Charlotte Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in North Carolina?

Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries and life-altering consequences. These accidents often involve unique challenges due to the vulnerability of motorcyclists on the road. Insurance companies may try to shift blame or downplay the severity of your injuries, leaving you without the compensation you deserve. Having a knowledgeable and dedicated Charlotte motorcycle accident lawyer by your side can make all the difference in securing a fair settlement.

At Shane Smith Law, we understand the devastating impact that a motorcycle accident can have on your life. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in North Carolina, you need an experienced attorney to help you navigate the legal process. Our team has extensive experience handling motorcycle accident cases and will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

Call (980) 246-2656 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation.

Motorcycling Experience in Charlotte

Charlotte and its surrounding areas boast picturesque landscapes and scenic routes that are perfect for motorcycle enthusiasts. From the winding roads of the Blue Ridge Parkway to the rolling hills of the Piedmont region, riders can enjoy diverse terrain and stunning views.

The city typically experiences a moderate climate with relatively mild winters and warm summers. This means that motorcycle riding can be enjoyed for much of the year, allowing riders to take advantage of the open road without extreme weather conditions hindering their experience.

The region around Charlotte offers a variety of terrain, including mountains, forests, and lakes. This diverse landscape provides motorcyclists with a range of riding experiences, from challenging mountain roads to leisurely cruises along scenic byways.

Charlotte has a vibrant motorcycle community with numerous clubs, events, and rallies throughout the year. Whether it's a local meet-up or a larger gathering like the Charlotte CBA Motorcycle Swap Meet, riders have plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow enthusiasts and share their passion for riding.

The city’s central location in the state makes it an ideal starting point for exploring other popular motorcycle destinations in North Carolina and beyond. Riders can easily access nearby attractions such as the Great Smoky Mountains, the Outer Banks, and the Blue Ridge Parkway, all of which offer fantastic riding opportunities.

The road infrastructure around Charlotte is generally well-maintained, with smooth pavement and well-marked routes. This ensures a safer and more enjoyable riding experience for motorcyclists, allowing them to focus on the thrill of the ride rather than worrying about road conditions.

Lastly, North Carolina has relatively lenient motorcycle laws compared to some other states, making it a welcoming environment for riders. For example, lane splitting is not explicitly prohibited by state law, allowing motorcyclists to navigate traffic more easily in certain situations.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Unfortunately, many motorcycle accidents are caused by other motor vehicles. These types of collisions can happen due to various factors, often resulting from a combination of human behavior, environmental conditions, and vehicle dynamics.

Some common causes of motorcycle accidents involving drivers of other vehicles include:

• Failure to See Motorcycles: Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars, trucks, and other larger vehicles. Sometimes, drivers fail to notice motorcycles in traffic or at intersections, leading to collisions.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers may change lanes without properly checking their blind spots, not realizing that a motorcycle is in their path. This can result in sideswipe accidents or the motorcycle being forced off the road.
• Left-Turn Collisions: Left-turn accidents occur when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Drivers may misjudge the speed of the motorcycle or fail to notice it altogether, resulting in a dangerous collision.
• Distracted Driving: Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or using in-car infotainment systems can divert a driver's attention away from the road and increase the likelihood of not noticing motorcycles.
• Following Too Closely: Tailgating or following motorcycles too closely reduces the driver's reaction time. If the motorcycle suddenly slows down or stops, the driver might not have enough time to avoid a collision.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver's judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents involving motorcycles.
• Failure to Yield the Right of Way: Drivers not yielding the right of way to motorcycles, especially at intersections, can lead to collisions. This might be due to a lack of awareness or disregard for the rules of the road.
• Speeding: Speeding reduces a driver's ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions. If a motorcycle appears unexpectedly, a speeding driver may not be able to avoid a collision.
• Driver Inexperience: Inexperienced drivers may struggle to anticipate the actions of motorcyclists or may make incorrect judgments about how motorcycles behave on the road.
• Aggressive Driving/Road Rage: Aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, cutting off other vehicles, and aggressive lane changes can lead to dangerous situations for motorcyclists.
• Failure to Signal: Not using turn signals or using them improperly can lead to confusion for other road users, including motorcyclists, resulting in accidents.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, and other adverse weather conditions can reduce visibility and traction for both drivers and motorcyclists, increasing the risk of accidents.

The Devastating Consequences of a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycles offer minimal protection to riders compared to enclosed vehicles. There are no seat belts, airbags, or metal frames to shield motorcyclists from the impact of a collision. In a crash, riders are directly exposed to the forces of impact, which can lead to catastrophic or fatal injuries.

Many motorcycle accident survivors face long-term disabilities that can impact their ability to work, engage in daily activities, and maintain their quality of life. At Shane Smith Law, our primary goal is to ensure you receive fair compensation for the damages you've suffered.

This may include:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for current and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and more.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to injuries sustained in the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish resulting from the accident.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for repair or replacement of your motorcycle and other property that was damaged in the accident.
• Wrongful Death: If you've lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, we can help you pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support,

Local Resources for Motorcycle Accidents in Charlotte

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Charlotte, knowing where to turn for help is crucial. Here is a list of local resources that can assist you in various aspects following the accident, from legal support to medical care.

Emergency Services

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD)

• Phone: 911 (for emergencies)
• Non-Emergency Phone: 311
• Address: 601 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202
• Website: CMPD

Medic – Mecklenburg EMS Agency

• Phone: 911 (for emergencies)
• Non-Emergency Phone: +1 (704) 943-6000
• Address: 4425 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208
• Website: Medic

Medical Facilities

Carolinas Medical Center

• Phone: +1 (704) 355-2000
• Address: 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
• Website: Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center

Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center

• Phone: +1 (704) 384-4000
• Address: 200 Hawthorne Ln, Charlotte, NC 28204
• Website: Novant Health

Legal Assistance

Brown Immigration Firm

• Phone: +1 (704) 944-3239
• Address: 1201 Greenwood Cliff, Charlotte, NC 28204
• Website: Brown Immigration Firm

Law Offices of Michael A. DeMayo, L.L.P.

• Phone: +1 (704) 333-1000
• Address: 1211 E Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 28204
• Website: DeMayo Law

Support Groups and Counseling

Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF)

• Phone: +1 (949) 727-3227
• Website: MSF

Crisis Assistance Ministry

• Phone: +1 (704) 371-3001
• Address: 500-A Spratt St, Charlotte, NC 28206
• Website: Crisis Assistance Ministry

Insurance Resources

North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI)

• Phone: +1 (855) 408-1212
• Address: 325 N Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27603
• Website: NCDOI

Local Insurance Agencies

• Charlotte Insurance

  • Phone: +1 (704) 552-5888
  • Address: 1021 Ardrey Kell Rd, Suite 202, Charlotte, NC 28277
  • Website: Charlotte Insurance

• Piedmont Insurance Associates

  • Phone: +1 (704) 334-2231
  • Address: 3440 Toringdon Way, Suite 205, Charlotte, NC 28277
  • Website: Piedmont Insurance

Additional Resources

North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)

• Phone: +1 (919) 715-7000
• Address: 1 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601
• Website: NCDOT

Governor's Highway Safety Program (GHSP)

• Phone: +1 (919) 733-3083
• Address: 1505 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699
• Website: GHSP

Ready to Help You Today

When you work with our Charlotte motorcycle accident attorney, you can be confident that we will do everything in our power to protect your rights. We will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and work with experts to build a solid case on your behalf. Our firm will also negotiate with insurance companies and fight for your rights in court if necessary.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Charlotte motorcycle accident lawyers to learn more about how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.