Durham Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Durham Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

For those who ride, there is nothing like the freedom of the open road. There are few states with the beauty and variety of riding environments of North Carolina. From winding mountain roads to wide-open coastal highways, it is hard to think of a better way to enjoy our state than from the saddle of your bike.

Unfortunately, motorcycle riders are too often the victims of accidents resulting from the negligence of cars, trucks, and other riders. Motorcyclists face high risks on the road. The lack of protection from other vehicles makes severe motorcycle accidents a constant danger. When accidents do occur, riders are not protected by crumple zones or airbags. This creates a serious risk for bikers to sustain severe injuries even when proper protective gear is worn. Riders are more than 25 times more likely than passengers in cars or trucks to be killed if they are involved in a crash.

Since 1993, our trusted team at Edwards Kirby has served those involved in these personal injury cases, recovering over $500 million for our clients. Our record-setting verdicts and settlements combined with the care and compassion we show our clients are why we’re considered one of the top North Carolina motorcycle accident attorney firms.

If you have been involved in a Durham motorcycle accident, contact us today for a free consultation.

Looked But Didn’t See LBDS

Unfortunately, even when riders do everything in their power to be safe, accidents can still occur. In most accidents involving a motorcyclist and another vehicle, the accident is caused by the driver of the other vehicle entering the motorcyclist’s right of way. One of the most common causes that police record for motorcycle accidents is “LBDS” – looked but didn’t see. Car and truck drivers involved in accidents with riders often state that they looked for other vehicles before they entered the rider’s right-of-way but didn’t see the rider.

What Should You Do When a Motorcycle Accident Happens?

At the Scene: Your safety is the priority.

• If you are able to do so, move yourself out of traffic.
• Call 911 if possible to alert law enforcement and first responders.
• Keep your safety gear on including your helmet.
• Collect information about the other vehicles involved including pictures and insurance information.
• Collect information from bystanders and witnesses if possible.
• Note any strange behavior from other drivers.

*Having an In Case of Emergency contact saved in your phone can allow responders to identify you and contact loved ones should you lose consciousness because of the accident.

After the Accident: Seek medical assistance and document your injuries and any treatment you receive.

If you are able, you should also obtain a police accident report. Once you are safe and have received any emergency treatment you may need, contact an Edwards Kirby motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. During this time, you will likely be contacted by an insurance claims adjuster. Do not speak to this person without first consulting an Edwards Kirby motorcycle attorney about your case. Any admission of fault or negligence by you could put your claim and recovery in jeopardy.

Even when riders do everything in their power to be safe, accidents still happen. When an accident occurs, riders should focus first on their health and recovery. An Edwards Kirby motorcycle accident attorney can help you by investigating your accident, finding and maintaining evidence, determining fault and ensuring that insurance companies play fair.

Do I Have a Claim to Pursue?

When a preventable accident occurs, victims and their families are entitled to financial compensation for the damage and losses that result. Our Durham motorcycle accident attorneys evaluate cases carefully to determine whether the accident was preventable and who is at fault. When you are the victim of another party’s wrongdoing, we work to get you the recovery that you deserve, fighting against insurance carriers who often try to undermine those who are injured.

To win a lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove the following:

• That the defendant owed them a legal duty (responsible driving, proper road maintenance, safety in manufacturing, etc.)
• That the defendant was negligent in this duty
• That the defendant’s negligence directly caused your injury
• That you have suffered damage and loss as a result of the accident

Proving Fault & Negligence

A primary aspect of our role is to determine the cause of your motorcycle accident. Though every case is different, there are common causes of motorcycle accidents that result in proving negligence and determining fault, including:

• Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs
• Driving while distracted
• Speeding
• Running red lights
• Changing lanes recklessly
• Securing cargo improperly
• Overloading large trucks
• Manufacturing defective auto parts
• Failing to properly maintain roadways

What is my Claim Worth?

Determining damages in a motorcycle accident lawsuit is a complicated process and will be different in every Durham motorcycle accident case. Our attorneys can work with you to determine the value of your claim. Factors that go into this determination include details of the accident, insurance policies of the parties involved, liability analysis, property damage, medical expenses, lost wages from missed work, pain and suffering and whether there are permanent injuries.

Getting Compensation For Injured Motorcyclists

Easing the Burden for Victims and Their Families

Motorcyclists often face life-changing injuries when involved in an accident. Many motorcycle accidents result in severe trauma, including:

• Brain injuries
• Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries
• Permanent disability or paralysis
• Disfigurement
• Loss of limbs
• Severe burns

These injuries require significant and often ongoing medical care, and recovery is long and painful. It’s not uncommon for injuries of this kind to require life-long medical needs. Because of that, we at Edwards Kirby fight to get victims the compensation required to ease financial burdens and help improve their quality of life. We not only work to prove a defendant’s fault and liability, but also consult with medical experts to determine the nature and extent of damage caused to our clients, whether it be past, present, or future.

Recoverable damages in the case of motorcycle accidents may include:

• Medical bills
• Expenses for medications and medical devices
• Expenses for continuing care
• Past and future income loss due to injury
• Physical and emotional suffering
• Other economic or non-economic damages

Contact Edwards Kirby’s Durham Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Edwards Kirby’s motorcycle accident attorneys have a proven track record of success throughout North Carolina and have achieved record-setting verdicts and settlements in the state. If you or a loved one have suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident as a result of another’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation for injuries suffered, medical expenses incurred as a result of the injury, lost wages from missed work, and pain and suffering. If you have suffered an injury because of the negligence of another, Edwards Kirby has experienced motorcycle accident attorneys who can help you navigate the complexities of your lawsuit. Remember, you don’t pay us unless we recover.