Personal Injury

Raleigh Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries compared to automobile accidents due to the lack of protection motorcycles provide. In 2023, 3,169 motorcyclists were injured and 202 killed on North Carolina roads, according to the NC Department of Transportation. Recovering after an accident comes with emotional, physical, and financial challenges. Your main focus is your health and well-being. While you take the time you need to get better, having an attorney by your side to handle the legal process can help ease your mind. The experienced Raleigh motorcycle accident attorneys at Maginnis Howard are dedicated to fighting for justice and getting you the compensation you deserve.

Common Motorcycle Accidents

People do not intend to get into an accident, but crashes are not always in our control. Most motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers failing to see the motorcycle in their path. Some of the most common motorcycle accidents include:

Left-Turning Cars: This occurs when a car turns left in front of a motorcycle. The car usually strikes the motorcycle as it is going straight through an intersection, passing the car, or trying to overtake the car. This is the most common accident for motorcycles, accounting for 43% of all accidents involving a motorcycle and a car.
Lane-Switching: When a car begins to merge into the lane that a motorcycle is riding in. Drivers frequently do not see or pay enough attention to the motorcycle next to them, as they can easily be in a car’s blind spot.
Head-On Collisions: A car and a motorcycle hitting head-on is the most fatal type of accident for motorcycles. 75% of the motorcycles involved in fatal crashes were struck in the front.
Lane Splitting: Lane splitting is the practice where a motorcyclist rides between lanes of traffic. It typically occurs in heavy traffic when cars move slowly or at a standstill to reduce travel time.
Fixed Objects: The only vehicle in these accidents is the motorcycle. However, another object may also be involved. The driver swerves frequently due to impairment, distractions, drowsiness, or aggravation. These actions cause the car to crash into an object, such as a guard rail, curb, ditch, or tree.

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919-526-0450

7706 Six Forks Rd.

Suite 101

Raleigh, NC 27615

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents often cause serious injuries, even in minor crashes. Common injuries include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs stem from head trauma, and symptoms like headaches or behavioral changes may not show up immediately. It is crucial to seek medical attention and monitor for these signs.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord is a frequent and severe consequence of motorcycle collisions.
Fractures: The impact of a crash can lead to significant bone breaks and fractures.
Internal Injuries: These injuries can be overlooked, but untreated, they may lead to lifelong complications or even death. Common examples include internal bleeding near the lungs or tears to the aorta, liver, spleen, or kidneys.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

Understanding the proper steps to take after a motorcycle accident to ensure the best outcome is vital for a smooth process. It is normal to feel overwhelmed immediately after an accident. Knowing these steps can help you to understand what you should do next to ease your mind. Follow these steps after an accident:

Ensure Safety First: If possible, get to a safe location and move your motorcycle off the road. Turn on your hazard lights and check for injuries.
Call the Authorities: Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the report for your own record.
Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, contact details, and insurance information. Also, note other vehicles and license plate numbers involved.
Document the Scene: Take photos of everything, including the accident scene, vehicle damages, and any visible injuries.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you do not think you have major injuries, it is important to visit a doctor. These documents will help your case. Keep a record of all medical documents and expenses.
Consult with a Lawyer: Contact a motorcycle accident attorney at Maginnis Howard to understand your rights and get advice on proceeding with your claim.

Compensation for Raleigh Motorcycle Accidents

No typical settlement or verdict exists in personal injury cases, especially for motorcycle accidents. The amount you can recover depends on factors like the crash’s details, the injuries’ severity, and the available insurance coverage. Generally, victims can seek compensatory damages, which provide monetary relief for their losses. These damages may include:

Medical Bills: Often the most common form of compensation, medical bills can create a heavy financial burden. Sometimes, an attorney can pursue future medical costs for ongoing treatment.
Lost Wages: Victims who miss work while recovering can seek compensation for lost wages. In more severe cases, such as long-term disability or the need to change careers, victims may be entitled to compensation for future lost income.
Pain and Suffering: These damages cover the non-economic impact of an accident, including long-term emotional and physical trauma.
Punitive Damages: These damages are designed to punish the defendant for their actions. While rare, they apply when the victim can prove the defendant acted with intent or gross misconduct.

Why Hire Maginnis Howard

There are hundreds of personal injury firms throughout the Raleigh area. Why is Maginnis Howard unique? Our attorneys are some of the best in the business, and have recovered millions for car accident clients. We care about the client and tailor each case to fit your needs specifically. Instead of trying to quickly settle your case and move on, we want to make sure you get every last cent you desserve. If you want attorneys who will put your interests in front of all else, contact us today.

Contact Our Raleigh Car Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, contacting a lawyer is crucial to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation. Contact a Raleigh motorcycle accident attorney to schedule a free consultation. To reach an intake specialist, visit our contact page or submit an inquiry through our Live Chat feature. You may also call us at (919) 526-0450. We accept clients across the Carolinas.

Raleigh Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Common Motorcycle Accidents

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Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

Compensation for Raleigh Motorcycle Accidents

Why Hire Maginnis Howard

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