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Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in North Carolina?

Motorcyclists often face serious injuries and unfair blame. Schedule a consultation to find out how we can help protect your rights.

  • No fees unless we win (in most cases)
  • Talk directly with a motorcycle accident attorney
  • Serving injured riders across North Carolina

Take the first step. Click below to schedule your case review today.

Motorcycles offer freedom, economy, and the thrill of the open road. But when crashes happen, riders pay a devastating price.

Without the protection of a car’s frame, airbags, or seatbelts, motorcyclists face catastrophic injuries even in seemingly minor collisions.

At DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall, our North Carolina motorcycle accident attorneys know what you’re going through. We’ve helped countless injured riders get the compensation they need to rebuild their lives after serious crashes.

You’ve already suffered enough. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on healing.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in North Carolina

The danger to motorcyclists continues to worsen across America. In 2023 alone, 6,335 riders lost their lives on our nation’s roads—representing 15% of all traffic deaths and marking a troubling 1.3% increase from the previous year.

The NHTSA statistics paint a troubling picture:

  • An estimated 82,564 motorcyclists were injured in traffic crashes in 2023
  • Among riders aged 15 to 20, fatalities increased by a staggering 44% (from 350 in 2022 to 505 in 2023)
  • Approximately 75% of motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle
  • In about 60% of these cases, the motorcyclist had the right-of-way when the accident occurred

These aren’t just numbers—they represent real people whose lives have been forever changed by motorcycle crashes.

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Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in North Carolina

Our experience representing injured motorcyclists has shown us that most accidents aren’t the rider’s fault. The most common scenarios include:

  • Left-turn accidents: Drivers turning left across traffic fail to see approaching motorcycles or misjudge their speed
  • Unsafe lane changes: Cars switching lanes without checking blind spots side-swipe motorcycles
  • Rear-end collisions: Even at low speeds, being rear-ended can throw a rider from their bike with devastating consequences
  • Dooring incidents: Parked drivers opening doors into the path of motorcycles
  • Distracted driving: Drivers texting or using phones fail to notice smaller vehicles like motorcycles
  • Road hazards: Potholes, gravel, and other conditions that pose minimal danger to cars can be deadly for motorcycles
  • Drunk driving: Impaired drivers with diminished reaction times and judgment

In many cases, drivers simply aren’t looking for motorcycles. This “looked but failed to see” phenomenon happens because many drivers are conditioned to watch for other cars but not smaller vehicles.

Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

The injuries from motorcycle crashes are often life-altering:

  • Traumatic brain injuries: Even with helmets, riders suffer concussions and more severe brain trauma
  • Spinal cord injuries: Including full or partial paralysis requiring lifetime care
  • Road rash: Severe skin abrasions that can lead to serious infections and permanent scarring
  • Broken bones: Often multiple fractures requiring surgical intervention
  • Amputations: Limbs crushed or severed in crashes
  • Internal injuries: Damage to organs from impact forces
  • Facial fractures: Resulting in disfigurement and requiring reconstructive surgery

These injuries often require extensive hospital stays, multiple surgeries, and lengthy rehabilitation. Many riders never fully recover and face permanent disabilities that affect their ability to work and enjoy life.

Wake County Courthouse
Handles civil and criminal matters in Wake County
  • Address: 300 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601
  • Hours: M-F 8:30 A.M.-5 P.M.
  • Phone:(919) 792-4000

North Carolina Motorcycle Laws You Should Know

Understanding North Carolina’s motorcycle laws is essential to protecting your rights after an accident:

  • Universal helmet law: Under N.C.G.S. § 20-140.4, all riders must wear DOT-approved helmets, regardless of age or experience
  • Lane splitting: Unlike some states, lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) is illegal in North Carolina
  • Insurance requirements: According to North Carolina Department of Insurance, motorcyclists must carry minimum liability coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage
  • Contributory negligence: North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence rule under N.C.G.S. § 1-139—if you’re found even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovery

The contributory negligence rule makes having skilled legal representation particularly important. Insurance companies will try to assign some blame to you to avoid paying your claim entirely.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

After a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to several types of damages:

Economic Damages

  • Medical expenses: Current and future costs of treatment, surgery, medication, and therapy
  • Lost income: Wages lost while recovering from your injuries
  • Lost earning capacity: Compensation for reduced ability to earn in the future
  • Property damage: Repair or replacement of your motorcycle and gear
  • Home modifications: Changes needed to accommodate disabilities
  • Long-term care costs: Ongoing medical and personal care expenses

Non-Economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering: Physical pain and discomfort from injuries
  • Emotional distress: Psychological impacts like anxiety, depression, and PTSD
  • Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed
  • Permanent disfigurement: Compensation for scarring and visible injuries
  • Loss of consortium: Impact on relationships with spouse and family

We work with medical experts, life care planners, and economists to ensure all your damages are properly valued and included in your claim.

Contact Our North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, don’t face this challenging time alone. The experienced North Carolina motorcycle accident attorneys at DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall are ready to help you secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

Serving injured motorcyclists throughout Raleigh, Durham, Orange, Carteret, and Chatham Counties, and all of North Carolina.

Areas served

Wake County

  • Raleigh
  • Cary
  • Apex
  • Morrisville
  • Garner
  • Holly Springs
  • Fuquay-Varina
  • Wake Forest
  • Rolesville
  • Knightdale
  • Wendell
  • Zebulon

Carteret County

  • Beaufort
  • Morehead City
  • Atlantic Beach
  • Emerald Isle
  • Newport

Durham County

  • Durham

Orange County

  • Chapel Hill
  • Carrboro
  • Hillsborough

Chatham County

  • Pittsboro
  • Siler City

Johnston County (Smithfield courthouse only)

  • Smithfield

FAQs

Who's at fault in most motorcycle accidents?

Contrary to common misconceptions, most motorcycle accidents aren’t caused by reckless riding. In many cases, the motorcyclist is obeying the law when a careless driver causes the crash.

How long does a motorcycle accident lawsuit take?

The timeline for a motorcycle accident lawsuit varies depending on several factors, including the severity of injuries, clarity of liability, and insurance company cooperation. While some cases settle within 6-12 months, more complex cases involving serious injuries may take 1-2 years or longer. Our attorneys work efficiently to resolve your case as quickly as possible while still ensuring you receive full compensation for your injuries.

Which type of motorcycle gets in the most accidents?

According to national statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, sport and supersport motorcycles are involved in a higher percentage of accidents relative to their numbers on the road. However, this doesn’t mean these motorcycles are inherently more dangerous—it may reflect riding patterns or rider demographics.

What if I wasn't wearing a helmet?

North Carolina requires all motorcyclists to wear helmets, regardless of age or experience level. If you weren’t wearing a helmet during your accident, the insurance company will likely try to use this to reduce or deny your claim, especially for head injuries. However, for injuries unrelated to head trauma, such as broken bones or spinal injuries, we can still pursue compensation.

Will my motorcycle insurance cover my medical bills?

Your motorcycle insurance may cover some medical bills, depending on your policy. Basic liability policies only cover injuries to others when you’re at fault. If you have medical payments coverage (Med Pay) or personal injury protection (PIP), these can help cover your medical expenses regardless of fault. However, these coverages are often limited. If another driver caused your accident, their liability insurance should cover your medical bills, but these claims can take time.

Cases We Handle

Areas Served

IN RALEIGH:
333 Fayetteville Street,
Suite 1513
Raleigh, NC 27601 Get Direction
(919) 833-5555
IN MOREHEAD CITY:
810 Arendell Street
Morehead City,
NC 28557 Get Direction
(252) 251-5555
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Based on 250+ Reviews