What Is the Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the statute of limitations gives motorcycle accident victims three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. While three years may seem like plenty of time, it’s crucial to begin the claims process as soon as possible.

In any instance, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Raleigh, North Carolina, can explain the statute and how it applies to your claim.

Why Promptly Filing Your Claim Matters

• Preserving Key Evidence: Physical evidence like skid marks, road debris, and vehicle damage can disappear quickly if not properly documented and preserved. Witnesses’ memories also become less reliable as time passes.
• Avoiding Disputes Over Injury Causes: If you delay taking legal action, the insurance company may try to dispute whether your injuries were actually caused by the motorcycle crash or occurred due to some other incident.
• Leverage in Settlement Negotiations: Insurance companies have huge financial incentives to delay claims until the statute of limitations expires. Having ample time to possibly take your case to trial strengthens your negotiating leverage.
• Sufficient Case Preparation: Building a strong claim file requires extensive investigation, documentation gathering, calculating complete damages, and strategizing by your legal team. Rushing leads to opportunities missed.

The sooner you reach out for assistance, the sooner our lawyers will be able to take this burden off your shoulders. We can take care of the entire process so you can focus on healing.

Compensation You Can Pursue After a Motorcycle Accident

North Carolina allows motorcycle accident victims to seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Property damage to your motorcycle
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In fatal motorcycle accidents, certain family members can pursue compensatory damages through a wrongful death claim for:

• Burial and funeral costs
• Loss of the deceased’s expected earnings
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection
• Pain and suffering of the deceased prior to death

If you lose a loved one in a motorcycle accident, the statute of limitations in North Carolina is shorter. It is important to note that you only have 2 years to file a wrongful death claim. Our Raleigh wrongful death lawyers can begin handling your claim so you have the time and space you need to grieve.

Potential Roadblocks to Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

There are various obstacles insurance companies may try to use to devalue or deny your valid claim, including:

• Arguing you were partially at fault – Even if you were not at fault, insurers may try to blame you for speeding, lane violations, or other driving behaviors to reduce their liability.
• Blaming a third party (parts manufacturer, road hazard, etc.) to redirect liability – Insurance adjusters often try to shift blame to another party, such as a motorcycle part defect, road debris, or poorly maintained road conditions. We can identify all sources of liability and pursue each and every one of them with evidence.
• Disputing the severity or cause of your injuries – They may claim your injuries were pre-existing or caused by something other than the motorcycle accident to avoid covering medical costs.
• Delaying or dragging out the claims process – Intentional delays allow evidence to disappear and pressure victims into accepting lowball settlements out of desperation.

Our skilled motorcycle accident attorneys have extensive experience overcoming these bad-faith tactics. 

We gather extensive evidence from the scene, perform accident reconstruction, enlist credible expert witnesses, and leverage our litigation skills to forcefully safeguard your rights. 

Our legal team is passionate about holding insurers accountable when they use unfair practices that harm injured victims.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

The actions you take in the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle crash can significantly impact your ability to recover fair compensation, such as:

• Call 911 to report the accident and request an ambulance if needed
• Get the name, contact information, driver’s license, and insurance details of all other drivers involved
• If possible, take photos/videos of vehicle damage, injuries, road obstructions, hazards, etc.
• Obtain names and contact information for any eyewitnesses
• Avoid apologizing, admitting fault, or providing a recorded statement
• Seek prompt medical attention for any injuries (crucial for linking them to the accident)
• Contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible

Benefit from Our Firm’s Proven Legal Representation

The Raleigh motorcycle accident attorneys of Whitley Law Firm know how devastating these types of crashes can be – both physically and financially. That’s why we are dedicated to pursuing maximum compensation so you have access to the resources needed to heal and move forward.

We handle all aspects of your claim, from the initial investigation and evidence preservation through negotiating with insurers and litigating in court if needed. Our legal team is committed to meticulously building a compelling case that protects your rights every step of the way.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to take legal action over your motorcycle accident injuries. The sooner you have our skilled attorneys advocating for your interests, the better your chances of recovering the full compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.