In North Carolina, a teenager died in November after a fatal motorcycle accident occurred. The collision happened on Interstate 40 near Gorman Street. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a 2022 BMW motorcycle was traveling north on U.S.1 when a patrol member attempted to stop the motorcyclist for speeding.
The patrol member stated that the motorcyclist was driving 131 mph in a 70 mph zone and refused to stop. The trooper began to pursue the motorcyclist. At that point, the motorcyclist exited on I-40 and collided with a third-party vehicle. The 19-year-old operating the motorcycle died at the accident scene. The other vehicle's driver was transported to the emergency room for treatment.
Motorcyclists Can Be Liable for Injuries Caused By Motor Vehicle CollisionsThe preventable motorcycle accident discussed above shows that motorcyclists are not always the innocent victims in accidents. Although motorcyclists are more likely to be injured by distracted drivers of passenger vehicles, sometimes motorcyclists are at fault for causing an accident. As evidenced by this accident, teenage motorcycle riders are more likely to drive recklessly. They may be more likely to speed and swerve in between lanes in a dangerous way than other drivers on the road.
Although my motorcycles are much smaller than passenger vehicles, they can still cause serious accidents. For example, if a motorcyclist is speeding on a highway, they may be unable to stop in time to avoid colliding with a passenger vehicle in front. Although the passenger vehicle's driver is protected by a seatbelt, airbag, and other safety features, they could still suffer injuries such as whiplash.
The passenger vehicle's driver may not be able to avoid colliding with another vehicle, causing a dangerous multi-vehicle collision on the freeway. It only takes a few seconds of distracted driving, speeding, or driving while impaired to cause a multi-vehicle collision, resulting in many severe injuries.
What to Do if You Have Been Injured in a Motorcycle AccidentIf you have been injured in a motorcyclist accident, you may be wondering what steps you should take. If multiple drivers were involved, you might wonder who is at fault and responsible for paying for your medical bills and other damages. The steps you take after being involved in a motorcycle accident can help or hurt your claim for compensation. You should first call 911 and ask for an ambulance and a police officer to come to the accident scene.
If you can do so safely, take photos of the accident scene. Discuss what happened with the police officer and exchange contact information. When necessary, you should go to the emergency room and follow through on any orders your doctor gives you after you leave the emergency room. After you have received medical attention, it is crucial that you reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney. Do not accept an insurance settlement offer before reviewing it with your attorney. The settlement offer may be far too low, and if you accept it, you'll be prohibited from pursuing additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
Discussing your case with a local attorney can help you understand your legal options and how much your case might be worth. Attorneys have experience dealing with insurance adjusters and can negotiate for the most possible compensation in your case.
Wrongful Death Claims Involving Motorcycle AccidentsUnfortunately, many motorcycle accidents involve fatalities. If you have lost your loved one in a motorcycle accident that was not your loved one's fault, it is essential that you reach out to an attorney. While nothing can bring your loved one back, you may be able to recover compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit that can help your family move forward financially.
Surviving family members can pursue compensation for their loved one's medical expenses before their death, funeral expenses, and compensation for their loss of companionship. They can also pursue compensation for the loss of their loved one’s income.
Discuss Your Case With a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in North CarolinaMotorcycle accidents can cause devastating injuries, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or even fatal injuries. If you or your loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident that caused severe injuries, do not hesitate to contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC, to schedule a complimentary case evaluation.