There’s not much that compares to riding a motorcycle down the road on a perfect, 75-degree day, but when a distracted auto driver fails to see you on your bike, things can get bad – fast. If you or someone you know has been injured while riding a motorcycle, there are several things you will want to keep in mind as you’re trying to figure out what to do next.
#1 – MEDICAL TREATMENT. When a car hits a motorcycle, the injuries to the biker can be much more severe than with an auto v. auto wreck. Although bikers typically have on protective gear like helmets and boots, this gear often provides only minimal protection when a biker is hit by a car. Injuries can range from road rash to broken bones, concussions, and even death. If you or someone you know was injured in a motorcycle wreck, make sure you get the medical treatment you need. After your initial hospital treatment, there will typically be follow up visits with primary doctors, orthopedists, physical therapists, and more. Going to all of your doctor and therapy appointments and following the advice of your doctors will give you the best chance for a full recovery.
#2 – EVIDENCE. As with most injury incidents, preserving evidence is crucial. With a motorcycle wreck, the evidence may include things like photos of the scene and roadway, photos of the bike and vehicle, injury photos, witness names and contact information, and more. The insurance company for the other driver will be trying to protect themselves and pay out as little as possible. In North Carolina, if they can convince a jury that you were even 1% at fault, you will not be able to recover any money damages for your injuries! This is known as contributory negligence. Because of this, it is important to make sure you can clearly show who was at fault for the wreck, and the evidence can help you do that.
#3 – PROPERTY DAMAGE. The property damage involved in a motorcycle wreck can be different from a car wreck. Like with car wrecks, your motorcycle may be damaged or even a complete loss, but you probably have other damaged items as well. Bikers tend to customize their bikes and add various accessories. Insurance companies love to try and deny claims for bike upgrades and customizations. You probably also had some pretty expensive safety gear and clothing that was damaged or destroyed. Additionally, you may have had a pack on your motorcycle that was damaged in the wreck and that contained various items like a phone, additional clothing or safety gear, etc. An experienced motorcycle attorney can help guide you through North Carolina law and make sure you know what items can and should be covered.
At Burton Law Firm, our experienced motorcycle attorneys believe in fighting to help you recover what you’ve lost and protect your future. If you or someone you know was injured in a motorcycle wreck, give us a call. The consultation is free, and we’ll take the time to answer your questions and discuss your legal rights and options.