Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Salisbury, NC
At Lewis & Keller, we know that motorcycle accidents can have devastating consequences, leaving riders with serious injuries and mounting medical expenses. Unfortunately, motorcyclists often face unfair stereotypes that can make pursuing a claim more difficult. As your Salisbury motorcycle accident lawyer, we are here to challenge those biases and fight for the justice you deserve. Our team has extensive experience handling motorcycle accident cases, from investigating fault to addressing complex insurance disputes, ensuring that every aspect of your case is handled with care and precision.
We are committed to helping injured motorcyclists in Salisbury and across North Carolina secure the compensation they may be entitled to for medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional toll of an accident. Whether you’re recovering from life-altering injuries or navigating the financial impact of your crash, you can count on us to stand by your side. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you on the road to recovery.
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24/7
Hurt in the middle of the night? Don’t wait to contact our law office. A real person is available 24/7 and will answer your call.
Years of
Experience
Our personal injury attorneys have years and years of experience fighting insurance companies and have successfully handled thousands of cases.
No Fees Unless
We Win
Working on a contingency-fee basis allows our clients to retain our services without worrying about hourly legal fees. You won’t owe us a penny unless we win!
Table of Contents
- What To Do vs. What Not To Do After a Motorcycle Accident
- The Importance of Proving Negligence in Your Case
- Types of Compensation Included in Most Motorcycle Accident Settlements
- Motorcycle Collisions: Common Causes and Injuries
- Your Rights After a Salisbury, NC, Motorcycle Accident
- Salisbury, NC, Motorcycle Accident FAQs
What To Do vs. What Not To Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Knowing what actions to take after a motorcycle accident—and what to avoid—can significantly impact your ability to pursue compensation.
What To Do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a medical professional to ensure proper treatment and documentation.
- Call the Police: An official accident report is critical for establishing fault.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and the vehicles involved. Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident promptly but avoid providing detailed statements until you consult a lawyer.
- Consult a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: A lawyer can help protect your rights and build a strong case.
What Not To Do:
- Don’t Admit Fault: Even casual comments can be used against you.
- Don’t Delay Medical Treatment: Delays can harm your health and weaken your claim.
- Don’t Accept a Quick Settlement: Initial offers are often lower than what you deserve.
By following these guidelines, you can strengthen your case and avoid common pitfalls.
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The Importance of Proving Negligence in Your Case
Proving negligence is necessary in motorcycle accident cases to secure compensation for your injuries and losses. Negligence means that the at-fault party failed to exercise reasonable care, directly causing the accident. Common examples include distracted driving, speeding, failing to yield, or violating traffic laws.
To prove negligence, you must demonstrate:
- Duty of Care: The at-fault party had a legal responsibility to act safely.
- Breach of Duty: They violated that responsibility through negligent actions.
- Causation: Their breach directly caused your accident and injuries.
- Damages: You suffered measurable losses, such as medical expenses or lost wages.
An experienced lawyer can gather evidence like accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony to build a strong case.
Contributory Negligence Laws and Your Claim
North Carolina follows contributory negligence laws, meaning that if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation. This strict standard makes it essential to establish the other party’s complete liability.
Insurance companies often use contributory negligence to deny or minimize claims, which is why having a skilled lawyer to refute these arguments is critical. Evidence like police reports, eyewitness testimony, and accident reconstruction can help prove your case and protect your right to compensation.
Types of Compensation Included in Most Motorcycle Accident Settlements
Motorcycle accident settlements typically include several types of compensation to address the full scope of your losses.
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical needs.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Compensation for income lost during recovery and reduced earning potential for permanent injuries.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your motorcycle and damaged gear.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Wrongful Death Damages: For fatal accidents, surviving family members may seek funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious negligence or recklessness, such as a driver operating under the influence or exhibiting road rage, punitive damages may be awarded. These are designed to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
At Lewis & Keller, we ensure that all potential damages are thoroughly evaluated and pursued.
