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North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you are a motorcyclist enthusiast, the statistics about motorcycle road safety can be overwhelming. You are much more likely to be seriously injured or die in a motorcycle accident than if you are driving a car or truck. There are several reasons for this. One of these reasons is that motorcycles and their riders often go unnoticed by those driving cars. Eighty percent of motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent automobile drivers either violating your right of way or rear ending you in an intersection. Additionally, the very design of a motorcycle makes it an inherently risky vehicle. Motorcycles offer no protection from the elements and absolutely no protective barrier between the roads and car drivers. Recent statistics show that per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, the number of reported motorcycle accidents was 776.57, while the number for passenger cars involved in accidents per 100 million miles traveled was 423.13. There are steps you can take to protect yourself, but if you are the victim of a motorcycle accident what should you do?

If you have the opportunity to take a motorcycle safety class in North Carolina, you should. A motorcycle safety course can teach you to avoid some of the common hazards you will face. You can ask your insurance company if a training class with reduce your premiums as well. As for insurance, you should deal with a qualified insurance agent, who is familiar with motorcyclists' needs and the laws of North Carolina that pertain to motorcycles. Wearing proper safety equipment, including a helmet, which is required by law in this state, may help you avoid serious injury.

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, your first step should be to seek medical attention, even if you don't think you've been seriously hurt. There are some kinds of injuries, like whiplash and internal injuries, which may not be immediately apparent.

Before you leave the scene of the accident, make sure to have a police report filed, and to get the insurance and contact information from other motorists involved in the crash, as well as witnesses' contact information. If the insurance adjuster from another motorist's insurance company contacts you, do not give them a taped statement or accept any settlement offer. After all, these insurance adjusters are looking to save money for their employer, not to make sure that you get a fair deal.

Additionally, you will want to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as you possibly can, to review your case. Personal injury attorneys often have specialties like motorcycle accidents. This can benefit your case, since these lawyers will have experience in the area of motorcycle accident litigation, and therefore be better prepared to fight for you. You can find an attorney who will take your case on contingency. This allows you to retain an attorney with no money down, and pay no fees until your case has been won. Do not expect the insurance companies to be on your side. You need a qualified attorney to fight for you every step of the way. Once you have retained an attorney, he or she will do all the legwork necessary to investigate your case, while you concentrate on healing.