Protecting Your Rights and Future After a Crash

No driver or a motorcyclist goes out on the street thinking that they might end up in an accident. However, accidents are very common and can happen to anyone. Find out why you need a car or motorcycle accident lawyer if you’ve been hurt!

Millions of people die because of car or motorcycle accident every year. No one is protected from injuries in accidents, not even truck drivers who seem to be safe up in their huge and heavy vehicles.

Motorcyclists are more prone to severe injuries due to the fact that the only protection they have is the helmet on their heads. Even a small impact can cause them to end up thrown on the street.

Car drivers have some protection, but a car is a lightweight vehicle compared to a truck, so the outcomes in such accidents can be dangerous too.

No matter what kind of accident you were in, always make sure you contact a North Carolina auto accident lawyer.

Motorcycles vs. Cars

It is a known fact that motorcycles are far more dangerous than cars. While a decent car comes with several safety features that should reduce the number of deaths on the streets, motorcycles don’t come with any of those things.
New and modern cars have anti-lock brakes, seatbelts, electronic stability control, collision warning systems, and so on. Also, they come with backup cameras and side-view cameras which makes the whole driving easier and safer.

A motorcycle does not come with a seat belt, nor any other safety feature that should protect the rider from a potential crash. The rider relies only on their helmet.

Motorcyclists are recommended to wear a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet. The harsh statistic says that more than fifty percent of motorcyclists killed in accidents were not wearing a helmet (mainly in states without universal helmet laws).

Compared to states that have the universal helmet law, only 8 percent of riders died (they were not wearing a helmet). 

The helmet is the main protector of severe brain injuries and saves thousands of lives per year. But, the helmet cannot protect the rider from broken ribs, fractured arms or legs, or internal bleeding. The force that throws the rider off the bike is the main reason for most severe injuries.

Common Causes For Car and Motorcycle Accidents

The reasons behind a car or motorcycle accident are various. Every year, more than 11 million car accidents take place in the United States. The causes for such accidents can be classified into two groups

  • Driver error
  • Other causes (road conditions, brake failures, weather conditions, health emergencies)

Here are the most common causes of car accidents:

  • Distracted driving – About 25 percent of all car accidents happened because the driver used a cell phone. We all believe that multitasking is a great way to finish things faster, but when it comes to driving, it can cost us our life.
  • Driving under the influence – Alcohol remains one of the top reasons for car accidents (half of all car accidents happened because of drunk drivers).
  • Driver fatigue – Up to 3 percent of the accidents the United States occurred because the driver fell asleep while driving.
    Speeding – Just like alcohol, speeding contributes to half of the accidents.
  • Aggressive driving – This includes failure to stop at stop signs or traffic lights, aggressive tailgating, or frequent changing lanes.

The following are the most common reasons for motorcycle accidents

  • Car making a left-hand turn – Riders are at high risk of an accident when cars make a left-hand turn. More than 40 percent of all accidents involving a car and motorcycle were caused because a car was turning left. In such cases, the motorcycle may be hit while riding straight through an intersection, when it tries to overtake the car or pass it.
  • Lane splitting – Although illegal in all states, it is one of the most common reasons for such accidents. When motorcycles drive between two lanes they are at a higher risk of crashing due to reduced space for maneuvering. The vehicles are too close and the drivers do not expect a motorcycle passing them while the traffic is stopped or slow.
  • Alcohol and speeding – Just like with car accidents, alcohol, and high speeds easily lead to crashes.
    Hitting a fixed object – One-quarter of fatal motorcycle accidents happen because riders hit a fixed object.
  • Road hazards – Motorcycles have two wheels and poorer balance when they drive over uneven lane heights, potholes or other hazards.

Our attorneys know North Carolina’s rules on car and motorcycles accidents. Contact Harman Law today at (704) 286-0947.

FAQs

Do I really need a lawyer after a car or motorcycle accident in North Carolina?
Yes, hiring a North Carolina auto accident lawyer after a crash is strongly recommended to protect your rights and future. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process, deal with insurance companies, and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Why are motorcycle accident claims treated differently than car accident claims in North Carolina?
Motorcycles lack the safety features that cars have, such as seatbelts, anti-lock brakes, and collision warning systems, which means riders typically suffer far more severe injuries in a crash. Because of the serious nature of these injuries, including broken bones, fractured limbs, and internal bleeding, motorcycle accident claims often involve significantly higher medical costs and damages that require careful legal handling.
What are the most common causes of car and motorcycle accidents in North Carolina?
Common causes include distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, driver fatigue, and aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating or running red lights. For motorcyclists specifically, accidents frequently occur when a car makes a left-hand turn into the motorcycle’s path, which accounts for more than 40 percent of all car and motorcycle collisions.
How does helmet use affect a motorcycle accident injury claim in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a universal helmet law, and failure to wear a DOT-approved helmet could negatively impact your injury claim by raising questions about your own negligence. Statistics show that helmet use dramatically reduces fatality rates, and an attorney can help address any arguments from the opposing side that your injuries were worsened by not following safety regulations.
What should I do immediately after a car or motorcycle accident in North Carolina to protect my claim?
You should seek medical attention right away, document the accident scene if possible, and contact a North Carolina auto accident lawyer as soon as you are able. Acting quickly is important because evidence can disappear and legal deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, apply to personal injury claims in North Carolina.