Top Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Winston Salem, NC

Winston Salem, NC Motorcycle Accident FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Winston Salem, North Carolina?

  The non-emergency phone number for the Winston-Salem Police Department is 336-773-7700.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Winston Salem, North Carolina?

  You can get a copy of your crash report in multiple ways.

  Online: by searching for your crash report on the Winston-Salem Police Department eCrash Database Phone: by calling the Winston-Salem Police Records Division at 336-773-7922 In-Person: by visiting the Vivian H. Burke Public Safety Center, Records Division, and asking the front desk about getting a copy of your accident report

• How much do motorcycle accident lawyers in Winston-Salem, NC charge?

  Most accident lawyers take cases on a contingency basis, that is, they only collect payment after they are successful at recovering compensation for their client. Generally, lawyers and firms collect 33% from the client’s settlement/award as payment. Hence, most accident victims don’t have to pay upfront costs from their own pocket.

• Can you claim any compensation if you are partly at fault for a motorcycle accident in Winston-Salem, NC?

  North Carolina operates under the pure contributory negligence rule, where the claimant may be barred from receiving any compensation if they are found to be even 1% at fault. Take note that the claimants’ actions must be directly contributory to the accident to be considered at fault. If the claimant was speeding, but the accident happened because the other driver ran a red light, the claimant may still get compensation. It is important to seek counsel from a Winston-Salem motorcycle accident lawyer for guidance on contributory negligence.

• How long do motorcycle accident victims have to file personal injury claims in Winston-Salem, NC?

  If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Winston-Salem, you must file your claim within three years from the accident date. If you are the surviving spouse/adult child or the legal representative of someone who passed away due to a motorcycle accident, you have only two years to submit wrongful death claims. The two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death cases starts from the date of the victim's passing.

• What damages can you claim after a motorcycle accident in Winston-Salem, NC?

  Motorcycle accident victims can claim compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages address the victim’s expenses like medical treatment and motorcycle repairs, as well as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. Punitive damages may be awarded if the party at fault is found to have acted with malice, willful or wanton conduct, or fraud, based on the North Carolina General Statutes Section 1D-5. In motor vehicle accident cases, this may manifest as drunk driving, excessive speeding, or racing.

• Do motorcycle accident cases in Winston-Salem, NC, need to go to trial?

  Ultimately, it is the victim’s decision if they want to go to trial. Motorcycle accident lawyers in Winston-Salem work to get the maximum compensation for their clients through settlement negotiations with the insurance company. Going to trial exposes the client to added expenses, a longer wait to collect compensation, and the judgment of a jury. However, there are situations where lawyers advise to take cases to court, such as insurance companies refusing to pay fair compensation.