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When Your Back Is Against The Wall

Greenville Motorcycle Accident Attorneys 

Advocating for the Rights of Injured Bikers

Unfortunately, motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles on the road, which puts them at a greater risk of being involved in an accident. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), motorcyclists are 24 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants in passenger vehicles.

At Lanier Law Group, P.A., our Greenville motorcycle accident attorneys understand that these accidents can result in devastating and fatal injuries. We are here to help you fight for the fair compensation you are owed for your losses.

Motorcyclists face unique challenges on the road due to their size and the lack of protection that their vehicles provide. Even minor accidents can result in severe injuries, highlighting the importance of having a dedicated legal team on your side to navigate the complexities of motorcycle accident claims. We work diligently to explore every avenue of compensation, ensuring you receive the support necessary to recover and move forward.

Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident? Contact us at (252) 429-5161 today to discuss your claim with a member of our team. We offer free initial consultations!

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

According to the IIHS, there are several common causes of motorcycle accidents. Like other types of motor vehicle accidents, many Greenville motorcycle crashes result from driver negligence.

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

  • Driver Negligence: Many motorcycle accidents are caused by distracted, drunk, drowsy, and otherwise negligent drivers.
  • Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers who fail to check their blind spots or use their mirrors properly may cause a serious accident when they change lanes.
  • Speeding is one of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents, including motorcycle crashes.
  • Left-Turn Accidents: When drivers try turning left at an intersection or into a driveway, they may fail to see an oncoming motorcycle, causing a serious accident.
  • Dooring: Dooring accidents occur when a driver or passenger opens their car door directly into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist.
  • Poor Road Conditions: When roads are poorly maintained, motorists may have a more challenging time seeing motorcycles and may be more likely to lose control of their vehicles.
  • Defective Motorcycle Parts: In some cases, motorcycle accidents are caused by defective and dangerous parts, such as tires, brakes, and steering systems.
  • Motorcycle Lane-Splitting: Lane-splitting is the practice of riding a motorcycle between two lanes of traffic. While lane-splitting is legal in some states, it is not in North Carolina.

Beyond these causes, environmental factors such as poor weather conditions can also increase the likelihood of an accident. Rain, fog, and ice can obscure visibility and make roads slippery, particularly hazardous for motorcyclists. Riders must take extra precautions in bad weather, and other drivers must remain vigilant for their presence under all conditions.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

When Greenville motorcyclists are involved in accidents, they are at a much higher risk of being seriously injured or killed than occupants in other types of vehicles. This is because motorcycles do not offer the same level of protection as cars and trucks.

Some of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:

  • Head Injuries: Head injuries, including concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are common in motorcycle accidents. These injuries can result in long-term complications and may be permanently disabling.
  • Road Rash: When a motorcyclist is thrown from their bike, they may slide along the pavement, causing painful and debilitating road rash. Occasionally, road rash may become infected and require extensive medical treatment.
  • Broken Bones: Many motorcyclists suffer broken bones in accidents, particularly in accidents in which they are thrown from their bikes.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Motorcyclists who suffer spinal cord injuries may be wholly or partially paralyzed. These injuries are often permanent and require extensive medical treatment.
  • Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, including internal bleeding, are common in motorcycle accidents. These injuries can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent.

The Impact of Local Greenville Traffic Patterns on Motorcycle Safety

Greenville's unique traffic patterns and road structures can heavily influence motorcycle safety. The city’s mix of urban and rural roads presents various challenges for motorcyclists. For example, the intersection of major highways and local streets often leads to congested traffic during rush hours. This can increase the chances of accidents, particularly for motorcyclists, who are more vulnerable due to their size and lack of external protection. Understanding these local patterns can help prevent accidents and structure legal arguments when incidents occur.

Furthermore, Greenville hosts numerous events that attract large crowds, leading to temporary changes in traffic flow. These may confuse local drivers and those unfamiliar with the area, contributing to higher accident rates. Knowing the local transport routes and peak traffic times can be crucial for motorcyclists planning their journeys and for attorneys constructing a claim where local traffic flow contributed to an accident.

The Role of North Carolina’s Motorcycle Laws & Regulations

Understanding the specific motorcycle laws and regulations in North Carolina is essential for all motorcyclists and legal practitioners. North Carolina law mandates that all motorcycle riders must wear approved helmets, a regulation that directly impacts safety and legal outcomes in accident claims. Failure to wear appropriate protective gear can influence liability and compensation in court proceedings. Knowing these laws helps protect motorcyclists better and ensures that those who suffer injuries due to another's negligence receive justice.

Moreover, beyond helmet laws, North Carolina has regulations about motorcycle endorsements on licenses, minimum insurance coverage requirements, and rules against lane-splitting. These laws are designed to safeguard riders and other road users. Adhering strictly to these regulations is not just about compliance; it's about ensuring maximum safety and being legally prepared in the event of an accident. Awareness and education about these laws can significantly decrease motorcycle-related injuries.

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Greenville Help?

After a motorcycle accident, consulting with an experienced attorney is essential. At Lanier Law Group, P.A., our Greenville motorcycle accident lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and options and guide you through filing a claim.

We can help you gather the evidence you need to prove fault, including police reports, photos of the accident scene, surveillance footage, and eyewitness testimony. Our team can also help you determine the value of your claim and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. 

If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, our firm can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit. While a lawsuit can never bring your loved one back, it can help you secure the resources you need to move forward after this devastating loss.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents in Greenville

What Steps Should I Take Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident in Greenville?

Immediately after a motorcycle accident in Greenville, ensure your safety and that of others by moving out of traffic if possible and calling 911. It is vital to get medical attention, even if injuries appear minor. Document the scene thoroughly with photographs and gather contact information from all parties involved, including witnesses. File a police report, as it serves as crucial evidence in your claim. Finally, contact a professional motorcycle accident attorney in Greenville to discuss your options and protect your rights.

