Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Just like driving a car, there are inherent risks with riding a motorcycle. Motorcycles travel at the same speed as traffic, but are less visible. North Carolina law requires the use of helmets for motorcycle riders and passengers, and proper riding clothing, shoes, and gloves are encouraged by both manufacturers and the industry. While these precautions can save a life, they only provide so much protection. The reality is that nearly 80% of motorcycle crashes result in some sort of injury, according to numbers from North Carolina Department of Transportation.

Data cited by the National Highway Transportation Safety Board suggest that medical costs from those injuries account for just 6 percent of the total costs from a motorcycle crash. Lost work and wages represent 29 percent of that total, and reduced quality of life makes up the remaining 63 percent. From these numbers you can understand how a quick settlement works in favor of the insurance carrier representing the negligent party in the crash.

While some motorcycle crashes do result in serious injuries or deaths, even a seemingly minor wreck can lead to long-term, lifelong, or even debilitating injuries. And some of those injuries may not present themselves for days, weeks, or months after the crash. That’s why agreeing to a settlement before you’ve assessed the entire picture — your injuries, the time needed to recover, lost wages, etc., — can prevent you from recouping costs for any future losses. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney, like those at Rawls, Scheer, Clary & Mingo can help you navigate this process, help you fully understand the terms of any settlement offer, or represent you in court should your case require it.

As with any crash, the following steps will help build your case:

• Keep accurate records. This includes police reports, medical records, receipts from doctors, hospitals, etc., and any estimates for property damage.
• Connect with witnesses. Do you have contact information for anyone at the scene? A witness account can help corroborate your story of the events leading up to the crash.
• Do NOT make any determinations as to whether you may have had some fault in the crash, and do NOT talk with an insurance adjuster before speaking with a lawyer. Insurance adjusters may ask confusing questions in an effort to trip you up. This may hurt your opportunity to be compensated for your injuries, lost wages, or long-term care.
• Call an experienced personal injury attorney at Rawls, Scheer, Clary & Mingo for a free consultation to fully understand your rights and potential for compensation under the law.

The personal injury attorneys at Rawls, Scheer, Clary & Mingo have decades of experience representing victims of motorcycle crashes and collisions in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County and throughout North Carolina. Contact us for a free consultation to tell us about your case. We appreciate the road to recovery can be one that is long and painful. We’re prepared to answer your questions, help you determine the value of your case, and advocate for you and your family throughout the process.