What North Carolina Motorcyclists Need to Know About No-Contact Motorcycle Accidents
What North Carolina Motorcyclists Need to Know About No-Contact Motorcycle Accidents
When irresponsible motorists drive dangerously, it can put the lives of motorcyclists at risk, even when their cars don’t touch your bike. These kinds of accidents are known as no-contact motorcycle crashes, and they happen when another driver’s actions cause a motorcyclist to crash even though the car never touches the motorcycle rider or their bike.
No-contact motorcycle crashes are more common and dangerous than you might expect. In this blog, we’ll review how fault is determined in a no-contact crash, describe how an attorney can help victims recover compensation, and explain what to do if you or someone you love gets into a no-contact motorcycle accident.
How Is Negligence Determined in No-Contact Motorcycle Crashes?
Very few motorcycle crashes are true “accidents.” Usually, there is someone involved who acted irresponsibly and caused the wreck. This failure to drive responsibly is known as negligence.
For example, let’s say a driver coming in the other direction from you is texting while driving. This distracted driver fails to pay attention and swerves into your lane. Because of their unexpected swerve, you now have to swerve to avoid their vehicle, and your bike crashes as a result. In this case, the driver who wasn’t paying attention and came into your lane was negligent and can be held liable for any damages, even though their vehicle never actually touched you or your bike.
Everyone on the road has a duty to exercise reasonable care and obey traffic laws. So, if a driver does something irresponsible that causes you to lay the bike down or crash in order to avoid a collision, you can still hold them accountable.
While no-contact accidents are unique, they don’t change how liability works. The issue is not whether the car hit your bike, but whether you crashed because of the driver’s negligent actions.
RELATED: North Carolina Motorcycle Deaths Are on the Rise
Understanding North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Laws
North Carolina’s contributory negligence laws could affect your ability to get fair compensation after a crash. Under North Carolina law, if you were somehow partly responsible for the accident that hurt you, you won’t be able to receive any compensation. Even if you were only 1% at fault, the law says you can’t file a claim and get compensation for your injuries. Most states don’t operate this way, but unfortunately, ours does.
Most likely, the insurance company and their legal team will try to take advantage of our state’s unfair injury laws. The insurance adjuster or defense lawyer will look for some way to blame you for your injuries so they can avoid paying your medical bills and other damages. If the other driver or their insurance company is accusing you of contributing to the crash, you need to contact an experienced North Carolina personal injury attorney right away.
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SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATIONUnderstand Your Options After a No-Contact Motorcycle Crash
When a no-contact motorcycle crash happens, victims often suffer serious injuries and end up in a lot of pain. Usually, they can’t work and have to worry about expensive medical bills and property damage. When the crash wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to foot the bill to fix your bike or pay your medical bills. Fortunately, you have options for financial compensation if you can identify the other driver.
Your first option is to file a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s car insurance. An insurance claim is one way to recover damages from the accident, but dealing with the insurance companies and claims adjusters can be notoriously challenging. If you’re struggling to get a response or fair settlement offer from the at-fault driver’s insurance, contact a North Carolina personal injury lawyer right away.
If the insurance company refuses to offer you fair compensation for your injuries and losses, your next option is to file a lawsuit against the driver who caused the wreck. By filing a lawsuit, you may able to recover the cost of your injuries, damaged property, lost wages, compensation for pain and suffering, and more.
If you’re not sure about your options and want to learn more, it’s in your best interest to contact a personal injury attorney who can help you understand what your case could be worth and what to do next.
Myers Law Firm: Fighting for Motorcycle Crash Victims in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County
If you or someone you love has been hurt while riding a motorcycle in the Charlotte area, you need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. At Myers Law Firm, safety is our top priority. When people like you get hurt in circumstances beyond their control, we fight to get them the justice they deserve.
If you have questions about your legal options or your case, please reach out today to schedule your free consultation. During our discussion, we’ll listen to your story and provide advice about your next steps and what to expect.
To schedule your free consultation, fill out our quick online contact form or call us at 888-376-2889. We look forward to hearing from you!
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
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