Charlotte Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Charlotte Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycles are popular in Charlotte and throughout North Carolina, but they are also some of the most inherently dangerous vehicles on the road for several reasons. All riders of all experience levels must understand the importance of caution while riding and know what to do when an accident happens. If you were injured in a crash on a motorcycle, you need to consult a Charlotte motorcycle accident lawyer right away.

The team at Elam & Rousseaux, PLLC, can provide comprehensive legal support for your recovery efforts following a personal injury accident. As long as you are able to prove that another driver is directly responsible for causing your recent motorcycle accident, you can seek compensation for the damages they caused. However, this process can be challenging, so it’s vital to contact a Charlotte motorcycle accident lawyer about your case.

Helping You Secure Fair Compensation After A Motorcycle Accident

When a motorcyclist is involved in an accident, the results are almost always catastrophic. Even when all reasonable precautions are taken, a motorcycle is simply no match for a larger, heavier vehicle. When an inattentive driver collides with a motorcycle, it is considered negligence, and the injured victim may be able to pursue compensation. This is just one example of how such accidents can happen.

Distracted driving, speeding, and moving violations are just a few examples of how driver negligence can easily result in devastating collisions. It is also possible for motorcycle accidents to happen because of illegal misconduct, such as driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol. Proving fault is an essential first step in your recovery efforts if you intend to seek compensation for your damages from another driver.

The average motorcycle accident victim is unlikely to build a cohesive and functional civil claim for damages on their own. The recovery process from most vehicle accidents in North Carolina begins with a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy, followed by filing a personal injury claim when their insurance cannot cover the damages they caused in full. An attorney can help you maximize the results of both of these recovery options.

At Elam & Rousseaux, PLLC, our personal injury lawyers in Charlotte have more than 90 years of combined experience helping accident victims get the full and fair compensation that they deserve. As soon as you secure our firm’s representation for your motorcycle accident claim, we can begin gathering evidence to help you prove fault and carefully review your damages so we can maximize your recovery as efficiently as possible.

We Handle All Injury Claims In Charlotte, NC

The lawyers at Elam & Rousseaux, PLLC, have extensive experience handling all injury claims that arise out of motorcycle accidents, including the following:

• Catastrophic injuries. A personal injury qualifies as catastrophic when it results in permanent harm to the victim. They could suffer disfiguring injuries, excruciating pain, difficult recovery, and even permanent disability. Our team will seek compensation for you that reflects the severity of your experience and the scope of long-term or permanent harm the at-fault driver has inflicted.
• Traumatic brain injuries. These are some of the common injuries from motorcycle accidents and have a high chance of resulting in permanent disability or death. Traumatic brain injuries are difficult to treat and can cause a host of unpredictable symptoms, some of which can diminish the victim’s quality of life in various ways.
• Injuries to the spine can potentially lead to paralysis. Any injury to the spinal cord is permanent, and a complete injury will prevent the brain from communicating with the body connected below the injury site.
• Head and spinal injuries. Many motorcycle accident victims suffer multiple injuries to both the head and the spine, potentially resulting in life-threatening medical emergencies. These are some of the most serious accident cases that have a very high chance of resulting in permanent disability.
• Burn injuries. Burns can happen in many ways from a vehicle accident. Motorcyclists are also vulnerable to road rash, which is a friction burn caused by sliding along asphalt at high speeds. Even the highest quality safety gear can only mitigate this type of injury, not prevent it entirely.
• Fractures and broken bones. Broken bones can sometimes heal completely with time and appropriate medical intervention. However, severe fractures may require surgical correction, and placement of steel pins and plates, and cause chronic pain, diminished mobility, and a host of other possible symptoms.

When you have been hurt while driving a motorcycle, you will face financial burdens in addition to the physical and emotional effects of your injuries. You may be unable to work for a significant period of time and find yourself stuck with expensive medical bills. That is why we negotiate tirelessly and litigate if necessary to get you the financial settlement you deserve.

Under North Carolina’s fault rule for vehicle accidents, if another driver is directly responsible for causing your recent accident, you can seek accountability and compensation for the damages they caused. This process can be challenging, but with an experienced Charlotte motorcycle accident lawyer representing you, you can approach the process with confidence and peace of mind.

How to File an Insurance Claim After a Motorcycle Crash

North Carolina law requires all drivers to have car insurance that meets minimum coverage requirements for property damage liability and bodily injury liability. If another driver caused your accident, filing a claim against their insurance policy is usually your option for recouping your losses. All drivers must have auto insurance, and failure to have it entails legal penalties along with personal liability for any damages they cause in an accident.