Our Results Speak For themselves
$
7000000
Motorcycle accident resulting in paralysis.
$
3000000
Auto accident resulting in post traumatic stress disorder.
$
1393000
Workplace accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury.
Motorcycle Collisions: Common Causes and Injuries
Motorcycle collisions are often caused by negligence or unsafe road conditions. Distracted drivers, such as those texting or failing to check blind spots, are a leading cause of accidents. Defective motorcycles or parts, like faulty brakes or tires, can also contribute to crashes. Common injuries include road rash, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Riders should also be aware of how lane splitting can impact injury claims.
Your Rights After a Salisbury, NC Motorcycle Accident
As a motorcycle accident victim, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses if another party’s negligence caused the crash. These rights include:
- Filing a claim for medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
- Holding at-fault parties accountable for their actions.
- Pursuing legal action if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
At Lewis & Keller, we protect your rights by handling negotiations, gathering evidence, and advocating for the maximum compensation you may deserve.
Salisbury, NC Motorcycle Accident FAQs
Who Is Most Often at Fault in Motorcycle/Car Crashes?
In many motorcycle and car crashes, the fault often lies with car drivers who fail to yield the right of way or check their blind spots. Motorcycles’ smaller size makes them harder to see, increasing the likelihood of collisions during lane changes or turns. Drivers also frequently misjudge the speed or distance of approaching motorcycles, leading to unsafe maneuvers. In many cases, proving the other driver’s negligence requires thorough investigation and evidence collection.
What About Hit-and-Run/No-Contact Accidents?
Hit-and-run or no-contact motorcycle accidents can leave victims with unanswered questions and significant damages. In such cases, uninsured motorist coverage can help compensate for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. It’s important to document the scene thoroughly, including photos, witness statements, and police reports, to strengthen your claim. Contact law enforcement immediately to report the incident and start the process of identifying potential coverage options.
Is There a Helmet Law in NC?
Yes, North Carolina law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets. This law is in place to reduce the risk of head injuries and fatalities during accidents. Failing to wear a helmet not only increases your risk of severe injury but can also impact your ability to recover compensation. Insurance companies may argue contributory negligence if you weren’t wearing a helmet, so compliance is essential for your safety and your claim.
Do You Have To Hire a Lawyer?
While hiring a lawyer is not legally required, it can make a significant difference in the outcome of your motorcycle accident claim. An attorney can handle complex legal issues, including gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and calculating the full extent of your damages. Without legal representation, you may risk accepting a lower settlement than you deserve. Having a lawyer by your side ensures that your rights are protected and that you pursue the maximum compensation available.
Will Your Case Go to Trial?
Most motorcycle accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations without the need for a trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your case may proceed to court. A trial involves presenting evidence and arguments before a judge or jury to seek the compensation you may deserve. At Lewis & Keller, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial to ensure you are fully supported, whether at the negotiating table or in the courtroom.
Why Lewis & Keller?
At Lewis & Keller, we have years of experience representing injured motorcyclists and a proven track record of securing fair compensation. We offer personalized attention, taking the time to understand your unique situation and needs. Our aggressive advocacy ensures that insurance companies and negligent parties are held accountable for their actions. With our no-win, no-fee guarantee, you can focus on recovery knowing you won’t pay unless we win your case. Contact us today to see how we can help.
our Salisbury Motorcycle accident attorneys
PUT AN AWARD-WINNING FIRM ON YOUR SIDE
Lewis & Keller is a recognized Best Law Firm in Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, as well as Personal Injury Litigation-Plainitffs by U.S. News and World Report. The firm has also been given an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Founding partner Mike Lewis has procured the title of one of the Best Lawyers in America for personal injury litigation and eminent domain, and was also distinguished as a North Carolina Super Lawyer in personal injury. These accolades wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of all of the attorneys at Lewis & Keller and their clients who placed their trust in them.
