Riding a motorcycle through North Carolina can be an exhilarating experience. With countless beautiful locations and roads, the freedom of getting on a motorcycle and riding wherever the road takes you is part of the fun. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are at risk of becoming injured when passenger vehicle drivers are negligent or reckless.
According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to be involved in an accident while on a motorcycle than while driving another type of vehicle, such as a passenger car. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, the amount of damages to which you may be entitled depends on multiple factors, including the severity of your injuries.
Damages Available Through a Personal Injury LawsuitUnder North Carolina law, plaintiffs in personal injury lawsuits are entitled to specific types of compensation. For those with catastrophic injuries, the bulk of their settlement or court award is typically for medical expenses.
Medical ExpensesThe most obvious type of damages a person can recover after a motorcycle accident is medical expenses. More severe injuries will lead to more medical expenses. Even if your medical insurance has covered your bills, you are still eligible to be compensated for your total medical expenses. You can also claim the cost of prescription medication, co-pays, and any durable medical equipment you need.
If you have a reasonable claim for compensation and do not have insurance or another way to pay for your medical bills, you may be able to seek assistance on a lien basis. Those who need medical services in the future or a lifetime of medical care because of a catastrophic injury may also be eligible for these damages. Our attorneys work directly with financial experts who can help you determine the monetary value of all of your future medical expenses.
Lost Wages and IncomeIf you become injured in a motorcycle accident and you miss work to recover, or you can no longer work, you may be able to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Even if you were still paid while you missed work, you may be able to seek compensation if you had to use your personal or sick time.
You may be able to ask for further compensation if there is any reason to believe that you will miss work in the future. If a person suffers from an injury that will prevent them from earning the living they did before the accident, we can help estimate the full value of what they are entitled to receive.
Property DamageIn many motorcycle accidents, the motorcycle is a total loss. You may be able to pursue compensation for all of your vehicle damage and other types of property damages caused by the accident. For example, if you had a laptop in your backpack that was destroyed in the crash, you may be able to pursue compensation for that damaged property.
Non-Economic DamagesFinally, victims can pursue non-economic damages, including the loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, pain and suffering, grief, anxiety, emotional and physical impairment, emotional distress, and inconvenience. Our law firm can work with physicians, medical experts, and other professionals who can provide evidence about your past, current, and future non-economic damages.
Damages Available in Wrongful Death LawsuitsA wrongful death lawsuit is a type of personal injury lawsuit that the surviving family members of a deceased individual may be able to bring. Plaintiffs can usually recover compensation for economic and non-economic losses. Bringing a wrongful death lawsuit can help families recover compensation for their loved one’s lost income, funeral expenses, and medical expenses prior to their death. Nothing can bring your loved one back, but if your loved one died in a motorcycle accident caused by another person, we recommend discussing your case with a local wrongful death attorney.
Have You Been Injured in a North Carolina Motorcycle Accident? We Can HelpIf you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in North Carolina, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Insurance companies may try to deny your claim or provide you with less compensation than you deserve. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients just like you. We have recovered millions of dollars of compensation in vehicle accidents. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation and learn more about how we can fight for your rights.