Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Cary

FAQs

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

  (919) 469-4012 is the non-emergency contact number for the Cary police station.

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

  Individuals who want to obtain a copy of an accident report in person can go to the Cary Police Department's records unit, which is located inside the Cary Police Department at 120 Wilkinson Avenue. They may also call the Automated Report Request Line at (919) 460-4902 if they have the report number and want the report faxed or mailed to their insurance companies. If they do not have their report numbers, they can call (919) 469-4021, and they will be assisted by the records team.

• Why is it important to seek the help of a motorcycle accident lawyer in Cary?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys in Cary play an important role in protecting the legal rights of motorcyclists because they are frequently seen as negligent parties in the eyes of the law. Furthermore, North Carolina has contributory negligence laws, which state that motorcycle riders contribute to accidents because motorcycles are more dangerous to operate than automobiles.

• How common are motorcycle accidents in Cary that result in injuries?

  According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation's annual Traffic Crash Facts report, approximately 10 motorcycle accidents occur in the state every day, with the majority of these accidents resulting in injuries. Furthermore, approximately one in every twenty motorcycle accidents in the state is fatal, emphasizing the importance of motorcycle riders and motor vehicle drivers being responsible enough to protect motorcyclists on the road.

• What are the motorcycle helmet regulations in Cary?

  Under North Carolina law, motorcyclists and passengers in Cary are required to wear helmets with a firm inner liner that adhere to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. Compliant helmets have the symbol “DOT” printed on their backs. Additional information that must be found on a helmet’s label includes the model name, the manufacturer, and the date of manufacture.

• What are the consequences of violating Cary's motorcycle helmet law?

  Motorcycle riders pay a fine of $25.50 and court costs for failing to wear a helmet in Cary. However, a $25.50 fine is not the only possible outcome of not wearing a helmet in North Carolina. Unsafe motorcycle riding can result in serious injuries or even death.

• How does North Carolina’s contributory negligence law affect the personal injury claims of motorcycle accident victims in Cary?

  Because North Carolina is a fault state with a contributory negligence law under statute § 1B-1, motorcyclists who are found to be responsible for even 1% of their injuries may be barred from filing a claim. As a result, injured riders are discouraged from providing information to insurance adjusters other than the date of the incident.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.