personal injury Defense

Motorcycle Accident Attorneys and Lawyers in Chapel Hill, NC

Attorneys for motorcycle accidents can help; these accidents and injuries are more serious than auto accidents.  Riders if you have a motorcycle accident get a lawyer.  Motorcycle accidents are frequently more serious than auto accidents. Since a bike does not have the added protection of the steel and glass of a car, bikers are often severely injured or even killed in vehicle accidents. Frequently a biker may become seriously injured or even killed through the negligence of a car driver. Tragically, bikers are about 34 times more likely to die from a wreck than the passenger in a car.

If the driver of a car or another motorcycle is found to be negligent, the injured party can very well recover compensatory damages. Compensatory damages could include lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, pharmaceutical expenses, loss of benefits, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. If it is found that the driver of the car was intentionally trying to injure or hurt the motorcycle rider, punitive damages may be available where the defendant will have to pay enough money to deter future wrongful conduct.

The riders of motorcycles are often subject to laws that typical drivers are not subject to. For instance, in North Carolina, all riders are required to wear both a helmet and eye protection. Riders also have a different insurance requirement compared to car drivers. Motorcycles do not have to share lanes with cars. North Carolina law states that motorcyclists are entitled the full use of a lane, and no other vehicle shall be driven in a manner to deprive a motorcycle the full use of a lane.

For example, Eddie loves to ride his Harley Davidson. One day he is minding his own business riding down the interstate. Peggy Sue is a soccer mom driving a mini-van. Peggy is busy talking on her cell phone. She becomes very impatient with traffic and pulls up next to Eddie, forcing his motorcycle into the right part of the lane. Eddie is now deprived of the use of most of the lane. While Eddie is frantically signaling Peggy to slow down or change lanes, Peggy continues to talk on her cell phone. She then starts shifting right, running Eddie off the road. Eddie crashes his bike since he has nowhere to go. He is severely injured from the accident. Eddie now would most likely have a lawsuit against Peggy Sue.

Please be aware that North Carolina is a contributory negligence state. This means that if the motorcycle rider is even found to be 1% negligent, recovery will be barred. Due to the complexities of law and with the doctrine of contributory negligence, it may be extremely beneficial to retain an attorney or at least allow an attorney a chance to examine your motorcycle case and discuss the case and issues with you.

The attorneys and lawyers of Everett Law Firm, P.A. understand the issues surrounding motorcycle accidents in North Carolina. For a free legal consultation regarding your motorcycle accident case, feel free to email us or call our office, conveniently located in Chapel Hill, to discuss your case. Our toll free phone number is (800) 942-8048.