Motorcyclists have a right to safe and enjoyable driving opportunities, just like those in any other kind of vehicle on the road. Nevertheless, these rights are sometimes violated, putting riders in danger and increasing the potential for a collision. If you have suffered a motorcycle accident in North Carolina, pursuing compensation may feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be. A Denver motorcycle accident lawyer can guide and represent you from the start of your case to its end.
Before hiring a Denver motorcycle accident lawyer, you may benefit from understanding how motorcycle accident cases work, the laws involved, and the kinds of compensation you may be eligible for.
In 2023, motorcycle deaths accounted for 15% of all motor vehicle crash fatalities, resulting in 6,335 deaths for those operating a motorbike. Since motorcycles do not offer the same degree of protection that cars often do, collisions can have a far more serious impact.
Safety is the first thing you should be prioritizing when you are involved in a motorcycle accident. However, if you can, you should observe and note several pieces of information, which can be vital to seeking compensation later. Here are the steps you should take after being in an accident:
The concept of pure contributory negligence is the most critical aspect of North Carolina motorcycle accident laws. To obtain any compensation, you must prove that the other driver was entirely at fault for the accident. If you are found to be even slightly at fault, your claim for damages could be barred.
In North Carolina, the party responsible for causing the accident is required to cover your damages. Due to the pure contributory negligence law, it is essential to show how the accident was fully caused by the other party. A skilled Denver motorcycle accident attorney is crucial for this process.
If you can prove that the other driver is fully at fault, you can then seek compensation for any relevant lost wages, whether this is because you lost your form of transportation or were kept away due to injury, medical expenses, ongoing treatment, or pain and suffering.
Evidence is a key part of establishing that the other party’s negligence led to an accident. To do this, you must prove that the other party owed a duty of care. Then, they breached that duty, causing the accident. All this resulted in your damages. Your evidence can take a wide variety of forms, including:
To determine your eligibility to be compensated in a motorcycle accident case, it is important to know whether you, as a cyclist, met North Carolina’s legal requirements for those operating motorbikes. Here are two of the main laws you will need to be aware of:
North Carolina law requires that all motorcycle riders and passengers wear a helmet while riding, and this helmet must meet Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. The risk of serious injuries and even fatalities increases when you fail to wear a helmet, and it can directly impact your ability to pursue compensation for your motorcycle accident. This is especially true when you factor in the state’s strict contributory negligence rules.
In motor vehicle accidents, North Carolina law follows an “at-fault” system, which also applies to motorcycle accidents. This means that whatever party is responsible for causing the motorcycle crash is also legally required to cover the costs of any resulting damages, such as:
While not every motorcycle accident case will go to court, you should still hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Denver to negotiate with insurance companies. They can also offer you insight, guidance, and compassion, all while advocating for your desired outcomes on your behalf.
The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C., has spent extensive time in court trials, so Mr. Corbett can advocate for you in the North Carolina court system. Your trial venue will most likely be the Lincoln County Courthouse. There, Mr. Corbett can build your case and present it for you, working to achieve the compensation you deserve.
The cost of hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer tends to vary in North Carolina. This variation is caused by the unique circumstances that surround each case, such as:
Yes. In North Carolina, at-fault accident coverage is one of the key elements of its driving laws. Furthermore, the state operates on a pure comparative fault principle. You must, therefore, prove that the other party involved in the accident is fully responsible for causing it. If you are found to be even slightly at fault or if it is discovered you violated a motorbike law, your case could be thrown out.
Many individuals in North Carolina have found that hiring a motorcycle lawyer was exactly what their case needed to succeed. A lawyer can provide clarity in the confusion surrounding your legal circumstance. They can also provide knowledgeable, experienced insights into all aspects of your case. Your attorney can find evidence, build your case, and press it in negotiations or at court.
Each motorcycle accident case is unique, and it is common for their timelines to reflect this fact. How long your case may last will be influenced by its unique details, like:
You do not need to face this case alone. Contact The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C., today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can pursue your rightful compensation.