Unfortunately, dealing with insurance carriers can be challenging as they will almost always look for ways to fight claims for compensation. However, if an insurance company sees that an injured claimant has legal representation, they will be more likely to process the claim quickly in good faith. Your Charlotte personal injury lawyer can help you secure a fair offer for a settlement from an at-fault driver’s insurance carrier.

Recovery With a Personal Injury Suit in Charlotte

When insurance won’t fully cover your damages, or if the driver who is at fault for the accident does not have auto insurance, a personal injury claim will be the optimal legal vehicle for you to recover your losses after a motorcycle accident. Success with the claim will require proof that the defendant directly caused the damages cited in the claim through an act of negligence or by breaking the law. This may sound straightforward, but any case might evolve into a complex legal battle.

Proving liability for a personal injury requires leveraging evidence and witness testimony to show that the defendant directly caused the damages cited in the claim. Once you have established fault for the accident, your Charlotte motorcycle accident lawyer can help you uncover all the various damages you can claim from the defendant.

You can claim repayment of all economic losses resulting from the accident, such as the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, all the medical expenses related to your injuries from the accident, and compensation for income you cannot earn because of your injuries. Additionally, you can seek pain and suffering compensation that reflects the severity of your damages.

Other variables could also influence your award. If, for example, the at-fault driver broke a law while causing the crash, that driver can face the payment of restitution or be ordered to pay punitive damages, along with the other damages they must repay to you. An experienced Charlotte motorcycle accident lawyer can help you account for all variables that could potentially enhance your recovery and guide you through these proceedings as efficiently as possible.

Dedicated Representation In Fatal Accident Cases

Tragically, some motorcycle accidents prove to be fatal. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal accident, we can help you pursue a wrongful death claim against the negligent parties. We understand that no amount of compensation can make up for your loss. However, we can send a message that irresponsible actions will not be tolerated. If you or a loved one has been hurt while riding a motorcycle, we are prepared to help. Contact our Charlotte motorcycle accident attorneys online or call 704-343-0000 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation.

FAQs About Charlotte, NC Motorcycle Accident Laws

How Do You Prove Fault for a Motorcycle Accident in Charlotte?

You could prove fault for your recent motorcycle accident in Charlotte by presenting various forms of digital and physical evidence. Photos of the scene of the crash, cell phone records, traffic camera recordings, and vehicle computer data often play critical roles in these cases. Witness testimony is also invaluable to your case if anyone witnessed the accident. Your attorney can help you gather the evidence needed to build your claim.

What Are Commonly Reported Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Commonly reported motorcycle accident injuries include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, facial and dental injuries, spinal injuries, and damage to internal organs. The risk of catastrophic or fatal injury is much higher from a motorcycle accident than most other types of vehicle accidents because motorcycles do not provide their riders with any physical protection in a crash. They risk injury from initial impact with the other vehicle and from hitting the ground.

What Is the Value of My Motorcycle Accident Claim in Charlotte?

The potential value of your motorcycle accident claim in Charlotte will depend on the severity of your damages. The fault rule in North Carolina states that the driver at fault for causing your accident is liable for all resulting economic and non-economic damages. This means you can claim compensation for your property losses, medical expenses, lost income, projected future economic losses, and your pain and suffering.

Can I File a Personal Injury Claim if I’m Partially at Fault for an Accident?

You cannot file a personal injury claim if you are partially at fault for an accident in North Carolina due to the contributory negligence rule. Under this rule, a plaintiff may not seek compensation for damages if they bear any amount of partial fault for causing those damages. Even if you bear slight fault, the contributory negligence rule will apply to your case, and you will be personally responsible for your damages.

What Does Hiring a Charlotte Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Cost?

The cost to hire a Charlotte motorcycle accident lawyer will depend on the attorney’s billing policy. The attorneys at Elam & Rousseaux, PLLC, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning your fee for our representation will only be a percentage of whatever compensation we obtain for you, and we only collect this fee if we win the case. We charge absolutely no fee if we cannot secure compensation for your damages.

The right Charlotte motorcycle accident lawyer can be invaluable in dealing with your impending legal proceedings if you intend to seek compensation for the damages you suffered. If another party is liable for your accident, you can seek accountability, and we can help. Contact Elam & Rousseaux, PLLC, today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Charlotte motorcycle accident lawyer regarding your recovery.