Greensboro Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Greensboro Motorcycle Accident Attorney

The number of motorcycle drivers on the road has increased. Unfortunately, this also means that the number of motorcycle accidents has increased. Since motorcycles offer passengers less protection than larger vehicles, many motorcycle accidents can lead to serious injuries or death. If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident, a Greensboro motorcycle accident lawyer at Steven T. Meier, PLLC, can help you recover damages.

Our trusted legal team has been helping injured people in North Carolina for more than 20 years, and we have extensive knowledge of personal injury and motorcycle accident laws. Our top priority is protecting the interests and rights of our clients. We strive to treat every client with the care their case deserves and aim to maximize the compensation they need to move forward. Engage a Greensboro personal injury lawyer for help.

Accident Statistics

North Carolina is among the top states for fatal motorcycle accidents, with 220 in a recent report. According to the most recent traffic safety fax report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), National Center for Statistics and Analysis, the odds of getting into a motorcycle accident in the United States are one in 225,000 miles ridden, and motorcycles drive about 80 billion miles per year.

In the United States, 88,905 people were injured or killed in motorcycle accidents.

North Carolina Motorcycle Laws

In North Carolina, Drivers must have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license. To be street legal, a motorcycle must be registered, have a license plate, and meet statewide inspection standards for minimum safety requirements, including a functional headlight, taillight, brake light, horn, rear view mirror, speedometer, and more.

All motorcycle riders, including drivers and passengers, must always wear a helmet on the road. This also applies to riders and passengers of mopeds. Helmets must be approved by the NC Department of Transportation (DOT). Anyone on a motorcycle with a non-compliant helmet or no helmet may be subject to fines and other penalties. Other safety equipment, such as face shields, riding boots, and protective clothing, is encouraged but not required.

While motorcycles are generally subject to the same traffic laws as all other automobiles in North Carolina, there are some additional rules for motorcycle riders. These include:

• Restrictions on carrying more passengers than the vehicle is designed to accommodate
• Motorcycle riders can ride abreast in a single lane.
• Motorcycles with two or more passengers can use high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes during heavy traffic conditions.
• Lane splitting–the practice of a motorcyclist riding between two lanes of traffic that are traveling in the same direction–is not explicitly illegal but may lead to charges such as reckless driving.

Causes of Greensboro Motorcycle Accidents

In general, motorcycle drivers are at a disadvantage in accidents with other vehicles. Because motorcycles and mopeds are smaller, lighter, and offer less protection than cars, trucks, and other vehicles, a motorcycle rider is more likely to sustain significant injuries, even from a minor collision with another vehicle. A motorcycle’s smaller size also means it can be easy to overlook for the drivers of other vehicles.

Like other road accidents, many motorcycle accidents can be linked to distracted driving. This can include text messaging while driving, operating a vehicle while impaired (DWI), and excessive speeding, which can make it harder to control a motorcycle.

Poor road conditions can also contribute to motorcycle accidents, as they often pose a greater risk to motorcycles. For example, curvy, narrow roads leave little room for mistakes, and potholes are more likely to cause problems for motorcycles because they weigh less and have smaller wheels than other vehicles.

FAQs

Is an Accident Always the Motorcycle Rider’s Fault?

No, an accident is not always the fault of the motorcycle rider. In many cases, the driver of another vehicle may be at fault for the accident. In some cases, the North Carolina Department of Transportation may be responsible for an accident if there were known existing poor driving conditions, such as potholes, cracks in the pavement, or debris in the road. These kinds of problems can affect motorcycles disproportionately more than cars and larger vehicles.

Should I Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

You do not always have to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer after a crash. For straightforward claims, working with the insurance company or other parties is often sufficient. However, in cases where the injury is extensive, the circumstances are complicated, or the insurance company is trying to settle for less damages, a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer can advocate for the injured person and negotiate on their behalf in Greensboro.

How Much Compensation Do You Get for a Motorcycle Accident?

The amount of compensation depends on the motorcycle accident claim. Each case has its own unique circumstances to consider, including the severity of the injuries, the amount of medical bills, the duration of recovery, the extent of work missed, and whether there are any long-lasting or permanent consequences. The most effective way to know what your claim might be worth is to consult with a trusted motorcycle accident lawyer.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Settlement From a Motorcycle Accident?

How long it takes to get a settlement from a motorcycle accident can vary widely. The factors that most influence how long it takes to get a settlement are how open the parties are to negotiation and whether the case has to go to trial. Your attorney can help you determine how long it might be for you to get a settlement in your case.

Your Greensboro Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If someone else’s mistake or negligence led to an injury in a motorcycle accident, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and for the impact of the accident on your life. An experienced Greensboro personal injury attorney at Steven T. Meier, PLLC, can advocate fiercely for you and hold bad roads or negligent drivers accountable. Contact our office today to set up your initial consultation and discuss your legal options.