Motorcycle accidents are among the most devastating crashes we see. In a collision between a motorcycle and another, larger vehicle, the bike is practically guaranteed to lose. A North Carolina motorcycle accident attorney can help if you or a member of your family suffered injury in a crash for which the driver of a car or other vehicle was at fault.
The Whitley Law Firm has extensive knowledge of the serious injuries that occur in motorcycle accidents. Our team provides the highest standard of legal advocacy paired with a compassionate, client-focused attitude.
It won’t cost anything to see if we can help. Please call the Whitley Law Firm at (919) 785-5000 today to speak to a North Carolina motorcycle accident attorney.
How Often Do Motorcycle Accidents Result in Injury?
On average, there are close to 10 motorcycle accidents in North Carolina every single day. Most of these accidents result in injuries, and about 1 in 20 motorcycle accidents in North Carolina are fatal.
These statistics come from the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s annual Traffic Crash Facts report. They underscore the importance of everyone (motorcyclists and drivers included) doing their part to help protect riders on the road.
What Motorcyclists Can Do to Reduce the Risk of Injury in a Motorcycle Accident
For motorcyclists, safety starts with common sense. Key steps all riders should take include:
1. Wear All the Gear All the Time
Whether you are going for a five-minute ride or heading across the state to the mountains or the coast, it is always a good idea to wear full riding gear. Accidents can happen anywhere and any time. Following the “all the gear, all the time” principle (including wearing a helmet) can save riders in many situations.
2. Make Yourself Visible
Increasing your visibility can also reduce your risk of being injured in a collision. Simple steps motorcycle riders can take to increase their visibility include turning on their lights, wearing a high-visibility jacket or vest, and avoiding drivers’ blind spots whenever possible.
3. Obey All Traffic Laws
Just as drivers need to follow the rules of the road, motorcycle riders need to obey all traffic laws as well. Not only will following the law reduce your risk of making a costly mistake, but it will also make you more predictable. In turn, this will make it easier for drivers to avoid putting you in harm’s way.
4. Ride Defensively
Riding defensively is a best practice in virtually all situations. By putting plenty of space between your motorcycle and other vehicles and making sure you have a way out if something goes wrong, you can protect yourself from being injured due to factors beyond your control.
5. Ride Within Your Limits
When riding a motorcycle, you should always feel confident that you are in control and capable of making evasive maneuvers if necessary. If you aren’t comfortable riding in heavy traffic or bad weather, then plan your trips accordingly.
What Drivers Can Do to Avoid Causing Motorcycle Accidents
Being safe isn’t solely the responsibility of motorcyclists. Drivers are also required to abide by the rules and take reasonable steps to minimize the risk of accidents.
So, what can drivers do to avoid causing motorcycle accidents? There are several steps all motorists need to take to make sure they do not put motorcycle riders in harm’s way:
1. Put Down the Phone
Distracted driving is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. Drivers who are texting, reading emails, or talking on the phone are less able to identify and react to risks on the road. As a result, when drivers put down their phones, they are far less likely to cause collisions with motorcycles and other vehicles.
2. Obey All Traffic Laws
Following the law is another simple way drivers can reduce their risk of injuring riders in motorcycle accidents. If all drivers obeyed the speed limit, stopped at all red lights and stop signs, and only passed when it was safe and legal to do so, the number of motorcycle accidents in North Carolina would drop significantly.
3. Never Tailgate Motorcycles
Tailgating is dangerous in all circumstances, but it is especially dangerous when the vehicle in front is a motorcycle. There is no reason to follow a motorcycle too closely. Even when drivers feel like a rider is going too slow or changed lanes improperly, the driver must still leave a safe buffer.
4. Check Blind Spots
Since motorcycles are smaller than passenger vehicles, they can be more difficult to spot in some cases. However, this is not an excuse for drivers to merge or change lanes recklessly. Drivers should always check their blind spots before getting over.
5. Drive Like Motorcycles May Be Present
Perhaps the simplest step drivers can take to reduce the risk of injury to motorcycle riders is to always drive as though motorcycles are present. If drivers always assume that there could be a motorcycle in their vicinity, they will be more careful and they will make smart decisions that prevent dangerous situations.
Contact a North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Unfortunately, even if motorcycle riders do everything they can to keep themselves safe, this won’t always be enough. Drivers can be careless, and the people who pay the price for this carelessness are often motorcyclists and other vulnerable people.
If you were injured or a loved one was hurt or killed in a motorcycle accident, you should contact the Whitley Law Firm as soon as possible. Our motorcycle accident lawyers are defined by a philosophy of wholehearted care. We care deeply not only about achieving fair compensation and justice for our clients but providing them and their families with hands-on guidance and support every step of the way.
The Whitley Law Firm serves clients throughout North Carolina from offices in Raleigh, Kinston, and New Bern. We are ready to answer your call and fight for the outcome you deserve.
