Waynesville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Waynesville Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Riding a motorcycle can be a fun, enjoyable, and cool method of transportation or just a simple hobby that you break out on the weekend. However, due to the small, fast, and often unpredictable nature of these machines, the potential for accidents can be significant under the right conditions. Surviving a motorcycle accident can be a stroke of luck. If you wish to pursue legal action following an accident, you should consult an Waynesville, NC, motorcycle accident lawyer.

North Carolina Motorcycle Laws

After a motorcycle accident, you may be able to seek compensation for multiple kinds of losses, including lost wages, medical bills, property damages, and emotional distress. A good motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine what your case might include and ensure that you maximize your damages. It is important that you reach a settlement number that you are comfortable pursuing.

North Carolina state law prohibits anyone who was involved in a car accident from fleeing the scene. If the driver who hit you tries to leave the accident site, you should notify the police once they arrive. It is also important to note that North Carolina has a statute of limitations of three years on personal injury claims, including motorcycle accident claims. That gives you three years to start developing a case, gather evidence, consult a lawyer, and file a claim for damages.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be a frightening situation to find yourself in. Depending on whether you were wearing padded clothing or a helmet, you may suffer severe, life-threatening injuries that need to be addressed quickly. In the aftermath of an accident, it may help you and your claim to take certain steps. Otherwise, you could jeopardize your claim. Here are some important steps you can take after a motorcycle accident:

• Stay Calm: It’s no secret that a motorcycle accident is a scary moment in your life. Panic may be your natural response to such an event, but it is important that you try your hardest not to panic. Panicking may only worsen your situation. Get yourself together, take some deep breaths, and survey the damage that has been done to you and your bike.
• Check for Injuries: Once you have composed yourself, you should immediately start checking yourself for any obvious injuries. Look for bloody wet spots, protrusions, bruising, swelling, and sprains. If you do not find any injuries but you are still in severe pain, be sure to mention that to the EMTs once they arrive. If you have a passenger on your bike, check them for injuries too.
• Call 911: Once you are physically able to do so, call 911. If you are too injured to move, have someone else call 911 on your behalf. Having police officers and EMTs securing the scene may give you some reassurance. Get checked out by the EMTs as soon as you can, and be honest with them about any pain you are feeling. Be sure to see a doctor later, even if you are cleared by the EMTs.
• Move Your Bike: If you are physically able, you may want to move your bike out of the way of oncoming traffic. It could potentially cause another accident if other drivers fail to notice it. Move it to the side of the road if the police say that it is okay to disrupt the scene. If the bike is too damaged or you are too injured, don’t worry about it.
• Document the Scene: Once you have been cleared by EMTs and police, you can start gathering evidence for your claim. Take photos of your injuries, the damage done to your bike, the damage done to other vehicles involved, and the conditions of the road. Be sure to gather the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident.
• See a Lawyer: When you decide to pursue a claim, you should reach out to a motorcycle accident lawyer. They can show you your options and help you build your case.

FAQs

How Much Are Most Motorcycle Accident Settlements?

How much a motorcycle accident settlement in Waynesville, NC may be is determined by the facts of the case. Every motorcycle accident case is different, with details and circumstances unique to each situation. Since the details of the case are always different, the settlement amount will always be different too. Other factors that may determine the settlement amount are:

• The severity of your injuries
• The damage to your bike
• The evidence that proves liability
• Your lawyer’s negotiation skills

What Should You Do If You Are a Victim of a Motorcycle Accident?

If you are ever the victim of a motorcycle accident, you should immediately call 911 and get yourself checked out for any injuries. Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, especially if you aren’t wearing any protective gear. If you are not seriously injured, you should document the scene of the accident for your records so you have evidence when you go to file a personal injury claim.

What Is the Main Cause of Motorcycle Accidents in North Carolina?

There are many different causes of motorcycle accidents in North Carolina. One of the major ones is driver error. Many drivers on the highways may not see motorcycles zooming past them until it is too late to react. Other drivers may be distracted and don’t notice the motorcycle at all. The resulting accident can be devastating to all involved.

Can a Motorcycle Run a Red Light in North Carolina?

Under certain circumstances, yes, a motorcycle can run a red light in North Carolina. However, it is only considered legal if the right conditions are met. Those include:

• The motorcyclist must stop at the red light.
• They must wait three minutes.
• There are no other vehicles or pedestrians at the intersection.
• They must proceed with caution.

Sometimes, the traffic light sensor may not recognize the motorcycle, so this exception was granted.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

At Ganly & Ramer, P.L.L.C., we can help you build your case to the fullest, gather the evidence you need, and pursue legal action against the liable parties. Contact us to speak with a team member and schedule a consultation.