Motorcycle Accidents

Riding a motorcycle is a thrilling pastime and a popular way for North Carolina residents to get from place to place. There are many elevated dangers that motorcycle riders face, however, especially when nearby motorists are not driving with the appropriate level of care. Since motorcycle riders are exposed to the external elements, the injuries that they sustain in crashes can be catastrophic and even fatal. At the Olsinski Law Firm, our Concord and Charlotte motorcycle accident lawyers proudly represent victims and their families in all aspects of recovering the compensation that they deserve. This includes negotiating on your behalf with insurance companies in an effort to obtain a fair settlement or judgment. The expenses associated with a motorcycle accident can be financially devastating. You should not hesitate to speak to a legal professional about your potential right to recovery.

After suffering injuries in a motorcycle accident, it is critical for you to seek prompt medical attention to determine the nature and extent of your injuries. Having a clear record of the injuries that you sustained as a direct result of the accident, as well as the treatment that you required, will help you receive the full amount of compensation that you deserve. In some instances, the other party may be open to reaching a settlement agreement, which means that you do not need to go through a full trial to get compensation.

If you file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, it is crucial to have an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Charlotte or Concord on your side. There are many procedural steps in the litigation that you may need to complete before you reach an appropriate settlement or go to trial, such as the discovery phase. During this portion of the lawsuit, the parties will be able to request information from each other about each other’s background, the accident, their driving history, their medical history, and more. Our trial attorneys can guide you through each step of the discovery process and the rest of the litigation to ensure that your rights are protected and that you are poised to receive the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled.

During the course of the lawsuit, you will be required to prove that the defendant did not operate his or her vehicle with the appropriate level of care at the time of the crash and that this caused your injuries. In general, this standard requires all car and truck drivers on the road to use the same level of care and skill that a prudent and reasonable driver would use when facing a similar situation. Many motorists claim that they did not see a nearby motorcyclist before crashing into the bike, due to severe weather, road hazards, or other conditions. Many motorcycle accidents happen at intersections. If a motorist is not paying attention, he or she may fail to see a motorcyclist proceeding through the intersection as the motorist makes a left turn. Our Concord and Charlotte motorcycle accident attorneys can help you hold a driver accountable for this careless conduct.

Other defendants may argue that the motorcyclist also engaged in negligent conduct at the time of the crash, such as by speeding, failing to use a turn signal, or failing to yield the right of way. North Carolina is one of the few states that have adopted the pure contributory negligence doctrine, which holds that a plaintiff who is deemed partially responsible for a crash will be completely barred from recovering compensation. Even if the defendant shows that you were just one percent at fault, your right to recovery will be barred. If you are successful in establishing liability, however, you will be entitled to recover compensation for your past and future medical expenses, as well as your lost wages and reduced earning capacity if you suffered permanent injuries that prevent you from returning to your usual occupation.

Whether you suffered minor injuries or you are facing a lifetime of permanent disabilities, you deserve experienced and compassionate legal counsel. At the Olsinski Law Firm, we pride ourselves on treating each client with the attention and diligent care that he or she deserves. While your family and you are coping with the stress and inconvenience of the accident, we can fight for your legal right to compensation from the negligent driver of the car or truck that hit you. We serve people throughout Mecklenburg and Cabarrus Counties, including in Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill, Cornelius, Davidson, Pineville, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, Midland, and Mount Pleasant. Call us at either of our office locations to set up your free consultation*: in Charlotte at 704-405-2580 or in Concord at 704-918-4747.