Gastonia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Gastonia, NC

Motorcyclists are often some of the most vulnerable motorists on the road. Taking precautions by wearing a helmet isn’t always enough to protect you from sustaining an unexpected injury. Most motorcycle accidents are caused by negligence, with injuries potentially affecting both parties. The skilled Gastonia motorcycle accident lawyers at Roberts Law Firm, P.A. can help you get medical care following a motorcycle accident.

We are dedicated to representing you and protecting your legal rights. At Roberts Law Firm, P.A., our personal injury attorneys have been helping victims of injury accidents for over 40 years and are ready to put that experience to the task of helping you recover both physically and financially.

Common Causes for North Carolina Motorcycle Accidents

North Carolina can be a popular area for motorcycle enthusiasts. Enjoyable weather and a beautiful landscape call many individuals to the open road. Unfortunately, others who share the road with motorcycles can act with negligence or even reckless indifference, leading to some of the most horrific conditions when it comes to motorized vehicle accidents. The simple truth is that many drivers do not take the time to make themselves aware of motorcycles on the road.

The most typical form of motorcycle accident often involves a head-on collision, when the front end of another vehicle makes an impact with the front of a motorcycle. This can cause devastating injuries and even fatalities. Another common type of motorcycle accident occurs when a left-turning vehicle fails to recognize an oncoming motorcycle and turns into its path. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents in North Carolina can include:

• Speeding, tailgating, or other forms of reckless driving.
• Defects with other vehicles or the bike itself.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Driving distracted, such as taking part in behaviors like texting and driving, eating or drinking and driving, grooming while driving, interacting with other passengers, adjusting temperature or radio controls, or reaching for something inside the vehicle.
• Aggressive driving or road rage.
• Roadway conditions, such as loose gravel, cracked or missing pavement, and potholes.

Hazards for Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists face a variety of potential road hazards that impact their safety on the road. Motorcycle accidents can lead to many different short-and-long term injuries that could include: head injuries, brain trauma, broken bones/fractures, burns, severed limbs and amputations, back injuries, paralysis and paraplegia/quadriplegia. Our personal injury attorneys at Roberts Law Firm, P.A. are dedicated to representing individuals and families who have been impacted by a motorcycle accident.

Compensation Available in Gastonia Motorcycle Accidents

After suffering harm in a Gastonia motorcycle accident, you may find yourself out of work and struggling to keep on top of any medical debt that begins to flow in from the treatment of your injuries. When you suffer an accident as a result of someone else’s negligence or reckless driving, you may be entitled to hold this party liable for compensation. Typical at-fault parties in motorcycle accidents can include:

• Other drivers.
• The employers of these drivers.
• The actual owner of the vehicle that caused the accident.
• The designer or manufacturer of any defective vehicle or motorcycle component.
• The local or state municipality that is in charge of maintaining safe roadways.

In North Carolina financial compensation in personal injury cases can take many forms, depending on the nature and severity of the harm that has been suffered. The most common forms of compensation available in motorcycle accident cases include:

• Medical bills associated with the injuries, past, current, and future.
• Lost wages.
• The loss of a future earning ability if the victim becomes temporarily or permanently disabled.
• Pain and suffering.
• Mental or emotional distress.
• Disfigurement or scarring.

Punitive damages are rare in cases where a court finds the at-fault party’s actions to be especially egregious or gross negligence.

Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Motorcyclists are more likely than larger motor vehicle occupants to be injured during crashes. They account for around 2% of road users but 10% of injuries, 14% of serious injuries, and 23% of fatalities.

It doesn’t matter whether you’ve sustained serious injuries as a result of a motorcycle crash or lost a loved one to a traffic accident related to motorcycle use. You can hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to help you hold the liable driver accountable and seek compensation. Your lawyer can help you:

• File paperwork
• Keep track of deadlines
• Collect evidence
• Prove liability
• Negotiate a settlement
• Go to court, should it be necessary

Hiring a Gastonia motorcycle accident attorney is the most effective way to increase the chances that you’ll be properly compensated for your injuries.

FAQs

What Is the Four-Second Rule on a Motorcycle?

The four-second rule on a motorcycle is a safety technique for riding. It involves maintaining at least a four-second gap between your motorcycle and the vehicle in front of it. The extra distance gives you the time to react to hazards, road debris, or sudden stops. Because motorcycles lack the extra safety measures provided by cars, defensive riding is particularly important.

Does NC Have a No-Chase Law for Motorcycles?

NC does not have a no-chase law for motorcycles. However, Gastonia does have a no-chase law in place. It restrains officers from pursuing unless drivers are suspected of violent felonies or serious crimes, which keeps accidents due to chases involving misdemeanor criminals or traffic offenses to a minimum. There have been people pushing to get a blanket no-chase law implemented across the Tar Heel state, but the initiative has yet to provide tangible results.

Who Is at Fault for Motorcycle Accidents?

The at-fault party for motorcycle accidents varies depending on the circumstances of the crash. In many cases, it’s larger motor vehicle drivers who are to blame. However, motorcyclists can also be at fault for their own crashes, particularly if they were speeding, driving aggressively, splitting lanes, or otherwise ignoring local traffic laws. You can trust your motorcycle accident attorney to help you determine who is liable for your crash.

How Long After a Motorcycle Accident Do You Have to File a Claim in NC?

You have two years after a motorcycle accident under N.C.G.S. 1-52 to file a claim in NC. However, there are different standards that apply to wrongful death claims. If you’ve lost a loved one to a motorcycle crash, you have three years under N.C.G.S. 1-53 to file a claim. Don’t wait until these deadlines are approaching. Contact a lawyer regarding your motorcycle accident case right away.

Contact a Compassionate Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Suffering injuries in a motorcycle accident because of the fault of another driver can be a terrifying experience. At Roberts Law Firm, P.A., we understand the trauma you have undergone and are here to do whatever we can to help you get back on your feet. Get in touch with our offices now to learn more information regarding our services and to set up your first consultation with our team.

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