One of the major difficulties that motorcyclists face, which frequently leads to collisions, is that other drivers simply do not take the time or make the effort to see motorcycles. Many motorists are conditioned to notice only bigger vehicles — other cars, vans, trucks, etc.

Many motorcycle accidents involve a head-on collision, generally a car hitting the motorcycle from the front. Head-on collisions are often fatal, accounting for more than half of motorcycle collision deaths in the United States.

Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is a vehicle making a left-hand turn in front of a motorcycle that is going straight through an intersection. Other causes include:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving, including texting while driving or talking on a cell phone
• Drunk driving
• Carelessness
• Aggressive driving or “road rage”
• Vehicle defects
• Collision with a fixed object
• Road hazards, including bicycles, pedestrians, and electric scooters

What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Hickory, North Carolina

If you have been in a motorcycle accident and are badly injured, do not panic. Get someone to call 911 if they have not already been called.

• Next, make sure you get to a safe place, not in the middle of the road, to wait until emergency services arrive.
•  If you are not in an emergency situation, then get contact info from the other driver and any witnesses who were present. Also, if you are able to, take pictures of the scene of the accident, especially if it will help make clear whose fault it is.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible, and notify your insurance company about the accident. However, do not give a written or recorded statement to any insurance company without the assistance of an attorney.
• For help with seeking compensation for your injuries, contact our Hickory motorcycle accident lawyers. Let us deal with the insurance companies and legal matters while you focus on recovering from your injuries.

Types of Compensation Available for Motorcycle Accident Victims in Kings Mountain, NC

You may be able to recover compensation for many of the damages you suffer as a result of a motorcycle accident that was someone else’s fault.

For instance, your compensation could include money for:

• Full medical bills and expenses, including future rehabilitation and therapy
• Occupational retraining
• Short-term or long-term disability
• Lost wages
• Reduced or eliminated earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Disfigurement
• Punitive damages for cases of gross negligence

Common Types of Injuries Suffered in Kings Mountain, North Carolina Motorcycle Accidents

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), by far the most common injury location in motorcycle accidents is on the feet or legs of riders.

Other injuries common in motorcycle accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Back and neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Head injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Internal organ damage and bleeding
• Broken bones
• Amputation
• Severe abrasions called “road rash”

Can I Recover Motorcycle Accident Compensation in Kings Mountain, NC?

Although fault in many accidents is a little complex, North Carolina follows a theory of contributory negligence. This is called the “all or nothing” rule, and North Carolina is one of only four states that still use it. Contributory negligence means that no matter what the defendant did that resulted in injury to the plaintiff, the plaintiff cannot recover damages if his or her own negligence contributed at all—anything more than 0%—to the accident.

If the defendant is unable to prove that the plaintiff contributed in some way to their own injuries, then the plaintiff is not barred from recovering damages. This makes it critical to have a strong legal advocate to present evidence that you were not to blame for the crash.