Raleigh Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Raleigh Attorneys for Motorcycle Accident Claims

Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident in the Triangle? A Raleigh motorcycle accident lawyer at Riddle & Riddle can help you fight for maximum compensation. Injuries in bike crashes can be devastating and these cases can be complex — don't wait. Call 1-800-525-7111 today and let an experienced Raleigh motorcycle accident lawyer review your claim for free.

We have offices in Raleigh and can consult with you by phone, website chat, or email. We can even send someone to you if you prefer. Please call 1-800-525-7111 today and let's review your claim.

Since 2000 alone, we've recovered over $850,000,000 for our valued clients (see disclaimer below). Call today and let's see how we can help.

How Riddle & Riddle Attorneys Can Help

Because of the severe impact a motorcycle accident can have on your life, you need the best legal representation possible to win the full extent of your rightful compensation. At Riddle & Riddle, LLP, we strive to provide that level of service in every case we take. We understand what you’re going through as the victim of a motorcycle accident, and we can handle all aspects of your claim so that you can stop worrying about the outcome of your case and instead focus on what matters most: recovery from your injuries.

Experience

Our motorcycle injury attorneys have over 190 years of combined legal experience in personal injury cases. That means that, no matter what additional legal matters may be a part of your motorcycle accident claim, we know how to handle them all. Many of our lawyers have positions on the lists of North Carolina Super Lawyers and the Top Trial Lawyers of North Carolina. From your very first consultation to your case’s resolution, you’ll have the support of our experience on your side.

In addition to our attorneys, you’ll also work with a paralegal assigned to your case to help facilitate the process. Many of our paralegals have experience as insurance adjusters, meaning that we know what to expect out of the defendant’s insurance team – and how to counter any attempts at lowering your rightful level of compensation. We also work with a skilled investigation team to ensure we have all the necessary evidence for your case.

As your case progresses, there may be sudden changes to the proceedings or you may want to check to see how your claim is proceeding. No matter what you need to reach out to us for, you don’t need to wait until standard office hours. The attorneys at Riddle & Riddle, LLP are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. No matter when you need our support, we’re here for you. If you wish to work with us in Spanish, our bilingual staff can help accommodate your needs.

Call Our Raleigh Office Today

Following a motorcycle accident, you deserve an attorney that will fight to earn you the maximum value of your legal compensation. At Riddle & Riddle, several of our attorneys are a part of the Million Dollar Advocates forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, meaning that we’ve won million dollar settlements for our clients before – as well as lucrative payouts for many more (see disclaimer below). We will always advocate for you to receive the compensation you deserve for your case.

For the thorough legal support you need after a North Carolina motorcycle accident, you deserve the skilled attorneys at Riddle & Riddle, LLC. Contact us for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you with your claim.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Wrecks in Raleigh

Raleigh is a heavily trafficked city with many intersecting roads. Most of the city's growing population of 482,504 residents drive to work. Motorcycles are more vulnerable to the typical risks of driving in heavy traffic. The most common types of negligence that can lead to motorcycle accidents in North Carolina include the following:

• Unsafe lane changes
• Drivers who disobey traffic signs and signals
• Driving over the speed limit
• Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Aggressive and reckless driving

Other Causes of Motorcycle Crashes

Many accidents in North Carolina result from motorists turning left in front of oncoming motorcycles. In these cases, drivers do not adequately gauge the speed of oncoming motorcycles. Rear-end collisions are also hazardous for motorcyclists. These occur when a car strikes another vehicle's rear bumper, often at low speeds. However, when a passenger vehicle hits a motorcycle from behind, the force can throw a motorcyclist from their bike.

Finally, some motorcyclists in North Carolina engage in "lane splitting." This is when a motorcyclist rides between lanes of slower-moving traffic. Many believe that allowing motorcyclists to do this makes them more visible. However, the state of North Carolina strongly advises against lane splitting because of the increased risk of accidents.

Crash Statistics for North Carolina

In 2021, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, 23.9 percent of all motorcycle crash fatalities were related to speeding; 202 motorcyclists were killed. This is a 14.8% increase from 2020, with 2,972 motorcyclists injured, a 6% increase from 2020.

Moreover, roughly half the motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes during the weekend versus weekdays. Additionally, weekday motorcyclist fatalities have increased by 16 percent from 2,244 in 2010 to 2,612 in 2019.

About Motorcycle Accident Claims

Motorcycle accidents might not happen as often as other motor vehicle wrecks, but they more often result in serious injuries. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to physical dangers in an accident than occupants of motor vehicles. It’s important to understand how motorcycle accident claims work in North Carolina. Three things to keep in mind are as follows:

1. Liability. Determining who is “liable,” or legally responsible, for your accident takes an investigation. The liable party will be the one most at fault for causing the collision. It may be another driver, a part manufacturer, the city of Raleigh, and/or another party.
2. Elements of a claim. You need four main elements to have grounds for a motorcycle accident lawsuit: 1) the defendant owed you a duty, 2) the defendant breached this duty, 3) the breach caused your crash, 4) you suffered damages as a result.
3. Statute of limitations. Do not miss the statute of limitations to file your motorcycle accident claim. Doing so can be detrimental to your case. You have three years from the date of the collision to file your lawsuit. In cases where the motorcycle rider was killed the time period is two years from the date of the accident or death.

