888-843-8326 In North Carolina, there are nearly 4,000 motorcycle crashes every year. These collisions can be devastating for motorcyclists and their families. Because these impacts frequently result in severe injuries, medical bills and other financial losses can quickly become overwhelming.
Understanding the risk factors and what you can do after an accident is essential. If you or a loved one has been injured, a North Carolina motorcycle accident lawyer can help.
How Common are Motorcycle Accidents in North Carolina?
With nearly 4,000 motorcycle accidents occurring annually across the state, riders face an exceptionally high risk of severe injury or death.
Some statistics about these crashes, according to the 2024 North Carolina statewide crash profile, are:
- There were 198 fatalities on average per year between 2020 and 2024.
- There was a yearly average of 3,259 injuries.
- Only a small percentage of motorcycle accidents involved no injuries.
How common are fatal motorcycle crashes in North Carolina? The state had the seventh-highest number of motorcycle deaths in 2024.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Poor road conditions
- Speeding
- Fellow drivers who are aggressive or do not follow traffic laws
Some surprising factors in motorcycle crashes, according to the National Safety Council’s page on road users, are:
- 65% of fatal accidents happen on urban roads
- 94% happen during good weather
- 49% happen during the day
- 57% involve another vehicle
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Common Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Crashes
Because of limited protection for motorcyclists, injuries can often be severe.
Some common injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries, especially if a helmet was not being used
- Lacerations and road rash, which can lead to infections and scarring
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Facial fractures and dental damage
- Broken bones
- Loss of limbs
These injuries often have far-reaching effects on a life. Whether you have to deal with daily physical pain, the loss of a job, financial strain, or emotional distress, the costs quickly add up.
When Can You Pursue Compensation After a Motorcycle Crash in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, you can pursue compensation after a motorcycle crash if the accident was due to someone else’s negligence.
Negligence is defined by four key concepts:
- Duty of care: Someone had a responsibility to keep others safe. Motorists owe this duty of care to everyone else on the road.
- Breach of duty of care: They failed to uphold this duty of care. For example, a motor vehicle operator drove under the influence.
- Causation: This breach directly led to the accident. For example, a driver ran a red light and crashed into a motorcyclist who had the right of way.
- Damages: The breach led to losses. For example, you acquired medical bills due to your injuries.
Examples of Negligence in Motorcycle Accidents
Negligence can come in many forms, including:
- Speeding
- Failing to yield
- Aggressive or reckless behavior
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while distracted, such as texting or eating
How is Negligence Proven?
Your motorcycle accident lawyer will carefully investigate to determine whose negligent actions caused the crash. In some cases, multiple parties may share fault. For example, if a commercial driver hits your cycle, then both the driver and their company may be at fault.
Helpful evidence to prove negligence can include:
- Phone records
- Eyewitness statements
- Expert testimony from accident reconstructionists
- Blood alcohol content or field sobriety test results
- Surveillance footage from traffic cameras or dash cams
- Physical evidence, such as skid marks
- Police reports
- Black box data, if a commercial vehicle was involved
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What Compensation Can Be Recovered After a Motorcycle Accident in North Carolina?
Fair compensation after an accident should account for your immediate financial needs as well as long-term ones.
You may be able to recover compensation accounting for:
Economic Losses
These are the financial costs of the accident and may include:
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Emergency room care
- Diagnostic imaging
- Prescription medications
- Doctor appointments
- Physical therapy
- Long-term medical needs
- Home or vehicle modifications
- Mobility aids
- Property damage
- Transportation to and from medical appointments
- In-home care
Non-Economic Losses
These are losses that can’t be directly tied to a financial cost, such as:
- Emotional distress
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In cases where a loved one lost their life in a crash, you can pursue wrongful death damages. These include funeral expenses, the loss of the decedent’s financial and emotional support, and end-of-life medical expenses.
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Is There a Deadline to Recover Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident in North Carolina?
Yes, there is a deadline to recover compensation after a motorcycle crash in North Carolina. Under the statute of limitations, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
In some cases, this deadline can be shortened or extended, so it’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.
Contact a North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you’re wondering, “How common are motorcycle crashes in North Carolina?” it may be because you’ve recently had an accident. When someone’s negligent actions have hurt you or a loved one, our motorcycle accident lawyers in North Carolina can help.
At CR Legal Team, we offer Whole-Person Legal CareTM. We’re focused on helping you recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Our success stories speak to the compassionate care we offer.
Contact us today and get started on your case with a free consultation.
