Charlotte Injury Lawyers Blog
Motorcycle Accidents in North Carolina
Motorcycles are fun and exhilarating to ride. They provide an inexpensive mode of transportation. Whether riding to work or for enjoyment, motorcycles can be a wonderful way to get around. Unfortunately, motorcycles can also be dangerous. The incidence of motorcycle accidents has risen over the years. When a motorcycle collides with a larger vehicle, the motorcyclist often suffers serious injuries as a result. If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash, you may be owed compensation from the negligent driver.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles are common in North Carolina, with more than 200,000 motorcycles registered in the state. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), motorcycles account for about 2% of all registered vehicles in the state, but motorcycles account for about 10% of traffic fatalities. This disproportionate number means that a person is more likely to die in a motorcycle crash than from crashes in other types of vehicles. North Carolina is ranked as the fifth most dangerous state for motorcycle fatalities in the country.
What Causes Motorcycle Crashes?
Although some motorcycle accidents are one-vehicle crashes, the majority of crashes are with other vehicles. Many of these accidents are caused by the other vehicle. Driving while distracted, driving while impaired, and texting while driving are all common reasons why traffic accidents occur. Larger vehicles such as SUVs, pickup trucks, and commercial trucks may be unable to easily see motorcycles. Motorcycle accidents are often more severe than other accidents because motorcyclists have little protection when they get hit.
Preventing Motorcycle Accidents
Driving defensively is the best way to prevent motorcycle accidents. Drivers need to understand that they share the road with motorcycles. Other drivers must take care to watch for motorcycles in all situations. Always stay a safe distance behind a motorcycle so you can stop quickly if you need to. Be aware of motorcycles making turns or changing lanes. Always obey the speed limit and check your blind spots before making lane changes or turns. Most importantly, don’t allow any distractions while behind the wheel.
Safety for Motorcyclists
Motorcycle riders must take steps to prevent accidents and to minimize the potential for injuries if an accident occurs. Wear a DOT-approved helmet with the proper fit. Wear long pants, proper shoes, and protective gear, and wear a reflective vest at night to ensure that others can see you. Obey the speed limits and other rules of the road. Drive in your lane. Be careful when changing lanes and don’t weave in and out of traffic or drive on the shoulder. Take a motorcycle training course and always have a current license. Don’t drive while impaired or distracted, since that can make it more difficult to focus on the road. Make sure your motorcycle is working correctly and test the lights before every ride.
If you or a loved one was seriously hurt in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, the negligent driver should pay your damages. Our experienced legal team will help you get the money you deserve for your injuries. Call us today at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 to request a consultation.
The skilled personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to maximizing the financial recovery and obtaining justice for every personal injury client injured by another party’s negligence. The issues our personal injury clients may be facing include, but are not limited to, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death, product liability, catastrophic injuries, dog bite claims, car and truck accident injuries, motorcycle injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), nursing home negligence, spinal cord injury, boating accidents, and defective medical device injury. Our personal injury attorneys understand the devastating impact such an injury can have on a person’s life, and that the effects so often go beyond physical pain and suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to helping clients determine the strength of their claims, and to aggressively pursuing the means necessary to achieve the best possible end result for each client’s particular situation.
Source:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/motorcycle-safety/choose-right-motorcycle-helmet
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/motorcycle/Pages/motorcycle-safety.aspx
Image Credit:
https://www.freeimages.com/photo/motorcycle-1311319
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