Charlotte Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

After a motorcycle accident, you will likely be disoriented, injured, and possibly in shock. You might not immediately know what to do or where to turn. That is why it is so important to know what steps to take after a motorcycle accident, especially if you have been injured and cannot drive yourself to the hospital or your attorney’s office.

Here is what you should do after a motorcycle accident in Charlotte, NC:

• Call the police. They will come to the scene of the accident and fill out an accident report. This is important because it will document exactly what happened and where.
• Go to the hospital. You will need to receive medical treatment, even if you do not think you are injured.
• Contact a Charlotte motorcycle accident attorney. Our firm can help you gather evidence and build your case. We can also represent you in any negotiations with the insurance company and help you recover the compensation you need.

Do not wait to take action after a motorcycle accident. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of recovering the compensation you need to make a full recovery.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents that involve interactions with other vehicles can be attributed to a range of factors, many of which stem from the heightened vulnerability of motorcyclists on the road. These incidents can lead to catastrophic and even fatal injuries due to the limited protection motorcycles offer compared to cars.

The following are some of the main causes of motorcycle accidents involving vehicles:

• Failure to Respect Right of Way: Among the most frequent causes of motorcycle accidents with vehicles is when a car or truck neglects to yield the right of way to a motorcycle. This typically occurs at intersections, where a vehicle turns left in front of an approaching motorcycle.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Instances of vehicles changing lanes without adequately checking blind spots or using proper signals can result in collisions with motorcycles already occupying adjacent lanes.
• Distracted Driving: Drivers preoccupied with activities like smartphone use, in-car entertainment systems, or other distractions are less likely to be aware of motorcycles sharing the road. This increases the likelihood of accidents as they may not perceive motorcycles or react in a timely manner.
• Excessive Speeding: Speeding diminishes a driver’s reaction time and magnifies the severity of accidents. When a vehicle is traveling at high speeds, accurately gauging the distance and speed of an approaching motorcycle becomes challenging, increasing the risk of collisions.
• Impaired Driving: Impaired drivers, whether due to alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications, exhibit reduced ability to react to changing road conditions and may not notice motorcycles until it’s too late.
• Overlooking Blind Spots: Many motorcycle accidents transpire when drivers fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes or merging onto highways. Motorcycles can easily disappear from a driver’s view in these blind spots.
• Sudden Stops: Abrupt stops by vehicles in front of motorcycles, especially in congested traffic or due to unexpected reasons, can pose challenges for motorcyclists to react swiftly enough to prevent collisions.
• Inexperienced Drivers: Inexperienced drivers may not be familiar with sharing the road with motorcycles, leading to errors such as misjudging motorcycle speed or distance.
• Adverse Road Conditions: Inadequate road conditions, such as potholes, loose gravel, debris, or wet surfaces, present heightened dangers to motorcycles. These conditions reduce tire traction and stability, increasing the risk of a motorcyclist losing control.
• Left-Turning Vehicles: Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable when vehicles execute left turns across their path. Drivers may miscalculate the motorcycle’s speed or overlook its presence, resulting in collisions.
• Car Door Openings: In urban settings, motorcyclists face risks when parked cars unexpectedly open their doors without verifying the presence of oncoming motorcycles.
• Tailgating: Following motorcycles too closely can be hazardous, as it reduces reaction time to sudden stops or maneuvers by the motorcyclist.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Motorcycle Accident Claim?