How Does Comparative Negligence Affect My Motorcycle Accident Claim in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the contributory negligence rule applies, meaning that if you are found even partially at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering damages. This rule underscores the importance of having a skilled attorney who can effectively argue that the majority or entirety of the fault lies with the other party. Evidence collection, including witness statements, police reports, and expert testimonies, is fundamental to overcoming any claims of contributory negligence that could affect your compensation.

What Type of Compensation Can I Recover for a Motorcycle Accident?

Compensation for motorcycle accidents can cover a wide range of damages. These include medical expenses such as hospital visits, surgeries, and rehabilitation costs. Victims may also recover current and future lost wages if the injuries impact their ability to work. Additionally, compensation may cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering or emotional distress. In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages might also be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future, depending on the specifics of the claim.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident claim is generally three years from the accident date. This period applies to personal injury claims and ensures that all legal proceedings are initiated in a timely manner. However, certain circumstances might alter this timeframe, such as when a government entity is involved, which requires quicker action. It is essential to consult with a knowledgeable attorney promptly to ensure your rights are preserved and to understand any nuances that may affect your specific situation fully.

Contact Lanier Law Group, P.A. today to schedule a meeting with our motorcycle accident lawyer in Greenville!

We Fight for Our Clients

*Featured Case Results, Settlements, & Trial Wins From Our Attorneys
  • $5.95 Million Permanent Brain Failure

    Our client had a brick fly off of a utility trailer and go through their windshield and hit her on the face.

  • $4.8 Million Settlement

    A case with multiple plaintiffs who were potentially exposed to a deadly disease while in the hospital.

  • $4.3 Million Head-On Collision

    Personal injury litigation settlement for a client who was involved in a head-on collision with a commercial tractor-trailer.

  • $3.1 Million Birth Injury/Hypoxic Brain Injury

    The OB doctor’s negligence caused a delay in the baby’s birth which resulted in the baby suffering of a severe hypoxic brain injury.

  • $1.8 Million Litigation Settlement

    Our client was involved in a motor vehicle accident with a meat truck.

  • $1.375 Million Medication Overdose/Hospital Negligence

    Our client died following an overdose of medication that occurred as a result of the negligence of the nursery staff while they were in the hospital.

We Never Back Down From a Fight

Featured Reviews, Testimonials & Results
    "20 out of 10 stars."
    There are times in your life you are so hurt and feel life has a grudge against you. Nothing in your life is going right. I lost the most important person in my life to death, of which I knew mistakes were made because I witnessed it with my own eyes. When you contact a law group you most of the time get all business and a matter of fact conversation. I want all to know that from the first phone call they listened to my lengthy story, sobbing most of the time with so much compassion. They never made any promises but offered assurances that no stone would be unturned. They fulfilled every word they said. They restored faith that I had lost. Until you are in a position like mine you can never know how invaluable Lanier Law Group is. They were wonderful while maintaining their professionalism. They treated me like a family member. They really do care about their clients. But most of all they are the best at what they do. I worked in the court system for years so I knew how attorneys and law firms basically operated. Understanding the law and it's interpretation is the ultimate key to winning any case. Also know that if an attorney/attorneys study and review your case and know that you don't have a chance in a court of law and are big enough to tell you that instead of giving you false hope, you then my friend have a group with valuable shared values. I have so much respect for everyone in this Law Group. I recommend Lanier Law Group, P.A. to anyone who needs representation, they are in your corner. 20 out of 10 stars.
    - Diane W.
    "Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members"
    I started working with Lanier Law Group in 2020 on my Social Security Disability case. They from start to finish were awesome. My case manager Janet Hanks and attorney, Ashley Sappenfield were always available to answer all my questions. I did not have to do much but sit back and let them handle whatever was needed. My case took too long (2 years) and if I did not have Janet and Ashley My case would still not be approved. I would recommend Lanier to anyone to get the job done and approved. Do not go to another firm with your case, who promise the world and do not see it to completion and do not think another firms would have worked as hard as they did on my case. Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members to handle any cases of this type and other legal services they provide. They went above and beyond!
    - Phillip J.
    "So thankful for your expertise and professionalism"
    Mrs. Gonzalez did an awesome job of explaining everything in detail and keeping me informed on the status of my case. Despite poor customer service with the insurance company, Mrs. Gonzalez was able to fix what they could not. Mrs. Gonzalez was very helpful with helping me understand things that I was not aware of when dealing with insurance claims. I am so thankful for her expertise and professionalism.
    - Mario H.
    "Always ready to answer any questions I may have"
    The staff kept me well informed in a more than timely manner and was always ready to answer any questions I may have.
    - Timothy M.
    "The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service!"
    The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service! My main contact was Denise.
    - Malinda P.
    "Great experience"
    Great experience. Tish was very helpful as my case progressed and explained all of the steps to me, leaving me with very few questions. Shea was also very helpful during the negotiation process.
    - Nyesha B.

Don't Hire Just Any Firm

Take Control of Your Case Today With the Help of Lanier Law Group
  • We Never Back Down
    Our attorneys are confident taking cases to trial and will always seek to maximize your compensation.
  • We're Here For You 24/7
    Regardless of when you contact our firm, we're here to make sure that you get the answers you need. We also offer weekend appointments and consultations.
  • We're In Your Corner
    Every case we take on has a team of dedicated professionals assigned to make sure that we're delivering the best possible service and results.
  • We Come Prepared

    After an injury, every second counts. We are available to meet with you in person, virtually, or at your location to provide the highest quality legal counsel.