Motorcycles and cars share the road, but the rights of motorcycle and passenger vehicle drivers slightly differ regarding accidents.
Even outside the rule of law, people often exhibit motorcycle bias after accidents, thinking the motorcyclist helped cause the accident. Building a solid case right after the accident will be vital to receiving the damages you deserve.
What Rights Do I Have After A Motorcycle Accident?
Suppose a driver’s negligence injures a motorcycle driver. In that case, the motorcycle driver becomes entitled to compensation for their injury’s medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and damage to the bike.
However, North Carolina enforces a strict contributory negligence rule if your actions led to the accident. Therefore, if your actions led to the accident, you’re entitled to no damages, even if the accident is just 1 percent your fault.
To help prevent being held responsible for the accident, motorcycle drivers should always drive the speed limit, signal when making a turn, and never drive between lanes.
Other essential things you can do to prevent a motorcycle accident include wearing a helmet, not tailgating, and not making any sudden stops.
What Should I Do After A Motorcycle Accident Occurs?
Immediately after a motorcycle accident, the most important thing is to seek medical help and call the police to file an accident report.
If the injuries aren’t so severe that anyone needs to be transported to the hospital, next exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. If any eyewitnesses stayed at the scene, ask for their contact information.
Then, take photos of the accident. The images should show any damage to the motorcycles or cars, nearby street signs, the weather conditions, visible injuries you suffered, and more. This will help your case in receiving the damages you deserve.
After you’ve received the medical treatment you need, call The Knox Law Center right away. We have a combined 60 years of legal experience navigating North Carolina’s strict contributory negligence laws, and we can help you win the compensation you deserve.
We offer complimentary consultations to all personal injury and accident injury cases to help you understand your rights and immediately get the help you need.
