence in your case. Second, the police will investigate the accident and determine who was at fault. Third, the police will provide you with a copy of the accident report, which you will need to file an insurance claim.
Step Two: Get Medical Treatment
The second step you should take is to get medical treatment. This is important for two reasons.
- You need to document your injuries to receive compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
- You need to get treated to recover from your injuries.
Step Three: Gather Evidence
The third step you should take is to gather evidence from the accident scene. This evidence can include photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and your own written account of what happened. This evidence will be critical in proving your case to the insurance company.
Step Four: Consider What Action You’d Like to Take
After you have gathered evidence, you need to decide what action you would like to take. You can either file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. If you file an insurance claim, you must submit the evidence you gathered to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The insurance company will investigate the accident and decide who was at fault. If you choose to file a personal injury lawsuit, you should hire an attorney and file the lawsuit in court.
Step Five: Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Charlotte, NC
Whatever you decide, you may need to hire an experienced personal injury attorney. Your attorney will help you gather evidence, file the necessary paperwork, and negotiate with the insurance provider. If you decide to file a lawsuit, your attorney will represent you in court.
Step Six: Notify Your Insurance Company
The sixth step is to notify your insurer about the accident. You should do this even if you decide not to file a claim with your insurance company. This is because most insurance policies require you to notify your insurer of any accidents you are involved in.
Step Seven: Keep a Record of Your Expenses
Finally, you should keep a record of all the expenses you incur due to the accident. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. This evidence will be critical in proving your case to the insurance company.
The steps you take after a motorcycle accident can be critical to the outcome of your case. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Charlotte, NC, follow these steps.
Contact our office today if you have any questions or need help with your case. We are here to help!
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Charlotte, North Carolina
Many factors can contribute to a motorcycle accident. In Charlotte, North Carolina, some of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes include:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving
- Poor road conditions
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Charlotte, NC, it is important to contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. The attorneys at our office can help you investigate the cause of your accident and get the compensation you deserve.
Should I File a Claim?
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be wondering whether or not you should file an insurance claim. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and the amount of damage to your property. If you are unsure whether or not you should file a claim, our office can help. We will review the facts of your case and help you make the best decision for your situation.
What Are Common Injuries Motorcycle Accidents Cause?
Motorcycle crashes can cause injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries, such as broken bones and head trauma. Some of the most common injuries motorcycle collisions cause include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries – Head injuries are some of the most common injuries motorcycle accidents cause. Even if you are wearing a helmet, the force of the impact can cause your brain to collide with the inside of your skull, resulting in a traumatic brain injury.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Motorcycle accidents can also cause spinal cord injuries. These injuries can result in paralysis or other long-term severe problems.
- Broken Bones – Motorcycle accidents often result in broken bones. The force of the impact can cause your bones to break or shatter.
- Lacerations – Cuts and scrapes are common injuries in motorcycle accidents. While they may not look serious in many cases, they can still result in infection or other complications.
- Internal Bleeding – Motorcycle accidents can also cause internal bleeding. This type of injury is often not immediately apparent but can be very serious and even life-threatening.
- Soft tissue damage – Motorcycle accidents can cause soft tissue damage, such as bruises, strains, and sprains.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. These injuries can seriously impact your health and well-being, and you need to be sure that you are getting the treatment you need.
Should I See a Doctor Even Though I Was Not Injured During a Motorcycle Accident?
Yes, you should still see a doctor even if you were not injured during the motorcycle accident. Many injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent. Getting checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible after the accident ensures there are no underlying injuries.
Types of Compensation You Are Entitled to Receive After a Charlotte Motorcycle Accident
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. The types of payment you may be eligible to receive include:
- Medical expenses – You may be able to recover the cost of your medical treatment, including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages – If you are unable to work because of your injuries, you may be able to recover the wages you have lost as a result.
- Pain and suffering – You may also be able to recover compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured due to your injuries.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, our team of trained attorneys can help you understand your rights and options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Punitive Damages in a Motorcycle Accident Case
Punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault party for their negligence and deter them from engaging in similar behavior in the future. In North Carolina, punitive damages are only available in cases where the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly egregious. For example, if the at-fault driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident, they may be subject to punitive damages.
What Determines the Value of My Case?
The value of your case will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of economic damages you have incurred, and the extent of your pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to evaluate these factors and give you an estimate of the value of your case.
What Are My Options if the At-Fault Driver Does Not Have Insurance?
If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy. Many policies have uninsured motorist coverage that will pay for your damages if you are hit by a driver who does not have insurance. If your insurance company refuses to offer you a fair settlement, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your insurance company for full and fair compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
In North Carolina, most car accident claims have a three year statute of limitations. Personal injury claims not filed within the applicable statute of limitations are barred from recovery. That is why it is important to talk to your attorney about the statute of limitations in your case early on.
Charlotte Motorcycle Accident Lawyers That Work For You
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, our team of experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in Charlotte can help you understand your rights and options and fight for the compensation you deserve. We have represented many clients in Charlotte, NC, who have been involved in motorcycle accidents, and we know what it takes to win. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We will review your case and answer any questions you may have.