Our team of motorcycle accident attorneys can help with every aspect of your claim, from the initial crash investigation to the final settlement agreement or jury verdict. We’re here for your family no matter what you need. We always put our clients first.

How to Recover for Your Motorcycle Wreck

Most accident victims don’t realize that the actions they take or don’t take immediately following a collision can alter the outcome of a future personal injury case. It’s okay if you’re too injured, confused, or scared to take action – simply contact us and we’ll do everything for you. If you can, however, here’s what to do:

• Call 911 and report the accident. You must report traffic collisions to the police in Raleigh if they caused injuries, deaths, or more than $1,000 in property damage. The police can write up an official report of your accident, which may help you later.
• Don’t admit fault. Do not say you were at fault for your motorcycle accident to the other driver, the police, or an insurance company. Admitting fault is the same as accepting liability for the wreck. Instead, wait for an official investigation to determine fault. However, we always tell people to tell the truth to the investigating officers.  We never tell clients to tell something that is not true.
• Seek medical care for your injuries. Motorcycle accident injuries are often severe. Get medical attention immediately for your best prognosis. Prompt medical care can also show an insurance company that your injuries were serious.
• File an insurance claim. In North Carolina, the insurance company of the at-fault driver is the party responsible for paying victims’ damages. Call the driver’s insurer and file your claim. The insurance company should get back to you for more information about your crash.
• Call an attorney. Don’t accept the first settlement offer from the insurer. Instead, hire an experienced motorcycle or personal injury attorney to help negotiate an offer that’s actually fair. Hiring a lawyer can help make sure you get what you deserve out of your claim.

Damages in a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit

Motorcycle accident victims often suffer immensely as a result of injury and property damage. In these cases, they can be eligible for recovery of several types of damages. Generally, courts separate damages into two major categories:

• Special damages are those capable of exact calculation because they have an easily definable monetary amount. These damages often consist of financial losses, such as medical bills and lost wages due to the accident.
• Other damages are not capable of exact calculation, such as pain and suffering due to the injuries. For example, if your accident resulted in a great deal of pain due to injuries or medical treatments, you would likely receive compensation for your pain and suffering.

Both of these categories of damages are eligible for past and future compensation. Because of the high risk for injuries in a motorcycle accident, you may require additional medical treatment or experience lifelong pain and suffering. In such cases, you can also receive compensation for these future damages.

Helmet Laws in North Carolina

North Carolina has universal helmet laws, meaning that all motorcycle riders and passengers must wear a helmet when the bike is in operation, regardless of age. The law includes all forms of low-power cycles, regardless of the engine displacement level.

If you do not wear a helmet and suffer a head injury in a motorcycle accident, you will likely not receive compensation for those injuries. Your negligence in not wearing a helmet will offset the other driver’s negligence in causing your accident. However, if you suffer injuries that wearing a helmet would not have prevented, then you can still receive compensation for those damages.

If you are wearing a helmet during your accident and still suffer a head or related injury, then you will be able to seek compensation for those injuries, as you took the appropriate safety precautions.

How to File a Claim

When preparing to file a claim for your motorcycle accident, it’s important to pay attention to the statute of limitations for your case. In North Carolina, that timeframe is three years from the date of the accident. Even if you complete all other steps to file your claim correctly, not filing before the statute of limitations is up will waive your right to compensation.

As you prepare your claim, having as much evidence as possible will help you make a successful claim. You’ll want to have any relevant medical bills, photos or video of the damages, and witness contact information ready.

Because seeking compensation for the responsible party in your accident will involve the driver’s insurance company, you should file your claim with that company, not your own. However, exercise caution when discussing matters with the other party’s insurance adjustor, as there will be attempts to make you settle for less than your case is worth. Having an attorney on your side can prevent you from saying the wrong thing to an insurance adjustor and threatening your right to compensation.

Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Riddle & Riddle is more than happy to take over communications with insurance companies on your behalf after a motorcycle accident. We know exactly how to handle conversations with insurance claims adjusters. Our motorcycle accident attorneys will do our best to secure you the best results possible for your claim. Contact us today to start with a free consultation.

Don't wait — When Justice Counts™, trust the Raleigh motorcycle accident lawyers at Riddle & Riddle.

Hours of Operation

Open 24/7 Monday - Sunday

*NOTE: We respond to phone calls, emails, and online chats 24/7, and can meet at our Raleigh location between 8:30am and 5:30pm Monday through Friday. We also have investigators on staff who can come directly to you if that is more convenient.