Motorcycle accidents can have devastating consequences, leading to severe injuries, life-altering disabilities, or even death. Riders in Hickory, North Carolina, can contact Ted A. Greve & Associates if they’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident. Our motorcycle accident lawyer in Hickory, NC, fights tirelessly for your rights while pursuing the justice and compensation you deserve.
Understanding Motorcycle Accidents in Hickory, NC
In 2021, North Carolina saw a staggering 3,712 motorcycle accidents, with 210 fatalities and 2,847 injuries. Although Hickory has no distinct motorcycle accident statistics, the city’s crash rates align with state-wide trends. In 2021, Hickory experienced 2,107 reported crashes, resulting in 605 injuries and 11 fatalities. While these numbers include all types of accidents, they demonstrate the high risk of injury in the area.
Motorcycle accidents are often more severe than those involving other vehicles. Riders are more exposed and vulnerable in crashes, which significantly increases the chances of sustaining life-threatening injuries. According to national statistics, motorcyclists made up 14 percent of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. in 2021, with 5,932 motorcyclists killed that year. Furthermore, motorcyclists were 24 times more likely to die in an accident compared to those in passenger cars.
High-Risk Factors and Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Hickory
Several factors contribute to the high rate of motorcycle accidents in Hickory and North Carolina.
- Lack of visibility of motorcycles on the road. Drivers of larger vehicles may not notice motorcyclists, especially when making turns or changing lanes. Forty-three percent of fatal two-vehicle motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle turning left while the motorcycle is going straight or overtaking other cars.
- Speed. This was a factor in 33 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes in 2021, significantly higher than the 22 percent seen in passenger car accidents. Speeding increases the severity of accidents and reduces a motorcyclist’s ability to react to changing road conditions or potential hazards.
- Alcohol use. In 2021, 32 percent of motorcycle fatalities involved alcohol impairment.
- Helmets. Helmets are proven to reduce the severity of injuries, but they are not always worn. In North Carolina, where universal helmet laws are in place, 9 percent of motorcyclists killed in accidents were not wearing helmets. This compares favorably with states that do not have helmet laws, where 55 percent of motorcyclists killed in accidents were helmetless. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that helmets are not just safety gear but a 37 percent effective tool in preventing fatal injuries for motorcycle riders and 41 percent effective for passengers.
Proving Fault and Establishing Negligence in Hickory, NC
To recover compensation for a motorcycle accident, you must prove that someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior was responsible for your injuries. Ted A. Greve & Associates can help gather the evidence to establish fault and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Key Evidence in Motorcycle Accident Cases
To build a strong case, our attorneys will work with investigators to collect evidence that supports your claim, such as:
- Police reports: These key pieces of evidence can help establish liability thanks to the objectivity of the law enforcement officer’s statements.
- Witness statements: Eyewitnesses can provide critical testimony regarding the circumstances of the crash.
- Surveillance footage: Video evidence from nearby cameras will prove who was at fault for the accident.
- Expert testimony: Accident reconstruction experts can recreate the crash scene and demonstrate how the accident occurred.
Understanding North Carolina’s Laws Affecting Your Case
North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule, meaning that if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation.
Statute of Limitations
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this time frame could result in losing your right to seek compensation.
Compensation For Motorcycle Accidents in Hickory
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you can recover compensation for things like:
- Medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgery costs, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages: This is compensation for the income you’ve lost due to being unable to work after the accident.
- Pain and suffering: This is compensation for the physical and emotional toll the accident has taken on your life.
- Property damage: Coverage for repairing or replacing your motorcycle or other personal property damaged in the crash.
- Long-term care or disability costs: If the accident resulted in long-term or permanent injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for future care needs.
Motorcycle accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Importance
In many cases, the responsible driver may not have enough insurance to cover the full cost of your damages, or they may not have insurance at all. This is why having uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy is crucial. This type of coverage can help protect you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have adequate insurance to cover your injuries. It can also provide additional compensation if the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover your damages, ensuring you are not left with significant out-of-pocket expenses.
North Carolina law requires that insurance companies offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, but you must opt-in to receive it. Suppose you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. In that case, this coverage can help pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident.
Call Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Hickory, NC
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Hickory, NC, you must contact a skilled attorney to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. At Ted A. Greve & Associates, we understand your challenges and will work tirelessly to ensure your rights are protected. Contact us for a free consultation today, and let us help you fight for justice and the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
