Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycles invite the thrill of the open road. They can also be involved in major vehicle accidents that cause severe injuries and even deaths.

After a devastating motorcycle accident, injured victims may have substantial medical bills and other costs, known legally as damages. These victims — or their surviving family members — can pursue a claim to recover all of these damages with the help of a motorcycle accident lawyer.

A motorcycle accident attorney representing your case will help you pursue all available forms of compensation from all potentially at-fault parties. Taking legal action is often necessary so that victims can recoup all of their costs, not just some of them, and fully repay their medical bills and other damages.

Auger & Auger has been representing motorcycle accident victims and their families for over 25 years. We have assisted with countless motorcycle personal injury cases, including some that involve wrongful death or defective products claims.

You deserve to have a fighting chance at obtaining full compensation. If you or a close family member has been involved in a motorcycle crash, you can call us at (800) 559-5741 or contact us online to schedule a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your possible case.

Motorcycle Accidents in the Carolinas and U.S.

Motorcycle riders are vulnerable, and drivers of other vehicles on the road are often too careless to notice them.

Data from the North Carolina Department of Transportation shows that 3,135 motorcyclists were injured and 139 were killed in crashes in the state during 2017. There were also 1,079 accidents involving mopeds, scooters, and other two-wheeled vehicles. 87% caused injuries, and 3% were fatal.

Similar data from South Carolina’s Department of Public Safety reveals that there were 2,349 motorcycle accidents in the state in 2017, leading to 1,741 injuries and 122 deaths.

Nationwide, motorcycle accidents have been on the rise. 2016 data for the entire U.S. states that 5,286 deaths occurred in 2016 — the equivalent of 14 fatal accidents every single day.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Fatal and injury-causing collisions with motorcycle riders can happen for any number of reasons. When these reasons relate to negligent behaviors, such as breaking the law or driving aggressively, then motorcycle accident victims may have the grounds for a liability claim for their bodily injuries and other damages.

Common reasons negligent drivers collide with motorcyclists include:

• Turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle
• Following a motorcycle too closely
• Changing lanes or turning without seeing the rider
• Drunk driving
• Speeding
• Erratic behavior, like sudden lane changes

Other negligent reasons include property owners, construction workers, or other parties allowing dangerous conditions to remain on the roadway.

A motorcycle accident lawyer will examine the circumstances of your crash to determine all potentially liable parties.

Damages Available After a Motorcycle Collision

After your collision, your attorney will file a personal injury claim against any at-fault driver’s insurance companies as well as all other potentially liable parties. In rare cases, this claim will proceed to a lawsuit and court trial or arbitration in order to seek compensation for all damages caused in the accident.

A successful motorcycle accident claim will include damages for any or all of the following:

• Medical bills past and future
• Lost wages from missed work
• Out-of-pocket expenses for prescriptions, parking, etc
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Funeral and burial expenses for deceased accident victims

How a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help

You want to be very careful when dealing with insurers because they have a strong financial motivation to reduce or deny claims. Some insurers may attempt to prove that your were partially or fully responsible for your own accident.

In a contributory negligence state like North Carolina, being just 1% responsible for the accident can prevent your ability to pursue compensation (with rare exceptions). In South Carolina, a comparative negligence state, you can still pursue a claim if you were 49% or less at-fault for the incident, but your damages awarded will be decreased according to your percentage of fault.

Insurers may also dispute the extent of your injuries or whether all treatments were “necessary.” Always be wary of making statements or releasing documents to insurers. Decline to make a recorded statement, since anything you say could later be used against your case.

Instead of dealing with insurers on your own, you can appoint a personal injury lawyer. Your motorcycle accident attorney will negotiate with insurers on your behalf and file all necessary paperwork involved. Her or his knowledge of the law will allow you to build a strong case and back it with evidence from your crash scene as well as from the testimony of experts.

Contact a Lawyer at Auger & Auger for a Free Consultation

You have nothing to risk by speaking with a lawyer. An attorney from Auger & Auger can assist you with filing your claim and, if necessary, a lawsuit against all potentially liable parties. They will explore all of your available legal options for helping you obtain the maximum amount of compensation available under the law.

To speak with one of our motorcycle accident lawyers for free during your no-obligation initial case evaluation, call us now at (800) 559-5741 or contact us online.