Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Durham, North Carolina

Parked motorcycle with sun setting in the background

Every motorcycle rider understands the risk of suffering severe injuries in a motorcycle accident. As a result, most motorcyclists ride with the care and skill needed to stay as safe as possible on the road. However, no matter how much caution a rider may exercise, they cannot fully protect themselves from the negligence or recklessness of other motorists. If you were injured in a crash caused by another driver, a Durham motorcycle accident lawyer could help you demand the full financial recovery you deserve.

For more than a decade, the Durham motorcycle accident lawyers of the Kreger Brodish LLP law firm have dedicated themselves to offering skilled legal advocacy and personalized client service to injured accident victims across North Carolina. As a result, we have the knowledge and resources needed to build a solid, persuasive case for the fair compensation you’re due.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation with a Durham motorcycle accident lawyer if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident. Learn about your legal rights and options for recovering compensation for the injuries you have suffered.

Why Are Motorcycle Accident Claims More Complicated?

Motorcycle accident lawsuits are often more complex than other types of motor vehicle accident cases for multiple reasons:

  • More severe injuries – As motorcycle riders are almost entirely unprotected on their bikes, they often suffer far more catastrophic injuries than victims of other auto accidents. This can complicate pursuing a motorcycle accident claim since injured riders often undergo treatment and rehabilitation when negotiating a settlement or seeking recovery in court. As a result, any compensation award must include an estimate of all future expected medical bills and other losses.
  • More expensive damages – Because riders tend to sustain more severe crash injuries, they often incur more significant expenses and losses. This can complicate a motorcycle accident claim if an at-fault driver doesn’t have sufficient liability insurance coverage to compensate an injured rider fully. If that happens, the rider may be forced to turn to their insurance policy for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
  • Unfair stereotypes – Finally, pursuing claims for compensation as an injured motorcycle rider can become complicated when at-fault drivers or insurers try to avoid liability by relying on stereotypes of riders as reckless or unsafe motorists. Insurance companies often argue that the riders bear some share of the fault for motorcycle accidents. A rider will need a Durham motorcycle accident lawyer and get ready to push back against those claims.

Proving Fault After a Motorcycle Crash

Proving fault after a motorcycle accident can be a complex process. Making matters more complicated is North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule. Under this rule, an injured party cannot recover compensation if they share even the slightest bit of fault for the motorcycle accident and the injuries they sustained.

As a result, to successfully recover compensation in your motorcycle accident claim, you must prove that the other driver or other parties are responsible for causing the wreck and your injuries. Working with a Durham motorcycle accident lawyer with the skills to build the most robust case possible on your behalf is crucial.

Demanding Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident in Durham

When you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else, you may be entitled to recover compensation for expenses and losses incurred. For example, compensation in a motorcycle accident claim can cover losses such as:

  • Costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation of injuries you suffered in the crash
  • Costs of long-term care for permanent disabilities or health conditions that result from your injuries
  • Loss of income or earning ability if your injuries render you temporarily or permanently unable to return to your job and you suffer a reduction in your earnings as a result
  • Repair bills for your motorcycle or the value of your bike if it was destroyed in the accident.
  • Pain and suffering
  • Reduced enjoyment and quality of life due to disabilities or visible scarring/disfigurement from your injuries

What Do I Do After a Motorcycle Wreck in Durham, NC?

After a motorcycle accident, you should take the following steps to help protect your legal options for pursuing a compensation claim:

  • Take photos or video of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks or debris in the road, traffic controls and signals, and weather and lighting conditions.
  • Save the contact information for everyone involved and any witnesses.
  • See a doctor or another medical provider as soon as possible to get examined for any injuries you suffered. Take photos of any visible damages.
  • Follow all treatment instructions you receive from your doctor. This includes getting the rest you need.
  • Keep copies of records of expenses that you incurred due to the motorcycle accident, as well as any other documentation related to the crash, such as a copy of the police accident report.
  • Refrain from posting images or other information on social media while your case is in progress. The other side may use this information to discredit your claim.
  • Talk to a knowledgeable Durham motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to map out a plan for pursuing the total payment you need.

Infographic - what should I after a motorcycle wreck in Durham, NC

Tips for Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Motorcycle Accident

An adjuster may contact you from an insurance company soon after the crash. Regardless of how much an adjuster may sound like they want to help you, remember that their interest focuses on helping the insurance company pay you as little as possible. Keep in mind these tips when dealing with insurance companies after motorcycle accidents:

  • Keep comprehensive records of any communications or transactions you have with an insurance company.
  • Only give a formal oral or written statement once you have had a chance to consult with a lawyer.
  • Only sign documents presented to you by the insurance company if an attorney has reviewed them.