Motorcycle accidents can have devastating consequences. Due to the lack of protection, riders are more likely to suffer serious injuries, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord damage, broken bones, and road rash.
In addition to the physical pain and emotional trauma, a motorcycle crash can also result in significant financial losses. Medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing care can quickly add up, leaving victims struggling to make ends meet.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Cherryville NC, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and options. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Teddy, Meekins, and Talbert Law Firm would like to help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Motorcycle Accidents: A Disproportionate Percentage of Serious Injuries
Motorcycle accidents account for a significant percentage of serious injuries on the road. According to the NHTSA – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle riders are more likely than passenger car occupants to be killed in a crash.
While car collisions may result in minor property damage and scratches, the same is not always true for a motorcycle accident. When a motorcycle is involved in a wreck, the rider’s body is exposed, and the other larger vehicle can cause severe damage to both the motorcycle, the rider, and any passenger.
Types of Injuries Suffered in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, including:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI occurs when the head is struck or jolted, causing damage to the brain. Symptoms of traumatic brain injury can range from mild (headache, confusion) to severe (coma, permanent brain damage).
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and loss of control over bodily functions.
Broken Bones
Motorcycle accidents often cause broken bones, which can be painful and may require surgery to repair.
Road Rash
When a rider is thrown from a motorcycle, they can suffer severe abrasions, commonly referred to as road rash.
Internal Injuries
Motorcycle accidents may cause internal organ damage and hemorrhaging (bleeding), which can be life-threatening.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include things like:
Other Drivers Failing to See Motorcycles
One common issue motorcyclists encounter is that other drivers often fail to take the time or try to see them. Many motorists are conditioned to notice only bigger vehicles – cars, vans, trucks, etc. – and overlook motorcycles.
Head-on Collisions
Some of the most serious motorcycle accidents involve a head-on collision, with the car hitting the motorcycle from the front. Rear end collisions can be just as serious. Head-on collisions may be fatal, accounting for more than half of all motorcycle collision deaths in the United States and possible wrongful death claims.
Left-Hand Turns
Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is a vehicle making a left-hand turn in front of a motorcycle that is going straight through an intersection.
Speeding or Reckless Driving
Speeding, reckless driving, and aggressive driving are common causes of motorcycle accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving, including texting while driving or talking on a cell phone, can cause drivers to overlook motorcycles and increase the risk of an accident.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a significant risk factor for motorcycle accidents.
Road Hazards
Hazards on the road, such as bicycles, pedestrians, and electric scooters, can also lead to motorcycle accidents.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Cherryville NC
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Cherryville NC, taking certain steps to protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the medical care you need is essential. Here’s what to do:
- Call 911: If you or anyone else has been injured in the accident, call 911 right away. The operator will dispatch emergency services to the scene, including police and paramedics.
- Get to a Safe Place: If you’re able to, move yourself and your motorcycle to a safe place off the road to prevent further accidents.
- Collect Information: Exchange contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information with the other driver involved in the accident. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses to the accident.
- Document the Scene: Take pictures of the scene of the accident, including any damage to your motorcycle and any visible injuries you’ve suffered.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel like you’ve been seriously injured, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent, and delaying medical treatment may worsen the situation.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as possible, but don’t give a written or recorded statement without the assistance of an attorney.
- Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney: Finally, contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Cherryville NC, to discuss your legal options. We’d like to help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Types of Compensation Available for Motorcycle Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Cherryville NC, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to recover compensation for:
Medical Bills
You may be able to recover compensation for medical bills and expenses related to your motorcycle accident, including future rehabilitation and therapy.
Lost Wages
If you’ve had to miss work due to your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for lost wages.
Occupational Retraining
If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job, you may be able to recover compensation for occupational retraining.
Short-term or Long-term Disability
If your injuries are severe enough to prevent you from working in the long term, you may be able to recover compensation for short-term or long-term disability.
Pain and Suffering
You may be able to recover compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the accident.
Mental Anguish
If the accident has caused you emotional distress, you may be able to recover compensation for mental anguish.
Disfigurement
If the accident has left you with permanent disfigurement or scarring, you may be eligible for compensation.
Punitive Damages
In cases of drunk driving, you may also be able to recover punitive damages, which are designed to punish the at-fault party and discourage similar behavior in the future.
How Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Cherryville NC, here’s how we can help:
- Investigate the Accident: We’ll thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident, the extent of your injuries, and other important factors about the case.
- File Your Claim: We can help file your claim with the insurance companies for all the responsible parties and negotiate for a settlement that provides you with full and fair motorcycle injury compensation without going to court, if possible.
- Prepare for Litigation: If necessary, we’ll file a lawsuit and prepare for litigation. We’re courtroom lawyers. We’re not afraid to take a case to trial and present arguments to a jury if a negotiated settlement isn’t possible.
- Keep You Informed: While your claim is pending, you can rely on us to keep you informed about what’s going on. We believe our clients deserve personal attention, and we’d like to answer your questions
- Fight for Your Rights: We’re passionate about helping our clients fight for their legal rights and get the compensation they deserve.
Why Choose Teddy, Meekins, and Talbert Law Firm?
At Teddy, Meekins, and Talbert Law Firm, we’re committed to providing aggressive, innovative, and passionate representation for our clients. Here are some reasons why you should choose us for your motorcycle accident case:
- Experience: Our attorneys have substantial experience handling personal injury cases, including motorcycle accidents. We have the knowledge, skill, and courtroom experience to help you navigate the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve.
- Personal Attention: We believe our clients deserve personal attention. It’s an honor to answer questions and keep you informed about your case.
- Aggressive Representation: We’re passionate about helping our clients fight for their legal rights and are not afraid to take on insurance companies and other powerful entities to get the compensation our clients deserve.
- Proven Results: We have a track record in personal injury cases. We enjoy helping people and our proud of the work we’ve done over the years to secure fair and full compensation.
- No Legal Fee Unless We Win: We understand that the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be financially challenging, which is why we work on a contingency fee basis. We don’t get paid legal fees unless we are able to obtain a settlement or verdict.
Cherryville Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Cherryville NC, don’t wait to take action. Contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Teddy, Meekins, and Talbert Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.
We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal rights and options. We’d like to help you receive the compensation you deserve and get your life back on track.
